Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cells in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

While it is highly treatable when detected early, there are certain types of cervical cancer that are more dangerous than others. In this article, we will discuss the deadliest type of cervical cancer and what you need to know about it.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is caused by abnormal cells in the cervix that grow out of control. These abnormal cells can form a mass, or tumor, and can invade nearby tissues and organs.

Cervical cancer is usually slow-growing, which means it can take years for the abnormal cells to turn into cancer.

Types of cervical cancer

There are several types of cervical cancer, but the two most common are:.

Squamous cell carcinoma – This type of cervical cancer starts in the thin, flat cells that line the bottom of the cervix.
Adenocarcinoma – This type of cervical cancer starts in the glandular cells that produce mucus and other fluids in the cervix.

While squamous cell carcinoma is more common, adenocarcinoma is the deadliest type of cervical cancer. Adenocarcinoma makes up about 25% of all cervical cancer cases, but it is responsible for about 35-40% of all cervical cancer deaths.

Why is adenocarcinoma so deadly?

The main reason that adenocarcinoma is so deadly is that it is typically diagnosed at a later stage than other types of cervical cancer.

Adenocarcinoma tends to grow in the glandular cells of the cervix, which are located higher up in the cervical canal than the cells affected by squamous cell carcinoma. This means that adenocarcinoma can be harder to detect in its early stages, and it may have already spread to other parts of the body by the time it is diagnosed.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

One reason that cervical cancer can be so dangerous is that it often doesn’t cause any symptoms in its early stages. This is why regular cervical cancer screenings, such as Pap tests and HPV tests, are so important.

However, as the cancer progresses, it may cause the following symptoms:.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
Unusual vaginal discharge that may be watery, bloody, or foul-smelling
Pain during sex
Pain or discomfort in the pelvis or lower back

How is adenocarcinoma treated?

The treatment for adenocarcinoma will depend on the stage of the cancer when it is diagnosed. Treatment options may include:.

Surgery – This may involve removing a portion of the cervix or the entire uterus.
Radiation therapy – This uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy – This uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
Targeted therapy – This uses drugs that target specific proteins or other molecules that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Can adenocarcinoma be prevented?

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent cervical cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the disease. These include:.

Getting regular cervical cancer screenings – Pap tests and HPV tests are important for detecting abnormal cells before they turn into cancer.
Getting vaccinated against HPV – The HPV vaccine can protect against the types of HPV that are most likely to cause cervical cancer.
Avoiding smoking – Smoking is a risk factor for many types of cancer, including cervical cancer.
Practicing safe sex – Using condoms during sex can reduce your risk of being exposed to HPV and other sexually transmitted infections that can increase your risk of cervical cancer.

The bottom line

Cervical cancer is a serious disease, but it is highly treatable when detected early.

Adenocarcinoma is the deadliest type of cervical cancer, but it can often be prevented or detected early through regular cervical cancer screenings and other preventive measures.