Cervical Cancer Stages: From 1 to 4 and Their Treatments

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina. The disease generally develops slowly, starting with abnormal changes in cervical cells that may eventually develop into cancer. If these changes are not detected and treated, cancer cells can grow deeper into the surrounding tissues and eventually spread to other parts of the body.

The extent of cancer spread determines its stage. Cervical cancer is classified into stages 1 through 4 based on the location of the cancer and how far it has spread.

Contents

Understanding Cervical Cancer Stages: From 1 to 4

Cancer staging describes how far the cancer has developed and spread from its original location to other parts of the body. Understanding the stage of cervical cancer is important because it helps doctors determine the most appropriate treatment for each patient’s condition.

1. Stage 1

In stage 1, cancer is found only in the cervix and has not spread to surrounding tissues. This stage is divided into stages IA and IB based on tumor size and how deeply cancer cells have invaded the cervical tissue.

Stage IA1: Cancer cells can only be seen under a microscope and have invaded the cervical tissue to a depth of no more than 3 mm.
Stage IA2: Cancer cells can only be seen under a microscope and have invaded the cervical tissue to a depth of more than 3 mm but no more than 5 mm.
Stage IB1: The tumor measures up to 2 cm and has invaded the cervical tissue to a depth greater than 5 mm.
Stage IB2: The tumor measures more than 2 cm but no more than 4 cm.
Stage IB3: The tumor measures more than 4 cm.

2. Stage 2

In stage 2, cancer has spread from the cervix to the upper two-thirds of the vagina or the tissue surrounding the uterus, but it has not reached the pelvic wall or the lower third of the vagina.

This stage is divided into several substages based on the location of the spread and the size of the tumor.

Stage IIA1: Cancer has spread to the upper two-thirds of the vagina but has not reached the tissue surrounding the uterus. The tumor measures no more than 4 cm.
Stage IIA2: Cancer has spread to the upper two-thirds of the vagina but has not reached the tissue surrounding the uterus. The tumor measures more than 4 cm.
Stage IIB: Cancer has spread to the tissue surrounding the uterus but has not reached the pelvic wall.

3. Stage 3

In stage 3, cervical cancer has spread further, reaching the lower third of the vagina or the pelvic wall. Cancer may also cause kidney problems or spread to the lymph nodes.

This stage is divided into three substages:

Stage IIIA: Cancer has spread to the lower third of the vagina but has not reached the pelvic wall.
Stage IIIB: Cancer has spread to the pelvic wall and/or blocked one or both ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. This blockage can cause the kidneys to become enlarged or stop functioning properly.
Stage IIIC: Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Stage IIIC1 indicates spread to the pelvic lymph nodes, while stage IIIC2 indicates spread to the para-aortic lymph nodes, located near the major blood vessels close to the kidneys.

4. Stage 4

Stage 4 cervical cancer means the cancer has spread beyond the pelvis, reached the inner lining of the bladder or rectum (the final part of the large intestine), or spread to more distant organs. This stage is divided into two substages.

Stage IVA: Cancer has spread to nearby pelvic organs, such as the bladder or rectum.
Stage IVB: Cancer has spread to more distant parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, bones, or lymph nodes far from the original tumor.

Stage 4 is also known as metastatic cancer. This occurs when cancer cells spread through the lymphatic system or bloodstream and form tumors in other organs. Even when cancer is found in a different organ, the cancer cells still originate from the cervix. For example, if cervical cancer spreads to the lungs, the cancer cells in the lungs are still cervical cancer cells, not lung cancer.

How Is Cervical Cancer Treated?

Cervical cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age, overall health, and whether the patient wishes to have children in the future.

The following are some treatment options for cervical cancer:

Surgery: For very small cervical cancers, doctors may remove only the tissue containing cancer cells. Depending on the patient’s condition, surgery may involve removing the cervix (trachelectomy), removing the uterus and cervix (hysterectomy), or removing other pelvic organs through a procedure called pelvic exenteration.
Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally through external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or internally by placing a radiation source inside or near the cancerous area through brachytherapy.
Chemotherapy: This treatment uses medications that travel through the bloodstream to destroy cancer cells throughout the body.
Targeted therapy: This treatment uses medications that target specific characteristics of cancer cells to inhibit their growth or destroy them, with the aim of minimizing damage to healthy cells.
Immunotherapy: This treatment helps the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells.
Clinical trials: Patients may participate in medical research studies evaluating the safety and effectiveness of new cervical cancer treatments.
Palliative care: This care focuses on relieving symptoms, reducing discomfort, and providing support to improve patients’ quality of life during treatment.

Can Cervical Cancer Be Cured?

Yes, cervical cancer can be cured, particularly when it is detected at an early stage. Doctors may also use the term remission to describe a condition in which signs of cancer have disappeared or can no longer be detected through examinations. However, cervical cancer can still recur, so patients need to undergo regular follow-up examinations and monitoring as recommended by their doctors.

Cervical Cancer Treatment at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri

Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides comprehensive cervical cancer care, from early detection and diagnostic examinations to treatment based on the cancer stage and the patient’s condition. Care is supported by a multidisciplinary team of specialists and modern diagnostic facilities to help assess the cancer and determine an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment options for cervical cancer at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other treatments as medically indicated. Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s examination results, cancer stage, overall health, and individual needs. Through integrated care services, patients can receive medical support from diagnosis and treatment through to follow-up monitoring.

Facilities for Out-of-Town and International Patients at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri

Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides various support services to offer additional comfort and convenience for patients traveling from other cities or overseas.

VIP Transportation: Pickup services from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, train stations, or seaports to the hospital in comfortable vehicles, accompanied by a Patient Experience Officer (PEO).
Medical Ambulance Pickup: Specialized transportation for patients with specific medical needs, with pickup from arrival points such as airports, train stations, or seaports. The service includes medical equipment and professional healthcare personnel.
Accommodation (Sleep Hub and Apartments): Comfortable accommodation for family members accompanying patients. The Sleep Hub is located on the 8th floor of the Mandaya Royal Puri building, with nearby apartments also available.
International Patient Relations: Dedicated assistance for international patients, including medical coordination, interpreter services, and administrative support. For information and assistance, contact International Patient Relations at 021 5092 8888 or email [email protected].

To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri easier, use the WhatsApp chat feature, book an appointment, or download the Care Dokter app from Google Play or the App Store to manage visits, check queue numbers, and access other useful information.

The information on this page is intended for educational purposes and provides a general overview. It may not cover every type of medical service that each doctor can provide. To determine the most appropriate treatment for your health condition, we recommend consulting the relevant doctor directly.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or need further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.

References

National Cancer Institute. Cervical Cancer. (https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical). Accessed October 19, 2026.
National Cancer Institute. Cervical Cancer Stages. (https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/stages). Accessed October 19, 2026.
Cleveland Clinic. Cervical Cancer. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12216-cervical-cancer). Accessed October 19, 2026.