What Are the Different Types of Cervical Cancer?

Epoch Health Article

The cervix connects the vagina to the uterus through a canal called the endocervical canal. It has two parts: the ectocervix (the outer surface) and the endocervix (the inner canal). The squamocolumnar junction, or transformation zone, is where the endocervix and ectocervix meet. This is the area where most cervical cancers begin—the location of the transformation zone changes depending on age and after giving birth.

There are two main Types of Cervical Cancer

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): Squamous cells are flat, skin-like cells that cover the ectocervix. Between 80 and 90 percent of cervical cancers are of this type. SCCs can be keratinizing, meaning the cells form nests (masses) containing keratin (a tough and fibrous protein) or non-keratinizing, meaning the cells form nests without keratin.

Adenocarcinoma Adenocarcinoma: starts in the glandular cells that produce mucus in the endocervix. Although less common than SCC, its incidence has risen, accounting for 10 to 20 percent of cervical cancers. Mucinous adenocarcinoma is the most common form of adenocarcinoma, and endometrioid adenocarcinoma resembles cancer found in the uterine lining. At the same time, clear cell carcinoma may occur in daughters of women who took diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy.

The two main cervical cancers receive similar treatments.