Histological Changes in the Human Cervix Uteri With Advancing Age: A Tertiary Care Hospital-Based Study From Assam

Abstract

Introduction

The uterine cervix is a dynamic biological barrier that undergoes significant structural changes due to aging and hormonal shifts. This study aims to quantify mucosal thickness and histological variations in the human cervix across different life stages in the Assamese population.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using 30 cervical specimens divided into three groups: Group A (25–35 years), Group B (36–49 years), and Group C (50+ years). Histological processing was performed using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. Mucosal thickness was quantified digitally using Image J software.

Results

Mean mucosal thickness was 2.920 mm in Group A, 2.750 mm in Group B, and a statistically significant reduction was observed in Group C, where the mean mucosal thickness was 1.820 mm. Younger specimens showed thicker mucosa and well-developed cervical glands, whereas older specimens showed glandular atrophy and mucosal thinning. The squamocolumnar junction was identified in most specimens.

Conclusion

The cervix shows progressive mucosal thinning and glandular atrophy with advancing age, particularly after 50 years. These observations may serve as baseline histological data for future studies on cervical pathology in North-Eastern India.

Recommendation

The findings provide baseline histological data on age-related cervical changes and may assist anatomists, pathologists, and gynecologists in distinguishing normal aging changes from pathological alterations. Further studies with larger sample sizes and multicentric participation are recommended.