Overexpression of several aquaporins (AQPs) has been reported in different types of human cancer but their role in carcinogenesis, for example in the cervix, have yet to be clearly defined. In this study, expression of AQPs in cervical carcinomawas investigated by real-time PCR, immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical assays and evaluated for correlations with clinicopathologic variables. AQP1, 3, 8 exhibited differential expression in cervical carcinoma, corresponding CIN and mild cervicitis. AQP1 was predominantly localized in the microvascular endothelial cell in the stroma of mild cervicitis, CIN and cervical carcinoma. AQP3 and AQP8 were localized in the membrane of normal squamous epithelium and carcinoma cells, local signals being more common than diffuse staining. AQP1 and AQP3 expression was remarkably stronger in cervical cancer than in mild cervicitis and CIN2-3 (P<0.05). AQP8 expression was highest in CIN2-3 (91.7%), but levels in cervical carcinoma were also higher than in mild cervicitis. AQP1, AQP3, AQP8 expression significantly increased in advanced stage, deeper infiltration, metastatic lymph nodes and larger tumor volume (P<0.05). Our findings showed that AQPs might play important roles in cervical carcinogenesis and tumour progression in Uygur women.