Figure 1.                                                

                                    Source: McKay Hart, D and Norman, J. (2000). Gynaecology Illustrated, pg.202

    Figure 1 shows, the direct spread of cancerous cells into adjacent tissues which usually occurs first. The cancer cells start to spread along the uterus[1] wall. The cancerous cell further spread to the parametrium[2], which later brings about the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer.

Figure 2.

Source: McKay Hart, D and Norman, J. (2000). Gynaecology Illustrated, pg.202

 The cancerous cells continue to spread downwards into the vagina wall which definitely involves bladder or rectum causing abnormal opening in the cervix (fistula). It then continues to spread backwards along the ligaments and the person would experience a painful back.

Figure 3

Source: McKay Hart, D and Norman, J. (2000). Gynaecology Illustrated, pg.202.

Cancer cells also can spread and enter the lymphatic system or the bloodstream. The cancer has spread deeper into the lower part of the vagina or nearby lymph nodes. From the cervical lymphatic the spread is usually along the paracervical lymph area to the external ililac nodes. This is how cancer of the cervix can spread to other parts of the body, such as nearby lymph nodes, the rectum, the bladder, the bones of the spine, and the lungs. The spread of cancer is called metastasis.

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