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If cervical cancer spreads

  1. Home
  2. Cancer information
  3. Cancer types
  4. Cervical
  5. If cancer spreads
Print

Cancer cells can spread from the cervix to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis.

Understanding how a type of cancer usually grows and spreads helps your healthcare team plan your treatment and future care. If cervical cancer spreads, it can spread to the following:

  • the vagina
  • the uterus
  • nearby lymph nodes in the pelvis and back of the abdomen
  • tissue and ligaments around the cervix and uterus
  • the pelvis
  • the bladder
  • the rectum
  • distant lymph nodes in the chest and above the collarbone
  • the abdominal cavity
  • the mediastinum
  • the lungs
  • the liver
  • bone

Expert review and references

  • Klopp AH, Eifel PJ, Berek JS, Konstantinopoulos PA . Cancer of the cervix, vagina and vulva. DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, Rosenberg SA. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2015: 72:1013-1047.
  • Levine DA, Dizon DS, Yashar CM, Barakat RR, Berchuch A, Markman M, Randall ME. Handbook for Principles and Practice of Gynecologic Oncology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2015.
  • Oleszewski K . Cervical cancer. Yarbro CH, Wujcki D, Holmes Gobel B, (eds.). Cancer Nursing: Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning; 2018: 50: 1397 - 1421.
  • US National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Cervical cancer. 2017: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000893.htm.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

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