What distinguishes Stage 4 cervical cancer?

Stage 4 cervical cancer is characterized by its advanced spread beyond the cervix. Specifically, it can extend to nearby organs such as the bladder and rectum, which indicates a significant progression of the disease. This stage is critical because it often represents a more serious condition that requires comprehensive treatment options, which may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or palliative care rather than surgical interventions.

In contrast, options that state the cancer is limited to the cervix or that it can be treated by hysterectomy are not accurate representations of Stage 4. At this advanced stage, the cancer has clearly metastasized and is no longer confined to the cervix alone. Additionally, while certain stages may not present with symptoms, Stage 4 typically comes with a variety of symptoms due to its spread and involvement of other organs. Therefore, option B accurately encapsulates the significant characteristics of Stage 4 cervical cancer.