What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb). The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time. Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of the cervix go through changes known as dysplasia, in which abnormal cells begin to appear in the cervical tissue. Over time, if not destroyed or removed, the abnormal cells may become cancer cells and start to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and to surrounding areas.
The cervix has two main parts:
- The ectocervix (also called exocervix) is the outer part of the cervix that can be seen during a gynecologic exam. The ectocervix is covered with thin, flat cells called squamous cells.
- The endocervix is the inner part of the cervix that forms a canal that connects the vagina to the uterus. The endocervix is covered with column-shaped glandular cells that make mucus.
The transformation zone is the border where the endocervix and ectocervix meet. Most cervical cancers begin in the squamous cells in the transformation zone.
Types of cervical cancer
Cervical cancers are named after the type of cell where the cancer started. The two main types are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Most cervical cancers (up to 90%) are squamous cell carcinomas. These cancers develop from cells in the ectocervix.
- Adenocarcinoma: Cervical adenocarcinomas develop in the glandular cells of the endocervix. Clear cell adenocarcinoma, also called clear cell carcinoma or mesonephroma, is a rare type of cervical adenocarcinoma.
Sometimes, cervical cancer has features of both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. This is called mixed carcinoma or adenosquamous carcinoma. Very rarely, cancer develops in other cells in the cervix.
Learn more about cervical cancer
Many cervical cancer symptoms are also seen with other, less serious conditions. These are the warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.
Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Long-lasting HPV infection causes almost all cervical cancers. Learn about HPV infection and other risk factors for cervical cancer and what you can do to lower your risk.
If you have a cervix, screening for cervical cancer is an important part of routine health care. Learn when to get screened and what to expect during and after screening.
Learn what HPV and Pap test results mean and next steps if a test result is abnormal.
Learn about the tests that are used to diagnose and stage cervical cancer.
Learn about cervical cancer survival rates and why this statistic doesn't predict exactly what will happen to you.
Stage refers to the extent of your cancer, such as how large the tumor is and if it has spread. Learn about cervical cancer stages, an important factor in deciding your treatment plan.
Learn about the different ways cervical cancer can be treated.
Certain aspects of cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment are of special concern. Gain a greater sense of control by knowing what to expect and what resources are available to help you cope.