It forms a canal that opens into the vagina, which leads to the outside of the body. Cervical cancer, or invasive cervical cancer, occurs when abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix spread deeper into the cervix, or to other tissues or organs. Cervical cancer occurs most often in women over the age of 40. It is different from cancer that begins in other parts of the uterus and requires different treatment.
Most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas.
The mortality rates for cervical cancer have declined sharply as Pap screenings have become more prevalent. About 15,000 cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the US during 2000. Return to Top Symptoms of cervical cancer usually do not appear until abnormal cervical cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue. T he symptoms of cervical cancer may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a physician for diagnosis.