Studies conducted not to long time ago have concluded that for early stage cervical cancer treated by surgery, namely radical hysterectomy, the adenosquamous cell type does not imply a worse prognosis than any of the pure cell types. This being said we can look further into what separates adenosquamous carcinoma of the cervix from other forms of cancers of the uterus.

Types of cancers bear different names depending on the cells the affect. Cancer affecting the glandular cells is called adenocarcinoma and can also develop squamous cells.  Non-cancerous squamous cells can also be called adenocanthomas cancer and the cancerous ones are called adenosquamous carcinoma. This last one, on which we will go into more detail, is significantly more invasive and aggressive. This has lead to a lower cure rate in the case of such cancers but progress has been reported in what concerns the treatment.



The difference between these types of cancer is important though they are treated the same. Symptoms are also almost the same. Only a biopsy or a histology report can accurately establish the cancer type.

Symptoms that can lead you into getting tested include vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge occurring outside your period, watery discharge during a cycle or after menopause, discomfort and bloating and others, depending on each individual’s reaction. Consult your doctor for a full list and for confirmation that you should indeed seek further investigation. A simple physical examination will determine the risk of having developed the cancer. This can be done simply by checking for swelling in the abdomen. A transvaginal ultrasound can also be useful in indicating the possibility of cervical cancer. It this have worrying results, to accurately diagnose the cancer and to pave the way for a treatment plan you should get blood tests, a chest x-ray and a dilation and curettage procedure.

Exact causes are not really known but risk factors you should be aware of include menopause, infertility, obesity, high blood pressure, family history of breast or bowel cancer, diabetes, exposure to radiation and excessive amounts of estrogen in the body.



Treatment options derive from the exact diagnosis and from the individual condition of the patients. Surgery is the standard procedure. The removal of the uterus and even of the fallopian tubes and ovaries might be necessary. If the cancer has become more invasive removal of the lymph nodes in the abdomen, of the cervix and of a small portion of the upper vagina also represent a vital intervention. Complimentary therapy is also standard in this case. Adjuvant therapies like radiation and chemotherapy can be of great efficiency in completely killing the cancerous cells. Blocking estrogen production can also inhibit during treatment of adenosquamous cells.

Consult your oncologist to eliminate any confusion on the subject and though it is not essential for you to understand the differences between these cancers and the particularities of adenosquamous carcinoma, you should be aware of the significance such particularities as those derived from the cells affected have for a successful treatment.