Types of cervical cancer

There  are different types of cervical cancer that affect different types of cells in the cervix. The most common types are squamous cell cervical cancer, adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma. 

Your healthcare team will find out what cervical cancer type you have by doing different tests. We have information about tests for cervical cancer on another page.

Read about tests for cervical cancer >

On this page:

• Squamous cell cervical cancer >
• Adenocarcinoma >
• Adenosquamous carcinoma >
• Small cell cervical cancer >
• Mucinous tumours >
• Clear cell cervical cancer >
• Lymphomas and sarcomas >
• More information and support about cervical cancer types > 

Squamous cell cervical cancer 

Squamous cell cervical cancer is the most common type of cervical cancer. About 7 to 8 in 10 (70% to 80%) cervical cancers are this type.  

Squamous cells are thin, flat, skin-like cells that line the surface of the cervix. The cancer often develops where the outer surface of the cervix joins with the cervical canal. This is called the transformation zone.

Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma is less common than squamous cell cancer. About 2 out of 10 (20%) cervical cancers are adenocarcinomas.  

Adenocarcinoma of the cervix starts in the gland cells inside the cervical canal. These cells produce mucus – a sticky fluid. It keeps the cervix, womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes healthy by protecting them from bacteria and infection. There are gland cells scattered along the lining of the narrow passage that runs from the cervix up into the womb. This passage is called the cervical canal. 

The ‘adeno’ part of adenocarcinoma refers to glands, and ‘carcinoma’ refers to cancer in the cells that line tissues.  

This type of cancer can be more difficult to find through cervical screening because it develops inside the cervical canal. It’s important to be aware of any symptoms, so you can get them checked out.

Read about cervical cancer symptoms >

Adenosquamous carcinoma

About 5 to 6 out of 100 (5 to 6%) cervical cancers are adenosquamous carcinomas.

Adenosquamous carcinoma includes cancer cells from squamous cell cervical cancer and adenocarcinoma – some squamous cells and some gland cells.

Small cell cervical cancer (small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma)

Small cell cervical cancer is rare. About 1 in 100 (1%) cervical cancers are this type.

Small cell cervical cancer develops in cells which form part of the neuroendocrine system  – which is made up of nerves and glands which release hormones.

It is also called small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. ‘Neuro’ refers to the nerves, and ‘endocrine’ refers to hormones and the glands that release them. It’s called a ‘small cell’ cancer because the cancer cells look small under a microscope.

Read more about small cell cervical cancer >

Mucinous tumours 

Mucinous tumours are rare. They are treated in a similar way to squamous cell cervical cancer and adenocarcinoma.

Your team will check that it is not a tumour of the endometrium (the lining of the womb) which has extended down to the cervix. 

Lymphomas and sarcomas 

Other types of cancer can occur in the cervix, including sarcomas and lymphomas. These are less common than the cervical cancer types we have already talked about on this page.

Sarcomas and lymphomas are treated in a different way to other types of cervical cancer.

More information about cervical cancer types

Dealing with a diagnosis of any type of cervical cancer can be difficult. If you have a rarer type, you may find it even harder to connect with others who understand or get the right support. Whatever your situation, remember that your healthcare team are there to answer any questions. We are also here for you.

If you are not sure where to turn, you can give our free Helpline a call on 0808 802 8000. Our trained volunteers can talk through your options or simply listen to what’s going on.

Check our Helpline opening hours >

Sometimes connecting with others can be helpful. Our online Forum lets our community give and get support. You can read through the messages or post your own – whichever feels most comfortable.

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