Cancerbackup: The cervix

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The cervix and cervical screening

The cervix is the lower part of the womb, or uterus. Sometimes the cervix is referred to as the neck of the womb.


The cervix and surrounding organs
The cervix and surrounding organs

It is possible for your doctor or nurse to see and feel the cervix during an internal (vaginal) examination.

The surface layer of the cervix is made up of two different types of cells: flat cells called squamous cells and longer cells called columnar cells. The area where these cells meet is known as the transformation zone (see diagram below). Cells in this transformation zone can become abnormal. It is these cells, on the surface of the cervix, that are examined in a cervical screening test.

The cells lining the cervical canal (endocervix) produce mucus – they are known as glandular cells. Changes to these cells can sometimes be detected by cervical screening.


The transformation zone area of the cervix
The transformation zone area of the cervix

Content last reviewed: 01 February 2008
Page last modified: 13 March 2008

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