Cervical Cancer Overview

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth in the tissues of the cervix — the organ that connects the uterus and vagina.

Cervical cancer develops slowly. Usually, it begins with dysplasia, in which abnormal cells begin to appear in cervical tissue.

Infection of the cervix with human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of cervical cancer.

Regular Pap smears and the HPV vaccine can detect or prevent HPV infection. Not everybody with HPV will develop cervical cancer.

Types of Cervical Cancer

The following represent the most common types of cervical cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma

• Cancer that occurs in the squamous cells that line the bottom surface of the cervix.
• This is the most common type of cervical cancer.

Adenocarcinoma

• Cancer that develops in the glands that produce cervical mucus.

Who's at Risk for Cervical Cancer?

Any woman can develop cervical cancer, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:

• cigarette smoking
• first sexual intercourse at a young age
• giving birth multiple times
• infection with or exposure to HPV
• irregular or suspicious Pap smears
• many sexual partners
• oral contraceptive use
• weakened immune system

» Learn more about gynecologic cancer prevention and screening.

Make an Appointment

Call 1-866-MyMagee to make an appointment or to learn more about the Magee-Womens Gynecologic Cancer Program.

» Location and directions: Gynecologic Cancer Program.