Causes of cervical cancer

Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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The causes of cervical cancer are particularly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The primary causes that can lead to precancerous lesions and cervical cancer itself, in a minority of cases, do not detect HPV DNA, especially in older patients. Epidemiological studies show that early childbirth and multiple childbirths are highly related to the incidence of cervical cancer; as the number of childbirths increases, the risk of cervical cancer also increases. Smoking can suppress the body's immune function and may promote cancer development. Men who have had penile cancer, prostate cancer, or previous cervical cancer are at high risk; therefore, women who have contact with high-risk men are also more susceptible to cervical cancer.

Other Voices

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Cervical polyp and cervical cancer differences

Cervical polyps are generally visible to the naked eye during a gynecological examination, and after the removal of cervical polyps, there should be no bleeding. Cervical cancer, on the other hand, is different. With cervical cancer, abnormalities can be seen on the surface of the cervix or, even if not visible to the naked eye, can generally be detected through cervical cancer screening. There is no issue with patients with cervical polyps undergoing cervical cancer screening. For patients with cervical cancer, cervical cancer screening typically includes TCT and HPV testing. If these tests show abnormalities, indicating cervical cancer or precancerous lesions, a biopsy is generally required for further diagnosis. There is a difference between the two; after a polyp is removed, there should be no further bleeding; whereas with cervical cancer, continuous bleeding, irregular bleeding, and an accompanying odor can occur.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
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Is cervical polyp cervical cancer?

Cervical polyps are not cervical cancer. Most cervical polyps are caused by chronic inflammation of the cervix, whereas cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. After removing a cervical polyp and conducting a pathological examination, if it is benign, it is considered cured. However, cervical cancer is a malignant tumor that requires surgery. If high-risk factors are present after surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are necessary. Therefore, these two diseases are different and vary in severity.

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Written by Yan Qiao
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Does cervical cancer hurt?

For patients with cervical cancer, the most common clinical manifestations are bleeding during sexual intercourse and irregular vaginal bleeding. Patients who have undergone menopause may also experience irregular vaginal bleeding post-menopause, and some patients may not show any clinical signs at a very early stage. As the cancer progresses, and when it invades nearby organs and metastasizes, it may cause lower abdominal distension and pain, and even more severe pain if the metastatic organs compress nerves or directly invade areas containing nerves.

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Written by Gong Chun
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Treatment of Cervical Cancer

The treatment principle of cervical cancer primarily focuses on surgical and radiotherapy, supplemented by chemotherapy and other comprehensive treatment plans. Therefore, it should be based on clinical staging and the specific condition of the patient, such as age and physical health, combined with the overall situation, as well as considering the level of technology and equipment conditions to develop a suitable treatment plan. Nowadays, emphasis is placed on personalized treatment and initial treatment. Cervical cancer treatment primarily involves surgery, including extensive hysterectomy and extensive cervical excision, where choosing the appropriate surgical method is key. Post-surgery, radiotherapy can be combined, and for those unsuitable for surgery, preoperative radiotherapy is an option. Additionally, preoperative or postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy can also be considered.

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Cervical cancer symptoms

Cervical cancer generally has no symptoms in its early stages. In advanced stages, symptoms become more obvious. In the early stages, signs may include increased vaginal discharge, bleeding after sexual intercourse, or discharge containing blood streaks, typically without abdominal pain. In advanced stages, there might be irregular vaginal bleeding or heavy bleeding, and sometimes the secretions may appear like rice-wash water. If an infection occurs, there can be a foul smell, and pain in the lower abdomen may be felt, indicating the cancer has progressed to a late stage. Therefore, if there is an increase in discharge or bleeding after intercourse during the early stages, it is crucial to promptly visit a hospital for examination.