Cervical cancer. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a cervical cancer cell. The cervix is the neck of the uterus that is attached to the top of the vagina. Most cervical cancer arises from the flattened cells that cover the cervix. It may take years to develop but will then spread rapidly to nearby tissues and other organs. In the later stages, symptoms include vaginal discharge, bleeding and pelvic pain. Regular smear tests allow the identification of pre-cancerous cells, which can then be removed or destroyed. Advanced forms of cervical cancer may be treated by surgical removal of the uterus and the ovaries. Magnification unknown.