How do metastases of cervical cancer occur?

Carcinoma of the cervix, especially its late stages, is characterized by metastases occurrence. The lymphatic system is the primary way of their spreading.

Metastatis formation

At the early stages of cancer metastases occur in 2 ways:

  1. lymphogenous in the lymph system of the inguinal region and small pelvis;
  2. retroperitoneal in the walls of the rectum, the bladder.

Metastatic spread is exceptionally rapid process, so it is essential to start treatment in time and stop their progress.

Secondary cancer cells with a structure identical to a tumor, grow very actively, separate from the focus and connect the healthy organs. In the risk group - organs with the well-developed vascular system: the liver, lungs, brain.

Where does cancer of the cervix metastasize?

When a healthy organ is affected, its functions will be impaired that will cause its complete death. The clinical studies have shown metastases are more often found in 4 groups of lymph nodes:

  • pericardium;
  • periarticulate;
  • obturative;
  • ileac internal, external, common.

Less commonly, they affect the inguinal areas and aortic lymph nodes. These groups of nodes are divided into 3 subgroups:

Primary

Intermediate

Secondary

  • periarticulate;
  • cicatricial.
  • iliac (external, internal);
  • obturative.
  • periaortic;
  • ‎common iliac;
  • inguinal lymph nodes.

How do metastases spread?

Firstly, metastases affect paracervix, periarticular nodes, then they are localized in external iliac and obturator nodes, and afterward - in periaortic and inguinal lymph nodes (rarely). Infected cells spread one by one via both ways either from one or from both sides. The overall structure of the cervix and vagina, their direct contact causes the frequent spread of a tumor to the vagina.

According to clinical data, carcinoma affects first the ileal nodes, and then the periaortic and lymphatic ones. Metastases occur much faster than, for example, in uterine cancer.

Treatment of cervical cancer metastases

To detect the localization of cervical metastases, specialists Perform diagnosis of internal organs, a biopsy of the sentinel lymph node to identify cancer cells in the lymph system. After the diagnostics results, the course of treatment is appointed individually.

When a malignant tumor is detected in the lymph node, it is immediately removed. If metastases spread to other internal organs, chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions are performed.