Normal cervical cells grow and divide to form new cells as the
body needs them. When normal cells grow old or get damaged, they
die, and new cells take their place. Sometimes, this process
goes wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them, and
old or damaged cells do not die as they should. The buildup of
extra cells often forms a mass of tissue called a growth or
tumor. - Benign growths (polyps, cysts, or genital warts): - are
not harmful - don't invade the tissues around them - Malignant
growths (cervical cancer): - may sometimes be a threat to life -
can invade nearby tissues and organs - can spread to other parts
of the body Cervical cancer begins in cells on the surface of
the cervix. Over time, the cervical cancer can invade more
deeply into the cervix and nearby tissues. Cervical cancer cells
can spread by breaking away from the cervical tumor. They can
travel through lymph vessels to nearby lymph nodes. Also, cancer
cells can spread through the blood vessels to the lungs, liver,
or bones. Af