da Vinci Procedures

• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• General Surgery
• Gynecologic Surgery
  • Uterine Conditions
    • Fibroids & Treatment
    • Prolapse
    • Prolapse Treatment
    • Cervical Cancer
    • Cervical Cancer Signs & Symptoms
    • Cancer
    • Cancer Tests & Procedures
    • Cancer Staging
  • da Vinci Sacrocolpopexy
  • da Vinci Myomectomy
  • Hysterectomy
  • da Vinci Hysterectomy
  • Patient Seminar
  • Patient Experiences
  • Clinical References
• Urologic Surgery
• Important Safety Information
• Webcast Surgery

Uterine Cancer Staging

Staging Definition

Along with the diagnosis of uterine cancer, assessing the stages of uterine cancer allows doctors to formulate a comprehensive treatment plan. Cancer staging is the process of looking at all of the information the doctors have learned about a tumor in order to determine how far the cancer may have spread. The stage of uterine cancer is the most important factor in choosing a treatment plan. Some studies also suggest that removal of lymph nodes may also be an important part of your cancer treatment. Appropriate evaluation of your lymph nodes will help your doctor give you information regarding if you will need radiation and/or chemotherapy as part of your cancer therapy. Fortunately, for many women with endometrial cancer, surgery itself will be all the treatment that is required.

FIGO System

Doctors use what is called a staging system to describe how far a patient's uterine cancer has spread. The system used to stage uterine cancer is called the FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) system. This is a surgical staging system, which means that determination of how far the cancer has spread is based on examination of tissues removed during an operation. The FIGO system classifies the cancer of the uterus in four stages (labeled I through IV) with some of these stages being further divided (for example, stages IIA and IIB).

Local and Regional Spreading

Uterine cancer can spread locally to other parts of the uterus. Uterus cancer can also spread regionally to nearby lymph nodes (bean-sized organs that are part of the immune system). The regional lymph nodes are found in the pelvis, farther away along the aorta (the main artery that runs from the heart down along the back of the abdomen and pelvis). Finally, the cancer can spread (metastasize) to distant lymph nodes or organs such as lung, liver, bone, brain and others.

Stages of Uterine Cancer

Stage I

In stage I, cancer is found in the uterus only. Stage I is divided into stage IA, stage IB and stage IC, based on how far the cancer has spread into the muscle of the uterus.

Stage IA: Cancer is in the endometrium (lining of the uterus) only. Stage IB: Cancer has spread into the inner half of the myometrium (muscle layer of the uterus). Stage IC: Cancer has spread into the outer half of the myometrium.

Stage II

In stage II, cancer has spread from the uterus to the cervix. Stage II is divided into stage IIA and stage IIB, based on how far the cancer has spread.

Stage IIA: Cancer has spread to the glands (the lining) where the cervix and uterus meet. Stage IIB: Cancer has spread deeper into the cervix.

Stage III

In stage III, cancer has spread beyond the uterus and cervix, but has not spread beyond the pelvis. Stage III is divided into stage IIIA and IIIB, based on how far the cancer has spread within the pelvis. Stage IIIA: Cancer has spread to one or more of the following: the outermost layer of the uterus; and/or tissues just beyond the uterus; and/or the peritoneum (the serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity) and/or the ovaries and fallopian tubes and/or into the fluid that is placed into your abdomen to “wash” out cancer cells. Stage IIIB: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the pelvis and/or near the uterus.

Stage IV

In stage IV, cancer has spread beyond the pelvis. Stage IV is divided into stage IVA and stage IVB, based on how far the cancer has spread. Stage IVA: Cancer has spread to the lining of the bladder and/or bowel. Stage IVB: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body beyond the pelvis, including lymph nodes in the abdomen and/or groin.1

1. General Information About Uterine Sarcoma. National Cancer Institute. 2007.
   http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/uterinesarcoma/Patient/page2#Keypoint11

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci® System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.    PN 871584 Rev. B 10/07