Section Editor: Kianoosh Keyhanian MD FRCPC
May 24, 2026
The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects it to the vagina. It is one of the most closely screened parts of the body because regular Pap and HPV tests can detect changes early. The cervix can be examined in two main ways: a Pap test, which checks loose cells, and a biopsy, which removes a small piece of tissue. A pathologist examines the sample under a microscope and describes what they see in your report.
This page brings together our guides to conditions found in the cervix. The articles are grouped by type to help you find the one that matches your diagnosis or test result. Select any article below to learn more.
Cancers of the cervix
These diagnoses are cancers that develop in the cervix. Most are linked to long-lasting infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), but some are not. The articles explain how each type is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
HPV associated squamous cell carcinoma
HPV associated squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of cervical cancer. It is linked to long-lasting infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). This article explains how it is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions HPV associated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.
HPV independent squamous cell carcinoma
HPV independent squamous cell carcinoma is an uncommon type of cervical cancer that is not linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). This article explains how it is diagnosed and what your report describes.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions HPV independent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.
HPV associated adenocarcinoma is a type of cervical cancer that develops from gland-forming cells and is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions HPV associated adenocarcinoma of the cervix.
HPV independent gastric type adenocarcinoma
HPV independent gastric type adenocarcinoma is an uncommon type of cervical cancer that is not linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions HPV independent gastric type adenocarcinoma of the cervix.
Clear cell carcinoma is a rare type of cervical cancer. This article explains how it is diagnosed and what your pathology report describes.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions clear cell carcinoma of the cervix.
Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare, fast-growing type of cervical cancer that develops from neuroendocrine cells. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix.
Precancerous changes
These diagnoses describe changes in the cells of the cervix that are not cancer. They range from low-grade changes that often go away on their own to higher-grade changes that are treated to prevent cancer from developing. The articles explain what each diagnosis means.
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or CIN, is a precancerous change in the squamous cells of the cervix. It is graded from 1 to 3 based on how much of the lining is involved. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, or CIN 1, CIN 2, or CIN 3.
Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
A low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, or LSIL, is a mild change in the squamous cells of the cervix, usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It often goes away on its own. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or LSIL.
High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
A high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, or HSIL, is a more advanced precancerous change in the squamous cells of the cervix. It is usually treated to prevent cancer from developing. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or HSIL.
Adenocarcinoma in situ is a precancerous change in the gland-forming cells of the cervix. It is not cancer, but it is treated to prevent cancer from developing. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions adenocarcinoma in situ or AIS of the cervix.
Stratified mucin producing intraepithelial lesion
A stratified mucin producing intraepithelial lesion, or SMILE, is an uncommon precancerous change in the cervix that has features of both squamous and glandular precancerous lesions. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a stratified mucin producing intraepithelial lesion or SMILE.
Pap test results
These are results that can appear on a Pap test, a screening test that checks loose cells collected from the cervix. A Pap test result is not a tissue diagnosis. Some results are normal, and others lead to further testing. The articles explain what each result means.
Negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy
Negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, or NILM, is a normal Pap test result. It means no precancerous or cancerous cells were found. This article explains what this result means.
You may find this helpful if your Pap test result is negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, or NILM.
Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance
Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, or ASC-US, is a Pap test result that means a small number of squamous cells look slightly abnormal. This article explains what this result means and what usually happens next.
You may find this helpful if your Pap test result is ASC-US.
Atypical squamous cells cannot rule out HSIL
Atypical squamous cells, cannot rule out HSIL, or ASC-H, is a Pap test result that means some squamous cells look abnormal in a way that could represent a higher-grade change. This article explains what this result means and what usually happens next.
You may find this helpful if your Pap test result is ASC-H.
Atypical glandular cells, or AGC, is a Pap test result that means some gland-forming cells look abnormal. This article explains what this result means and what usually happens next.
You may find this helpful if your Pap test result is atypical glandular cells, or AGC.
Noncancerous conditions
These diagnoses are not cancer. They include common growths, cysts, and other harmless changes of the cervix. The articles explain what each diagnosis means.
An endocervical polyp is a common, noncancerous growth that develops from the lining of the cervical canal. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions an endocervical polyp.
A nabothian cyst is a very common, noncancerous, fluid-filled cyst on the surface of the cervix. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a nabothian cyst.
Microglandular hyperplasia is a common, noncancerous change in the gland-forming cells of the cervix, often related to hormones. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions microglandular hyperplasia of the cervix.
Chronic cervicitis is long-lasting inflammation of the cervix. It is a common, noncancerous finding. This article explains what this diagnosis means and what a pathologist looks for.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions chronic cervicitis.
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