What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix (the narrow outer end of the uterus that extends into the vagina). Half of the women diagnosed are between the ages of 35 and 55. When diagnosed early, cervical cancer is curable and patients have an excellent chance of recovery.
There are two types of cervical cancer:
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma – the most common, consisting of flat, thin cells called squamous cells that cover the surface of the cervix.
- Adenocarcinoma – develops in the mucus-producing glands of the endocervix (opening to the uterus).
About 3 to 5 percent of cervical cancers have characteristics of both squamous and adenocarcinomas and are called adenosquamous carcinomas.
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