Did you know there is a rare form of Cervical Cancer NOT CAUSED by HPV and is diagnosed most times by symptoms? This is another reason why LADIES need to listen to your bodies and any abnormal things you may have going on...

Small cell cervical cancer (SCCC) and large cell cervical cancer (LCCC) make up a rare sub-type of cervical cancer. They are aggressive forms of a larger group of tumours called neuroendocrine cancers. These cancers occur in the hormone-producing cells of the body's neuroendocrine system, which is composed of cells that are a cross between endocrine (hormone-producing) cells and nerve cells.

Of the 11,000 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in the United States each year, approximately 100 cases will be small cell or large cell cervical cancer. Unlike other types of cervical cancer, SCCC and LCCC have no definitive link to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Because these tumours are so rare, the cause is not yet fully understood.

Small cell and large cell cervical cancers are the most common type of neuroendocrine tumour in the cervix but still accounts for less than 1% of all cervical cancers.

Symptoms of Small and Large Cell Cervical Cancer

While many people with SCCC/LCCC experience no warning signs, some symptoms may include:

Vaginal bleeding

Vaginal discharge

Bleeding after sexual intercourse

Diagnosis

Most cases of SCCC/LCCC are diagnosed because of symptoms, or a gynaecologist notices an abnormality on the cervix during a physical exam and performs a biopsy.

Small and large cell cervical tumours can be detected with a Pap smear, but many women with this disease can have normal Pap smears before the tumour is detected. Since these cancers do not have a known pre-malignant state, Pap tests are an imperfect diagnostic method.