Cervical cancer cell. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a spreading cervical cancer cell grown in a 3D matrix. The surface of the cells are covered in numerous cell projection of varying morphology, characteristic of cancer cells. Due to genetic defects, cancer cells divide rapidly in a chaotic manner. They may clump to form tumours, which often invade and destroy surrounding tissues. Cancer of the cervix (the neck of the uterus) is one of the most common cancers affecting women and can be fatal. Magnification: x1000 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.