Stage 2 cervical cancer and symptoms. Features of the course of cervical cancer of the second stage. Characteristic signs of this stage

Cervical cancer has become a serious problem among women in industrialized countries. According to statistics, among female oncology, this form of cancer ranks second after the defeat of the breast. Pathology is diagnosed in every eighth woman per hundred thousand of the population. More than a third of patients die after the detection of the disease. The cause of death in most cases is the diagnosis of oncology at a late stage.

There are different types of cancer classifications, including those of the female genital organs. The most common is the TNM system, it is generally accepted in many countries and allows you to accurately assess the degree of neglect of the process. has four degrees of distribution of the process according to the TNM system, but each of them has an additional gradation.

Diseases of the female genital organs

The degrees are marked as follows:

• T0 - has no gradation and indicates the absence of a tumor;
• T1 - has a gradation of T1a and T1b;
• T2 - accordingly, the gradation of T2a and T2b is also observed;
• T3 - T3a and T3b;
• T4 - has no gradation.

Second stage

It is known that the earlier a tumor is detected, the more likely it is to be cured. The best prognosis is, of course, the first degree of pathology. Stage 2 cervical cancer, the prognosis is also relatively positive. In 75% of cases, patients survive the five-year milestone, but only on condition of timely and prompt treatment.

Stage 2 cervical cancer

T2 stands for the following:

the neoplasm extends beyond the cervix, but does not affect the pelvic wall and the lower third of the vagina;

Regarding gradation, T2a differs from T2b in that in the first case, the parametria fiber is not damaged.

As a rule, the symptoms in the second degree of the disease are not pronounced. They appear blurred and are often not perceived by a woman as a wake-up call.

Of the specific manifestations, the following can be observed:

1. slight bleeding between the menstrual cycle;
2. contact bleeding, for example, at the time of injury to the tumor during sexual intercourse;
3. violation of the menstrual cycle.

Of the nonspecific signs that are characteristic of any localization of the tumor at this stage, they note:

1. the onset of weakness;
2. dizziness, weakening of the ability to work;
3. decreased appetite;
4. weight loss;
5. a slight increase in temperature is possible, indicating the presence of an inflammatory process;
6. anemia based on blood test results.

Symptoms in the later stages of the disease

The clinical picture in this period may look like this:

• the situation with bloody discharge is aggravated, they can have the character of bleeding;
• pains occur in the lower abdomen in the region of the sacrum and lower back, the reason for this is the involvement of the sciatic nerve;
• violation of the outflow of urine can occur as a result of squeezing the tumor of the urinary tract and. There may be an admixture of blood in the urine, and the process itself can be painful;
• purulent vaginal discharge with a characteristic fetid odor, a sign appears when the tumor begins to disintegrate;
• a significant increase in temperature to 39 and above degrees - the progress of intoxication;
• soreness during intercourse;
• violation of the stool when the tumor grows into the intestinal wall;
• when the lymph nodes are squeezed, swelling of the lower extremities occurs.

Treatment for the second stage of the disease

With regard to therapy, it also depends on the degree of progress of the pathology. So, for example, for the second (T2a) stage, surgery is most often used, possibly with additional radiation. If the stage is T2b or higher, in this case, a different approach to treatment is required and radiation in combination with chemotherapy becomes the main method.

Stage 2 cervical cancer, treatment with surgery was first performed back in 1902, by the Austrian doctor E. Wertheim. Since that time, the operation has been significantly transformed, but the original specifics have remained the same.

So today there are 5 types of operations for the treatment of cervical cancer:

• the first type is extrafascial extirpation of the uterus;
• the second type is a modified radical extirpation of the uterus;
• the third type is radical extirpation of the uterus;
• the fourth type is extended radical extirpation of the uterus.

During the operation, a number of characteristic complications may arise, such as:

• bleeding;
• the occurrence of fistulas;
• pulmonary embolism;
• intestinal adhesive disease.

Along with the development of surgery, radiation therapy is actively used, both in combination with surgery, and separately. Today it is customary to combine intracavitary and external beam therapy. Contact irradiation is carried out using special radioactive elements such as cesium, iridium, cobalt, etc. There are a number of complications after radiation exposure: cystitis, rectitis, enterocolitis.

In the event of a relapse of the disease after surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are also prescribed, such as:

• Rinotecan;

Stage 2 cervical cancer, how long do they live? this question cannot have an unambiguous answer, since some patients achieve complete recovery and continue to lead an almost ordinary life, while others, unfortunately, do not live even a year. It all depends on the correctness and speed of the decision made regarding treatment measures, as well as the individual characteristics of the woman's body, her age and the presence of concomitant diseases. According to data from various sources, it is possible to survive the five-year milestone from 45 to 75% of patients. The third and fourth stages have an even worse prognosis.

Content

It is known that cancer of any localization significantly affects the life expectancy of patients, which is largely due to the stage at which the tumor was diagnosed. In particular, cervical cancer, if untreated, can shorten a woman's life expectancy significantly.

In recent years, the growth of malignant tumors has been observed. In women, cervical cancer is in second place in terms of prevalence, second only to a malignant tumor of the breast. It is extremely important to detect and start treating a tumor when the malignant process is in its initial stages, for example, 1A - 2B.

A feature of cancer is its asymptomatic course to advanced stages. This is due to the fact that with the development of oncology, malignant changes occur at the cellular level. The progression of the tumor and its growth begin to affect the surrounding organs and tissues, disrupt their functioning. This is manifested by a certain clinical picture.

Etiology and pathogenesis

Cervical cancer implies the formation and further development of a malignant tumor. A cancerous tumor can be localized:

• in the vaginal part of the cervix;
• in the area of ​​the cervical canal.

The appearance of cancer is directly related to the anatomical structure of the cervix. It is noteworthy that the cervix is ​​not an independently functioning organ. This is the structural part of the uterus, its lower section, which performs a number of necessary functions:

• protection of the uterine cavity from infection;
• participation in conception and delivery.

The cervix is ​​the subject of examination during a pelvic examination. In fact, by means of a mirror, the gynecologist can assess the state of the epithelium only in the area that is adjacent to the vagina. The supravaginal region, which occupies a significant part of the cervix, is not detected during visual examination.

The vaginal part of the cervix looks like a pale pink mucous membrane with a smooth surface. The epithelium is represented by flat, multilayered cells, which are arranged in several rows.

1. Basal layer. Immature cells are round and include one large nucleus.
2. Intermediate layer. Ripening cells appear flattened. The nucleus also undergoes shrinkage.
3. Surface layer. Ripe cells are considered old. When they slough off, the epithelium is able to renew itself.

The basal layer is bordered by the stroma. This term refers to muscles, nerves and blood vessels.

It is known that a cancerous neoplasm of the cervix is ​​often formed from squamous stratified epithelium. The cell undergoes a number of changes that imply dysplastic and malignant processes:

• increased cell division of the epithelial area in response to a damaging factor;
• the occurrence of dysplasia, that is, changes in the cellular structure;
• the appearance of malignant changes in cells, which is called the pre-invasive stage of cancer;
• germination of cancerous elements into the stroma, implying the development of a microinvasive stage;
• lesion of the epithelium by more than 3 mm, indicating the appearance of the second stage, that is, invasive cancer.

The duration of pathological changes is several years. Initially, cellular elements undergo modification:

• the rounded shape is lost, the cells become shapeless;
• the number of cores increases;
• division of the epithelium into layers disappears.

Thus, altered atypical cells cannot function adequately. Dysplasia has several degrees of severity, which reflect the severity of its course. The duration of each degree varies up to several years.

1. The onset of mild dysplastic changes. The lesion is observed in a third of the thickness of the epithelium. Usually the body copes with these disorders on its own. However, in the presence of a complex of unfavorable factors, the degree of CIN I progresses. The duration of the progression of changes to the onset of cancer is five years.
2. The changes are moderate. Two thirds of the cervical epithelium are involved in the pathological process. The duration of progression from grade II dysplasia, termed CIN II, to invasive cancer is about three years.
3. Dysplasia is characterized by a severe course. The entire squamous stratified epithelium is involved in the precancerous process. In fact, CIN III is a pre-invasive cancer that lasts up to a year.

Dysplasia of the third degree and preinvasive cancer, referred to as cancer in situ, are grouped into one group in the classifications. This is due to the same approach to treatment and certain difficulties in differentiating these pathologies.

In some cases, cervical cancer grows from the glands in the cervical canal, which is called adenocarcinoma. The cervical canal is located inside the uterus and has a velvety reddish surface. The epithelium consists of cylindrical monolayer cells. In the cervical canal, there is an active production of protective mucus by special glands.

Cervical cancer in 90% of cases is located in the transformation zone. This is the transition area where two different types of epithelium meet. The transformation zone is localized deep in the external os, which is formed by the lower edge of the cervical canal.

Classification

Cervical cancer is classified by specialists depending on the identified stage, localization, and the degree of cell differentiation. These factors significantly affect life expectancy and the choice of treatment tactics.

The stages of cervical cancer include four stages of the progression of the malignant process.

1. Involvement of the cervix exclusively. Stage A1 - invasion up to 0.3 cm. Stage A2 - invasion up to 0.5 mm. Stage B - the depth of the lesion is over 0.5 cm, in particular, B1 - up to 4 cm, B2 - over 4 cm.
2. Damage to the uterine body. Stage A - without involvement of peri-uterine tissue. Stage B - involvement of parametria.
3. Cancer spread to the lower third of the vagina, kidney, and pelvic wall. Stage A - only part of the vagina is affected. Stage B - involvement of the pelvic wall and kidneys, the appearance of hydronephrosis.
4. Damage to neighboring and distant organs. Stage A - involvement of the bladder, intestines. Stage B - the formation of distant metastases.

Often, cervical cancer is detected in stage 2. This is due to the peculiarities of the appearance of the clinical picture. Invasive stage 2 cervical cancer is considered to be relatively favorable in terms of life prognosis if treated promptly.

On average, the duration of each stage is about two years.

Depending on the localization, there are:

• squamous cell cancer;
• adenocarcinoma or glandular type of carcinoma.

In gynecological practice, the ratio of these pathologies is unequal. According to statistics, adenocarcinoma occurs in only 10% of cases.

The direction of growth of the neoplasm can be:

• endophytic;
• exophytic;
• mixed.

The life expectancy and the nature of the prognosis are influenced by the degree of differentiation of cellular elements:

• highly differentiated;
• moderately differentiated;
• poorly differentiated.

Moderately differentiated cancer is considered the most common tumor. The effectiveness of treatment and a favorable prognosis for life expectancy are noted at the first or second degree. Highly differentiated cancer is characterized by slow growth, rare metastasis and non-aggressiveness. Life expectancy is generally favorable. The most dangerous are poorly differentiated formations that grow rapidly and form metastases at stages 1-2.

Causes

Experts have developed several basic theories of the occurrence of cervical cancer. Various provoking factors that can trigger precancerous and malignant processes are considered as the reasons.

As a result of numerous studies and observations, it was found that human papillomavirus is detected in 95% of smears. Today, infection with some HPV strains is considered as a cause of cervical cancer and a corresponding decrease in the life expectancy of women.

HPV has more than a hundred subspecies. Their effect on the body is ambiguous. For example, some strains cause warts, papillomas and genital warts. While other strains provoke malignant processes. Such subspecies have a high degree of oncogenicity.

For the development of invasive stage 2 cervical cancer strains 16 and 18 are responsible.

However, it cannot be said that a woman with HPV highly oncogenic strains will necessarily develop cervical cancer. In 90% of cases, the virus is independently eliminated from the body by the immune system. If the virus has been in the body for a long time, and there are also immune disorders and the effect of provoking factors, the appearance of oncology is possible.

There are the following factors provoking the appearance of oncology:

• heredity;
• poor environmental situation;
• smoking;
• precancerous and background pathologies of the cervix;
• chronic inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs;
• a combination of genital infections;
• carcinogenic effect of smegma on the epithelium of the cervix, provided there is insufficient hygiene by the sexual partner;
• immune imbalance.

A combination of unfavorable factors is especially undesirable. After the treatment has been carried out, the elimination of provoking factors prevents the occurrence of relapses.

Clinical presentation and diagnosis

Symptoms often occur in the second or third stage of the oncological process. Signs of cervical cancer are both general and specific. Symptoms that occur in the second stage of cervical cancer include:

• pathological discharge when an infection is attached;
• profuse leucorrhoea due to damage to the lymphatic capillaries;
• acyclic bloody discharge;
• bleeding;
• discharge like meat slops with a putrid odor during the decomposition of the tumor;
• pain syndrome, which is localized in the lower back, sacrum, lower abdomen;
• soreness during sexual intercourse;
• contact discharge due to increased susceptibility of the affected tissue;
• symptoms of compression of internal organs located in the small pelvis, for example, frequent painful urination, constipation, blood in feces and urine;
• hydronephrosis;
• deterioration in general health, including weakness, low-grade fever, dizziness;
• loss of appetite;
• weight loss;
• anemia.

Usually, the appearance of a clinical picture indicates that the malignant process is at stages 2-4 and the prognosis of life expectancy may be unfavorable. In the early stages, there are no signs of the oncological process.

Timeliness is important in detecting cervical cancer. The earlier the disease is diagnosed and treatment is started, the more favorable is the prognosis of life expectancy.

When diagnosing cervical cancer, the following research methods are used.

1. Evaluation of complaints and anamnesis of the patient allows the doctor to suspect a dangerous disease. The hereditary factor is essential.
2. Gynecological examination is valuable for detecting advanced cervical cancer when it becomes possible to visualize abnormalities such as discharge, elevations, and color irregularities.
3. Colposcopy, which is performed in simple and extended versions, is the examination of the cervix under a microscope. When visualizing characteristic changes, an acetic acid solution is applied to the epithelium. If whitish areas appear, this indicates an HPV lesion. Areas not stained brown after applying Lugol are a sign of atypia.
4. Cytological examination involves performing a smear for oncocytology. The doctor collects material from different areas of the mucous membrane with a special cytobrush. The material is applied to a glass slide. In the laboratory, the sample is stained and examined under a microscope for atypia and inflammation.
5. Ultrasound of the pelvic organs allows you to visualize neoplasms and assess the functioning and condition of the organs of the reproductive system.
6. Curettage of the cervical canal is performed if glandular cancer is suspected.

In addition, methods for diagnosing metastases and damage to other organs are widely used:

• hysteroscopy;
• X-rays of light;
• cystoscopy;
• rectoscopy;
• urography.

Some specialists order a blood test to determine the level of tumor marker. This analysis helps to assess the effectiveness of the therapy. Its use is inappropriate as a method of primary diagnosis.

Treatment tactics in the second stage

Stage 2 cervical cancer is an invasive tumor. Treatment and prognosis of life expectancy depends on the nature of the spread of the pathology.

If cervical cancer is diagnosed in stage 2A, the following treatments are recommended:

• extirpation of the uterus, including the removal of regional lymph nodes, appendages;
• intensive radiation therapy.

These techniques can be used both in combination and independently. In particular, for tumors up to 6 cm, either surgery or radiation is used. The effectiveness of therapy reaches 90%. Accordingly, the forecast for life expectancy is favorable. If the tumor is more than 6 cm in size, surgical treatment is recommended.

At stage 2B, surgical treatment is ineffective. However, the correct stage is often set after extirpation. In such cases, after removal of the uterus, appendages and lymph nodes, intensive radiation therapy is performed.

It is possible to prescribe remote irradiation and brachytherapy, which implies the direct introduction of a radiation source into the cervical tissue. Then the uterus, lymph nodes and appendages are amputated and chemotherapy is prescribed. After surgery, radiation therapy is usually resumed. To ensure that the ovaries are not exposed to harmful effects, their transposition is possible.

Life expectancy for stage 2 cervical cancer in 60% of cases it is more than 5 years.

Uterine cancer of the 2nd degree is a serious oncological disease, which at this stage is difficult to recognize due to the weak manifestation of symptoms. Therefore, many women are unaware of the presence of cancer. But in some cases, the pathology develops rapidly, causing health complications. Usually, oncological pathology develops against the background of chronic diseases of the genitourinary system already existing in a woman in the form of benign tumors and cysts.

Description of the problem: how many live with cancer

Uterine cancer of the 2nd degree is a pathology in which the neoplasm extends beyond the cervix, but did not have time to spread to the lower part of the vagina and the pelvic wall. A cancerous tumor at this stage of development increases in size, it becomes large, so it can be detected during a gynecological examination, although it does not show pronounced signs.

The oncological process with uterine carcinoma can be of the following varieties:

1. Vaginal cancer, in which a tumor invades the upper part of the vagina.
2. Parametric cancer, characterized by damage to the pelvic tissue on both sides.
3. Damage to the body of the uterus.

The second stage of cervical cancer (CC) has two degrees of malignancy:

1. Grade A is characterized by the location of the tumor in a certain place, when it does not go beyond the structure. Metastasis does not spread.
2. Grade B is caused by damage to the space around the uterus and connective tissue, which is located on the sides of the organ, as well as the absence of metastases.

Life expectancy at this stage of the disease in 75% of cases is more than five years.

Cancer causes

The reasons for the development of cancerous neoplasms are not fully understood in oncology. There is an opinion that certain negative factors can provoke its development:

• HPV or human papillomavirus, which is present in a woman's body;
• disorders of the immune system;
• the presence of bad habits;
• frequent change of sexual partners;
• early or late pregnancy and childbirth;
• having an STD or HIV infection;
• numerous abortions;
• genetic predisposition;
• early sexual activity;
• the use of hormonal drugs for a long period of time;
• diseases of the genitourinary system: erosion, warts, leukoplakia, benign tumors, lipoma, fibroma;
• diabetes and obesity;
• infertility and menstrual irregularities

Note! Obesity is one of the most dangerous risk factors. The risk of developing cancer increases in those women who are overweight, while the prognosis of the disease in this case will be negative.

Symptoms of uterine cancer

Stage 2 cervical cancer can show the following symptoms:

• weakness and fatigue;
• loss of appetite and weight loss;
• dizziness, slight increase in body temperature;
• bloody vaginal discharge, menstrual irregularities;
• a feeling of pressure in the pelvic area;
• swelling of the limbs.

Note! The main sign of the development of pathology can be spotting during the break between menstruation, during menopause, weight loss and weakness.

The appearance of blood in the discharge is associated with damage by the growing tumor of the blood vessels and tissues located near the uterus. Cancer in the second stage provokes a violation of the woman's reproductive function; metastases in this case do not develop in the lymph nodes and internal organs, for example, the lungs and pleura.

Cancer diagnostics in oncology

The diagnosis of the disease is carried out using various techniques. First, in the department of gynecology, a woman is examined, during which the doctor can detect a neoplasm. Then he sends for tests. One of the main studies in this pathology is the papilloma virus test by PCR. Also, a woman takes a blood test for tumor markers. A mandatory diagnostic method is a biopsy. It is not carried out only during pregnancy, blood clotting disorders, infections of the genitals and during menstruation. The study is appointed seven days after the onset of menstruation, then the material taken is sent for histological examination.

Note! The results of a blood test for tumor markers are taken into account after studying the material taken during a biopsy, which makes it possible to speak with confidence about the oncological process in the cervix.

Additional diagnostic methods are colposcopy, ultrasound, curettage of the cervical canal, MRI, X-ray and scintigraphy, CT.

Treatment methods

Depending on the substage and the symptoms shown, treatment can be different. At grade A, therapy will depend on the size of the lesion. Most often, doctors resort to radiation therapy in combination with brachytherapy - the introduction of a source of investment into the vagina. This technique is used in the presence of a cancerous tumor larger than four centimeters. Along with this, the doctor prescribes a course of chemotherapy. After pretreatment, surgery may be used, although many oncologists claim that surgery is not required at this stage. But often the removal of the uterus with appendages and lymph nodes that are located nearby is carried out. The removed tissue is sent for examination, if cancer cells are found, radiation and chemotherapy are prescribed. The female survival rate in this case is high (75%).

In some cases, a woman after surgery may experience complications in the form of fistula formation, intestinal adhesions, bleeding and pulmonary embolism.

With degree B, the operation is not performed, radiation and chemotherapy are used as treatment. It is not possible to remove the tumor due to its growth in the tissue that is located next to the uterus. Despite this, the prognosis of uterine cancer of the second stage has good prognosis.

Note! After the end of stage B cancer treatment, the doctor monitors the patient. If the pathology does not give a relapse, he performs the Werthemer operation.

ethnoscience

Today it is not possible to cure uterine cancer with traditional medicine. But they are often used in combination with the main therapy to increase its effectiveness. Often, women use infusions of barberry and. To prepare barberry tincture, take the leaves of the plant and pour it with alcohol in a ratio of 1: 5. The mixture is sent to a dark place for one week. The ready-made infusion is consumed twenty-five drops before meals three times a day. Hemlock tincture is drunk in drops, as the plant contains poisons. Treatment is started one drop three times a day, increasing the dosage every day until it reaches forty drops. After that, the amount of medicine is reduced in the same order. At the same time, food should be healthy.

Note! Hemlock is a poisonous plant, so they use it with caution, constantly monitoring their health. In the event of negative reactions, the drug is discontinued.

Forecast and prevention

Since the disease in the second stage does not metastasize, the prognosis will be favorable. You can live after the treatment of pathology for more than five years. But if a woman has had uterine sarcoma, life expectancy is halved. In the case when no treatment is carried out, the cancer goes to the third, and then the fourth stage, which can be fatal. In the second stage B, women in 60% of cases live for more than five years.

In oncology of the cervix of the uterus in women, cancer of the 2nd degree of the cervix is ​​of particular importance. It is this degree (stage) that is characterized by the onset of symptoms, since the first stage is almost always asymptomatic.

Because there are no nerve endings on the cervix, it remains insensitive to pain and the onset of a malignant process remains unnoticed by a woman. Therefore, in the first stage of cancer, there are practically no symptoms and the first "bells" about malfunctions in the female genital area appear later, as the disease progresses.

Such an insidious feature of cervical cancer is dangerous because every day a woman with oncology has less chance of a timely cure.

Stage 2 cervical cancer is a tumor growth of more than 5 cm in diameter, which has grown into the walls of the uterus, but does not go beyond it, not affecting the walls of the pelvis and tissues of neighboring organs.

The neoplasm is invasive, i.e. able to grow into surrounding tissues and organs, or non-invasive.

One or several nearby lymph nodes may be involved in the tumor process. In them, cancer cells enter from the pathological focus through the lymph, or germinate from the affected uterus.

Cancer of the 2nd degree of the cervix can take place in several stages:

• 2a - the tumor grows downwards, towards the vagina;
• 2c and 2b - the tumor is progressing, cancer cells grow outside the cervix.

By the nature of the course of the disease, there are 3 variants of cervical cancer (CC):

• Vaginal - lesion of two thirds of the vagina;
• Parametric - the germination of cancer from the parametrium into the small pelvis.
• Metastatic.

Symptoms

• Bloody discharge that appears in women in the intermenstrual period;
• The appearance of a small amount of blood after sexual intercourse or examination by a gynecologist;
• Violation in the menstrual cycle: menstruation lengthens in time, protracts, becomes more painful;
• Pain in the pelvic area;
• Soreness during intercourse;
• General symptoms: unreasonable weight loss, constant weakness, increased fatigue, low-grade fever (about 37 degrees) is often observed;
• A general blood test reveals anemia, increased ESR;
• Bloody discharge in women during menopause;
• If the tumor of the cervix is ​​large enough, then the discharge from the genital tract acquires an unpleasant odor.

The appearance of blood in the discharge is due to the growth of tumor formation. Growing into tissue, the neoplasm damages blood vessels and they begin to bleed.

Diagnostics

1. Examination by a gynecologist: bimanual examination and taking a smear for oncocytology.
2. During the examination, the gynecologist may suspect a possible oncological process, in which case he may resort to such research as ultrasound, CT, MRI.

During a gynecological examination, the doctor takes a swab from the cervical canal. Further, the selected material is examined for cytology. This analysis is best done in the middle of the cycle, the results will be more reliable.

Colposcopy is a microscopic examination of the walls of the cervix with a special apparatus with a built-in magnifying glass and illuminator. Colposcopy can be simple or extended (using staining solutions applied to the surface of the cervix).

The diagnosis is finally confirmed by a biopsy, a study for the histology of suspicious areas of the cervical tissue.

Features of the treatment of cervical cancer

Cancer treatment tactics involve an integrated approach.

The most effective in the second stage of cancer is a surgical method, surgery to remove the tumor. During the operation, the surgeon exfoliates the tumor and its overgrown cells from healthy tissues.

So that mutated cells do not accidentally remain in the tissues, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used to destroy unhealthy cancer cells.

Depending on the localization of the pathological growth, doctors select the appropriate surgical technique:

• Conization of the cervix. The tumor is influenced by electro- or laser coagulation, cryodestruction, electroexcision.
• If the cervix is ​​significantly deformed, amputation is indicated.
• If conization is impractical, the uterus is removed (extirpation of the uterus). The indication for this type of operation is female age over 50 years.
• Sometimes, if the uterine appendages are also involved in the process, they resort to the complete removal of the uterus along with the appendages.

Prophylaxis

• 1. For the early detection of cervical cancer in the early stages, it is very important to undergo an annual medical examination, in particular, a gynecological examination.
  2. Vaccine prophylaxis against the human papillomavirus (HPV) plays an important role in the prevention of cervical cancer. It is carried out with Gardasil or Cervarix vaccines, for girls, at the age of 13-15.
  3. Timely detection and treatment of precancerous processes, erosion, pseudo-erosion, leukoplakia of the cervix and epithelial dysplasia.
  4. Smoking cessation.
  5. Girls need to be instilled with the idea of ​​the inadmissibility of the onset of sexual activity and pregnancy at an early age, up to 16 years. The reproductive system has not yet completed its development until this age and is very vulnerable to a variety of gynecological diseases.

The earlier the disease is detected and treatment is started, the more favorable the prognosis for the woman.

How long do women with stage II cervical cancer live? In this matter, everything is very individual and depends on the general state of health of the woman, her age, the presence of other diseases. According to statistics, the five-year survival rate of patients with the second stage of the disease, on average, is up to 75-80%, subject to timely surgery.

Cancer in the second stage is successfully treated. Since there are no metastases yet, and until the adhesion of the tumor with the surrounding tissues and organs has not yet reached, the tumor focus can be removed surgically. Therefore, it is very important to detect in time the signs and symptoms suspicious of oncology.

Stage 2 uterine cancer is an oncological disease that develops against the background of uncontrolled, abnormal division of endometrial cells and is accompanied by the formation of a malignant tumor in the tissues of the organ. The disease ranks second after breast cancer and is diagnosed in every eighth woman per 100 thousand of the population.

Characteristic signs of this stage

Depending on the degree of prevalence of the process, uterine cancer (cervical cancer) is divided into stages 2A and 2B. In the first case, cancer cells spread from the cervix to the upper parts of the vagina, in the second - to the peri-ocular space and body of the organ (metastases are not observed either in nearby lymph nodes or in distant tissues).

As the pathology progresses, women begin to worry about the following symptoms:

• the appearance of bloody, foul-smelling discharge after sexual intercourse, lifting weights, before or immediately after menstruation;
• aching pains of a periodic nature and intensifying against the background of excessive physical exertion;
• menstrual irregularities - lengthening or shortening, prolonged heavy menstruation.

In addition, there are signs characteristic of all types of malignant neoplasms:

Diagnostics

Various techniques are used to detect cancer of the uterus. So, women can be recommended:

In this case, a biopsy will be the main diagnostic tool. The procedure is performed at the slightest suspicion of oncology, except for those cases when it is not possible to perform it.

Contraindications for sampling biological material are:

• menses;
• waiting period for the child;
• poor blood clotting;
• infectious and inflammatory processes in the organs of the genitourinary system.

The optimal time to perform a biopsy is 5-7 days from the first day of menstruation (in this case, the injured tissue will have time to recover before the start of the next period).

The procedure is performed within the walls of a medical institution (if necessary, local anesthesia is applied). After taking the biological material, a sick leave is issued for several days (up to 1 week).

After confirming the diagnosis, women are examined for the presence of metastases, including in organs located at a distance. For this purpose, use:

• chest x-ray;
• computed tomography of the abdominal cavity;
• scintigraphy of the skeleton.

Treatment methods

If uterine cancer is detected at stage 2A, treatment is performed by surgery (the uterus is removed). used as an adjunct, in this case brachytherapy is combined (introduction of a radiation source into the affected organ) and surface radiation. If there is a tumor with a diameter of more than 4 cm, it is added. In some cases, the pelvic lymph nodes are removed.

When the disease progresses to stage 2B, a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is used. Remote irradiation is rarely used. Then the doctors monitor the patient's condition - the presence of positive dynamics allows the operation of Werthemer (removal of malignant tumors, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, upper third of the vagina, ligaments and lymph nodes).

With the development of a relapse of the disease, women undergo chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

In addition to these techniques, photodynamic therapy can be used - the introduction of a photosensitive component into a neoplasm and exposure to it with a laser.

Complications

Complications of uterine cancer develop both as a result of the progression of the pathology and against the background of its treatment. In the first case, new organs will be involved in the process, which ends in the death of the sick. In the second, the consequences are determined by the effect of certain therapeutic methods on the body.

Chemotherapy results in:

• baldness caused by damage to hair follicles;
• nausea;
• deterioration in appetite;
• bleeding and the appearance of bruises.

As a result of exposure to radiation therapy, women experience:

The consequence of surgery may be:

• fistulas;
• intestinal adhesive disease;
• bleeding;
• pulmonary embolism;
• problems with the excretion of feces and urine;
• the onset of menopause.

In addition, you should remember about the psychological aspect. Revealing the disease entails depressive states, after the operation, many sick women experience emotional emptiness. In this case, they need the help of psychologists.

Prophylaxis

Prevention of uterine cancer minimizes the likelihood of developing pathology. In this regard, women are recommended:

Forecast

The answer to the question of how long they live with uterine cancer of the 2nd degree is ambiguous and depends on a large number of factors. Factors affecting life expectancy include:

• the speed of going to the doctor and the qualifications of the latter;
• the patient's age;
• the presence of concomitant diseases;
• the adequacy and timeliness of the prescribed treatment;
• and living conditions;
• the state of the immune system;
• individual psychological attitude towards healing.

Some women recover completely and continue to lead an almost full life, the body of others cannot cope with the disease, as a result of which death occurs. The survival rate is 45 to 75% of cases.