Most gynecologic oncologists use the FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetricians) classification. This divides the disease into five stages, with further divisions in each stage. A carcinoma in situ is Stage 0. The cancer is confined to the cervix in Stage I and, in Stage II, either extends beyond the cervix but not to the pelvic sidewall or involves the vagina but not the lower third. A Stage III carcinoma extends to the pelvic sidewall, involves the lower third of the vagina or obstructs one or both of the ureters. In Stage IV, the cancer has spread to distant organs beyond the true pelvis or involves the lining of the bladder or rectum.
