Immunodeficiency is a risk factor for which type of cervical cancer?

Immunodeficiency significantly increases the risk for both cervical adenocarcinoma and cervical squamous cell carcinoma. This is primarily because an effective immune response is crucial for controlling human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, which are the primary causative agents of cervical cancer. In individuals with weakened immune systems—such as those with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, or patients on immunosuppressive therapy—the body has a reduced capacity to clear HPV infections.

Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types leads to the development of precancerous lesions, which can progress to cancer if the immune system is unable to mount an effective response. Both types of cervical cancer—squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma—can arise in the context of persistent HPV infection, making immunocompromised individuals particularly susceptible to both forms of this malignancy. Therefore, the correct answer encapsulates the heightened risk for both types of cervical cancer associated with immunodeficiency.