Understanding Stage IIB Cervical Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment & Prognosis

Stage IIB cervical cancer is a type of cervical cancer that has spread beyond the cervix, but not to the lower third of the vagina or the pelvic walls. It is more advanced than stage IIA, but less advanced than stage IIIB.

Symptoms of stage IIB cervical cancer may include:

* Abnormal vaginal bleeding

* Pelvic pain

* Leg pain

* Weight loss

* Fatigue

Treatment for stage IIB cervical cancer may include:

* Surgery to remove the cervix and uterus, as well as any nearby lymph nodes that may be affected by cancer

* Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells

* Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body

The prognosis for stage IIB cervical cancer depends on a number of factors, including:

* The size of the tumor

* The location of the tumor

* The grade of the tumor

* The patient's age and overall health

The 5-year survival rate for stage IIB cervical cancer is about 70%.