The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb). The uterus has 2 parts. The upper part, called the body of the uterus, is where a baby grows. The cervix, in the lower part, connects the body of the uterus to the vagina, or birth canal.

Cancer of the cervix (also called cervical cancer) begins in the lining of the cervix. This cancer forms slowly. First, some cells begin to change from normal to pre-cancer and then to cancer. This can take many years, but sometimes it happens faster. These changes may be called dysplasia. They can be found by the Pap test and may need to be treated to prevent cancer (see "Can cervical cancer be prevented?").

There are 2 main types of cancer of the cervix. About 8 to 9 out of 10 are squamous cell carcinomas. Under the microscope, this type of cancer is made up of cells that are like squamous cells that cover the surface of the cervix. Most of the rest are adenocarcinomas. These cancers start in the gland cells that make mucus. Less often, the cancer has features of both types and is called mixed carcinoma. Other types of cancer also can develop in the cervix. These other types (such as melanoma, sarcoma, and lymphoma) happen most often in other parts of the body. If you have cervical cancer, ask your doctor to explain exactly what type of cancer you have.

Here we will cover only the more common types of cervical cancer types, not the rare ones.

Last Medical Review: 09/24/2009
Last Revised: 09/24/2009