The cervix and uterus are connected. But cervical cancer and uterine cancer are different in their underlying causes, symptom presentation, and the location where cancer cells originate.

Cervical cancer and uterine cancer are two separate cancer diagnoses.

Even though the cervix connects to the base of the uterus, these female reproductive structures have different cellular makeups and functions and are considered distinct anatomical organs.

Cancer types are determined by where the cancerous growth begins.

If cancer starts in the lining of your uterus (endometrium) or its muscle and connective tissue, the diagnosis is uterine cancer. If cancer begins in the cells of your cervix (the lower end of the uterus), the diagnosis is cervical cancer.

Developing cervical cancer and uterine cancer at the same time is possible but very rare.

Cervical and uterine cancer may have similar symptoms in some cases.

Both cancers may manifest with:

  • abnormal vaginal bleeding:
  • unusual vaginal discharge
  • pelvic pain or discomfort
  • lower back pain
  • pain or pressure when urinating

Telltale differences between the symptoms of cervical and uterine cancer aren’t always present, but some variation in overall symptom presentation has been noted in research and clinical settings.

Neither cervical nor uterine cancer typically has noticeable signs in early stages. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is a symptom in up to 90% of people with uterine cancer. Bleeding after menopause is the most common case of abnormal vaginal bleeding in these cases.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is also common in cervical cancer, but some people with the condition may never experience it. If it does occur, it’s typically associated with activities that directly affect the cervix, like vaginal intercourse, pelvic examinations, or douching.

In addition to abnormal bleeding, someone with advanced uterine cancer may develop a noticeable mass in the abdomen, which isn’t the case in cervical cancer. This is due to the larger size and more central positioning of the uterus.

Different underlying factors are associated with uterine cancer and cervical cancer.

A high percentage of cases of cervical cancer are associated with a sexually transmitted virus, the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Some HPV types create proteins that alter the natural regulation of cells in your cervix, contributing to uncontrolled cellular growth and promoting the longevity of abnormal cells that can lead to cancer.

These are called high risk HPV types.

The exact causes of uterine cancer aren’t yet established, but experts theorize that imbalances in reproductive hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, may foster an environment where cancerous cells in the uterus can thrive.

Genetics, age, weight, overall health status, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors, like intrauterine device (IUD) usage, may be additional risk factors for uterine cancer that, in turn, could also affect hormone balance.

While cervical cancer and uterine cancer may be associated with genetic, environmental, and physiological factors, cervical cancer is primarily linked to high risk HPV. Uterine cancer, on the other hand, is generally associated with hormonal dysfunctions.

Treatment for cervical and uterine cancers depends on the stage at the time of diagnosis. Different types of biopsies, diagnostic imaging, medication, and surgery may be required.

Diagnosis

Doctors typically diagnose cervical cancer through a routine screening test called a Pap smear, which allows them to sample and evaluate cervical cells.

If the test results are abnormal, a doctor may want to examine the cervix more closely through colposcopy, a procedure that uses a lighted microscope to view the tissue of the cervix with a magnified lens.

If a doctor detects unusual changes, they may want to take small samples of tissue during a colposcopy. These samples are then sent to a laboratory for a closer assessment.

Diagnosing uterine cancer typically begins with a transvaginal ultrasound to assess the thickness of your uterine walls and endometrium. A doctor may also collect a biopsy sample to view the cells of the uterus under a microscope.

Both cervical and uterine cancer may involve more advanced diagnostic imaging, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), to thoroughly assess tissue changes in the pelvis region.

Treatment

Healthcare professionals treat early stage cervical cancer by surgically removing some or all of the cervix. In advanced cervical cancer, a doctor may recommend a type of hysterectomy to remove the uterus and the cervix, maintaining both ovaries.

Doctors may treat uterine cancer with a simple or radical hysterectomy, but it does depend on the cancer stage and individual needs.

Surgery for both cancers may be followed by rounds of radiation therapy or chemotherapy, depending on the stage. Radiation and chemotherapy help kill cancer cells that may have been left behind by surgery or may be undetected in other areas of the body.

Most cervical cancers involve simultaneous chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A doctor may recommend hormone therapy in addition to chemotherapy for certain types of uterine cancer.

Immunotherapy and targeted medications may also work for cervical and uterine cancers.

Immunotherapy works by improving your immune system’s ability to fight cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, like PD-1 inhibitors, help T cells respond to cancer cells.

Targeted medications are designed to modulate biological processes involved in cancer’s growth and spread.

Drugs to treat cervical cancer may include:

  • antibody0drug conjugates (ADCs)
  • RET inhibitors
  • NTRK inhibitors

Targeted drugs to treat uterine cancer may include:

  • kinase inhibitors
  • angiogenesis inhibitors
  • mTOR inhibitors

Survival rates for cervical and uterine cancers are similar. When detected early, both cancers are highly treatable and remission is possible.

The American Cancer Society reports that the 5-year survival rate for localized cervical cancer is 91%, compared to the 5-year survival rate for localized endometrial cancer (the most common form of uterine cancer), which is 95%.

Survival rate refers to the percentage of people that is still alive 5 years after receiving their diagnosis.

Because both cancers may develop without symptoms, regular screening is recommended to detect early changes and improve treatment outcomes.

Cervical cancer and uterine cancer are separate diagnoses. Cervical cancer originates in the cells of the cervix, and uterine cancer develops in the muscle, connective tissue, or lining of the uterus.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge are common symptoms of both cancers, but differences may exist in bleeding patterns and presentation. Cervical and uterine cancers have different underlying causes and similar but individualized treatment approaches.