Cervical cancer stage 3 indicates that the cancer has advanced beyond the parameters for stage II or has caused changes in the kidney. The cancer cells, now a solid mass called a tumor, have spread to the pelvic regions, many times blocking the flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Following a staging evaluation, a cervical cancer stage 3 is said to exist if the cancer has extended beyond the cervix to the lower portion of the vagina (stage 3A), has extended to one or both sides of the pelvis (stage 3B), or causes a blockage of drainage from the kidneys (stage 3B).

Patients with cervical cancer stage 3 are generally treated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy, its best managed by a combination of both. A variety of factors ultimately influence a patient’s decision to receive treatment of cancer. The purpose of receiving cancer treatment may be to improve symptoms through local control of the cancer, increase a patient’s chance of cure, or prolong a patient’s survival. The potential benefits of receiving cancer treatment must be carefully balanced with the potential risks of receiving cancer treatment.

Radiation therapy is treatment with high energy x-rays that have the ability to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be administered by a machine that aims x-rays at the body (external beam radiation) or by placing small capsules of radioactive material directly into or near the cervix (internal or implant radiation). Most patients will receive both kinds of radiation therapy during their course of treatment. External beam radiation therapy for cervical cancer is administered on an outpatient basis for approximately 4 to 6 weeks. Most new treatments are developed in clinical trials. Clinical trials are studies that evaluate the effectiveness of new drugs or treatment strategies. The development of more effective cancer treatments requires that new and innovative therapies be evaluated with cancer patients. Participation in a clinical trial may offer access to better treatments and advance the survival rate. Patients who are interested in participating in a clinical trial should discuss the risks and benefits of clinical trials with their physician. To ensure that you are receiving the optimal treatment of your cancer, it is important to stay informed and follow the cancer news in order to learn about new treatments and the results of clinical trials. As the stage number increases, the survival rate decreases. At cervical cancer stage 3, the survival rates drop to about 50%.

Cervical Cancer Stage 3 Symptoms