Stages   in  the  development  of
   cervical cancer.
<lI> Normal  cervix  cells  in the basal layer divide and differentiate
into quiescent (nondividing) cells.
<lI> Mutations  in  basal layer cells may cause them to grow abnormally
and enter dysplasia.
<lI> Left  untreated,  accumulation  of  mutations  may  cause  further
proliferation, leading to carcinomas in situ.
<lI> The tumor may become malignant if cells cross the basal lamina and
invade surrounding tissues.