Cervical Cancer
Types
There are two
main types. The most common type of cervical cancer is called squamous cell
carcinoma This develops from the flat cells which cover the outer surface
of the cervix at the top of the vagina. They begin in the ectocervix, the part
of the cervix next to the vagina. About 85% of cervical cancers are squamous cell
cancers and this is unique because there is a well established progression through
premalignant changes before a cancer develops. The
other type is called adenocarcinoma and is less common. This develops mucus-producing
glandular cells of the endocervix, the part of the cervix next to the body. About
3% to 5% of cervical cancers have characteristics of both squamous and adenocarcinomas
and are called adenosquamous carcinomas. There are a few
other very rare types like small cell and neuroendocrine carcinoma.
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