Hello enquirer and welcome to the Cancer Chat forum.

I cannot say for certain but I suspect that you may be referring to adenocarcinoma of the cervix.

The cervix is covered with a layer of skin-like cells on its outer surface, called the 'ectocervix'. There are also glandular cells lining the inside of the cervix (the endocervix). The glandular cells produce mucus. Precancerous changes of the skin-like cells of the ectocervix are called CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia), if left untreated high grade (CIN 2-3) could develop into a squamous cell cervical cancer. Precancerous changes to the glandular cells of the endocervix are called CGIN (cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia), GCIN 2-3 if left untreated these can lead to an adenocarcinoma of the cervix. There is more information on these two types of cervical cells on the link here.

Cervical smear tests detect changes in squamous cells that can lead to cancer. Cervical smears are less effective at detecting changes in glandular cells. CGIN is becoming more common, it is thought that newer ways of taking smears using liquid based cytology may be picking up more glandular abnormalities. Some women can have both CIN and CGIN.

Squamous cell cancer of the cervix is much more common than adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell cancer accounts for over 80% of all cervical cancers and adenocarcinoma less than 20%. Both types of cervical cancer are treated in the same way.

I am not sure if your sister has GCIN 2-3 or an invasive adenocarcinoma. GCIN 2-3 may be referred to as adenocarcinoma in-situ, this means it has not invaded (spread) surrounding tissue and is confined to the cells lining the inside of the cervix. Treatment for GCIN 2-3 will usually depend on a woman’s age and the need to preserve fertility if a woman wants children. CGIN is considered to be more aggressive than CIN, and treatments such a hysterectomy may be recommended in older women who have completed their family.

If CGIN develops into an invasive cancer then it is referred to as invasive adenocarcinoma. How any cancer is treated will depend on how far it has spread. After adenocarcinoma is diagnosed on biopsy it is likely that other investigations such as MRI and CT scans would be needed before a specialist gynaecological cancer team can recommend treatment. There is information about cervical cancer on our website including treatment on the link here.

I am sorry as I can appreciate that  the above information may be a bit technical. You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our telephone service.  The number to ring is freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

With kind regards,

Mary