Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is Endocervical Adenocarcinoma?

H. Colledge
H. Colledge

Endocervical adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer which affects the cervix. The cervix is the lowest end of the uterus, sometimes known as the neck of the uterus. Adenocarcinoma, which develops from glandular tissue, is not as common as the most frequently occurring cervical cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, which arises from the epithelium covering the cervix. As endocervical adenocarcinoma arises in cells located inside the endocervical canal, the passage inside the cervix, the cancer is much harder to detect than squamous cell carcinoma, which develops on the surface of the cervix. Treatment may involve surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but the specific therapy used, and the outlook after treatment, will vary depending on how far the cancer has advanced.

Adenomatous cells, from which endocervical adenocarcinoma develops, are located in the lining of the endocervical canal, where they produce mucus. While endocervical adenocarcinoma is less frequently seen than squamous cell carcinoma, it is becoming more common. Although the two main cancer types which affect the cervix develop from different cells, both kinds of cancerous growths may give rise to similar symptoms and may be treated using the same methods.

Endocervical adenocarcinoma is a less common form of cervical cancer.
Endocervical adenocarcinoma is a less common form of cervical cancer.

The symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma or endocervical adenocarcinoma may not be obvious, especially at first, but abnormal bleeding from the vagina is sometimes seen. This could be bleeding that occurs in a woman who has already gone through menopause, which arises after sexual intercourse, or which occurs in between periods. Occasionally, an unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge is experienced, or there may be discomfort during sex. Sometimes a woman with endocervical adenocarcinoma does not notice any symptoms, but a cervical screening test detects signs of cancer, although screening is less effective than in the case of squamous cell carcinoma.

Symptoms of endocervical adenocarcinoma may include heavy vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods.
Symptoms of endocervical adenocarcinoma may include heavy vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods.

When endocervical adenocarcinoma is suspected, samples of cells from the endocervix may be taken and a cone biopsy may be carried out, where a small section of the cervix is removed for analysis under a microscope. Cancer staging is performed to determine the extent to which the cancer has progressed. The stage of the cancer then dictates the treatment plan. In the early stages, endocervical adenocarcinoma may be cured, and treatment generally consists of surgery, radiotherapy, or a combination of the two. Advanced cancers, which have spread beyond the cervix and the top of the vagina, can sometimes be cured using surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as long as they have not spread to distant parts of the body.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Endocervical adenocarcinoma is a less common form of cervical cancer.
      By: joshya
      Endocervical adenocarcinoma is a less common form of cervical cancer.
    • Symptoms of endocervical adenocarcinoma may include heavy vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods.
      By: lukasmajercik
      Symptoms of endocervical adenocarcinoma may include heavy vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods.
    • Treatment for endocervical adenocarcinoma may include chemotherapy.
      By: prudkov
      Treatment for endocervical adenocarcinoma may include chemotherapy.
    • Symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma may include discomfort during intercourse.
      By: Coka
      Symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma may include discomfort during intercourse.
    • Radiotherapy is one treatment option for endocervical adenocarcinoma.
      By: jovannig
      Radiotherapy is one treatment option for endocervical adenocarcinoma.
    • Adenocarcinoma chemotherapy is often administered using a central line catheter placed in the chest.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Adenocarcinoma chemotherapy is often administered using a central line catheter placed in the chest.
    • Endocervical adenocarcinoma is a cancer that attacks the cervix.
      By: reineg
      Endocervical adenocarcinoma is a cancer that attacks the cervix.
    • A biopsy sample may be analyzed under a microscope if endocervical adenocarcinoma is suspected.
      By: micromonkey
      A biopsy sample may be analyzed under a microscope if endocervical adenocarcinoma is suspected.
    • An ultrasound may be used to diagnose cervical cancer.
      By: JackF
      An ultrasound may be used to diagnose cervical cancer.