Different Types of Cervical Cancer
Women may be affected by the different types of cervical cancer. The disease grows in the lining of the cervix, which is located in the lower section of the uterus. It is the second most widespread female cancer in the world. Normal cervical cells may become precancerous and then cancerous—thus, the different types of cervical cancer develop over time and are the result of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), or abnormal changes. Small changes in the cell account for a low-grade CIN; high-grade CIN means more abnormality in the cervix.
Cancer treatment depends on the level of abnormality and metastasis. The major categories of cervical cancer are carcinoma in situ (cancer that has not spread beyond the epithelial membrane) and invasive carcinoma (cancer that has metastasized). Of all the different types of cervical cancer, squamous cell carcinomas are the most common. They are invasive and grow on the surface of the cervix, while less common types, adenocarcinomas, grow on glands. Rare types of cervical cancer include adenosquamous carcinomas (which are combinations of squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas), as well as small cell and neuroendocrine carcinomas. Middle aged and older women are more likely to develop different types of cervical cancer that are invasive, as are women from poor socioeconomic backgrounds who do not get routine
cancer screening. Symptoms may include pain in the lower back area, pain during sexual intercourse, pain during urination, blood in urine, and constipation. Even though the cause of the disease is still not known,
risk factors include infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), smoking, and age. Women are urged to receive regular Pap smears in order to detect abnormal cervical cells that might signify the development of the different types of cervical cancer.
