What is the Cervix?

The cervix is the lowest portion of the uterus; it protrudes down into the vagina. The normal cervix has an opening to allow sperm to flow into it and menstrual blood to flow out of it. While this opening is normally very narrow, it opens to about 4 inches (10 cm.) across during labor to allow for childbirth. There are strong cervical muscles around the cervix's bottom opening to keep it closed. If the opening is too loose, the cervix is called "incompetent" and will cause miscarriages. The cells that make up the cervix lining undergo a change at the opening of the cervix, which is called the "os". The cells in the vaginal part of the cervix are called "squamous" cells, they are resistant to abrasion and heal quickly after injury. In contrast, the cells deeper in the cervix (and uterus) are called "columnar" cells which form glands. These glands produce mucous. The area of change from the squamous to columnar cells is called the "squamo-columnar junction" and is the area of the cervix where cancer most commonly arises. This is area that is scraped for the annual "Pap" smear, to look for cancerous cells, and it can be seen by a doctor performing a pelvic examination.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Normally the cervix has stopped growing by puberty, but it's cells will continue to divide to replace those that die of injury or old age. While some division of cervical cells to replace old or injured ones is normal, it is a tightly controlled process. Sometimes a abnormal cell may arise which divides out of control. This will then form a tumor . A tumor is simply a swelling, and does not necessarily mean cancer (obviously most swellings are not cancerous). If a tumor only grows in it's local area, it is called "benign" and is not cancer. If, however, it has the capability to spread to other areas of the body, then it is called "malignant" and is cancer. Cervical cancer starts in just one single cell, but this cell quickly divides to form many similar cancer cells, which each continue to grow. Eventually, if not cured, these cells push the normal cells out of the way, grow a large tumor, and spread to other body areas to ultimately kill the patient. Cervical cancer kills by anemia, infection, blockage of kidney drainage ("uremia") and general disability.

What are the Types of Cervical Cancer?

There are several types of cervical cancer, and the treatment may differ by type:

1) Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the most common type, accounting for about 85% of cervical cancer. It arises on the more "outer" portion of the cervix which protrudes into the vagina. It is truly the "classic variety" cervical cancer.

2) Adenocarcinoma accounts for about 10% of cases and is increasing. It starts on the more "inner" portion of the cervix, from the same type of cells lining the uterus. "Clear cell" cancer is a subtype of adenocarcinoma.

3) Mixed types account for 4% and include "adenosquamous" (with elements of both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) and "Glassy cell" cancer.

4) Rare Types (less than 1%) include the "neuroendocrine" cancers (Carcinoid and Small cell ) which are similar to the same named cancers of the lung and digestive tract, lymphomas (arising from immune cells) and sarcomas (arising from the fat, cartilage or muscle cells). Cancer may spread to the cervix from other areas.
Cervical cancer is one of the most common types or cancer in young women and comes in many varieties. Fortunately, recent research has helped improve survival and give more hope than ever before for those stricken with cervical cancer.

It is crucial to be educated about the disease, so you canmake the proper treatment choices to increase the likelihood of a happy outcome. Selecting the right treatment can literally make the difference between life and death. It is important to have the peace-of-mind of knowing that you have done everything possible to fight a cervical cancer problem successfully.