What is cervical cancer?

Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Cervical erosion is one of the most common malignant gynecological tumors, belonging to a type of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer itself is a significant branch within this category, and both the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer are relatively high in our country. However, recent advances in medical science have led to a noticeable decline. Cervical cancer is associated with HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, as well as with early childbirth, multiple pregnancies, and smoking. The definitive diagnosis of cervical cancer relies on the examination of cervical and endocervical canal live tissues, colposcopic biopsy, or cervical scrape cytology. Typically, after CT, MRI, or other imaging studies, a mass may be detected. Possible symptoms of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge.

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Early symptoms of cervical cancer

The most common early symptom of cervical cancer may be contact bleeding, including vaginal bleeding after intercourse. However, not many patients exhibit these symptoms. Many patients do not show any symptoms, but there are some pathological changes on the cervix. Therefore, it is recommended that women who are sexually active should undergo regular early screening for cervical cancer, including HPV, TCT, and colposcopy examinations. Regular checks can determine whether there are indeed pathological changes on the cervix. This is also a preventive measure for women, and the screening is highly efficient at detecting early pathological changes in the cervix.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
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How to get the cervical cancer vaccine?

The cervical cancer vaccine is administered in the same way as regular vaccines, which is an injection in the deltoid muscle. However, the scheduling of the subsequent doses of the cervical cancer vaccine differs. For the bivalent cervical cancer vaccine, the second dose is administered one month after the first dose, and the third dose at six months. For the quadrivalent and nonavalent vaccines, the second dose is administered two months after the first, with the third dose given at six months.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
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How long does it take for cervical cancer to develop?

Cervical cancer generally forms beginning with an infection of human papillomavirus (HPV), and it usually takes five to ten years to develop into cervical cancer. The vast majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by contact with HPV. If this virus continues to replicate in the body, it typically progresses to cervical cancer over a period of five to ten years. Therefore, cervical cancer screening is crucial for women. If regular check-ups are performed annually during this period, it is possible to halt the progression to cervical cancer and its precursors. Cervical cancer screening generally includes routine TCT (ThinPrep Cytologic Test) and HPV testing. These two tests can preliminarily screen for cervical cancer and precancerous conditions. If any abnormalities are detected, it is essential to undergo a colposcopic biopsy at a hospital, as biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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latent period of cervical cancer

The latency period for cervical cancer is generally five to ten years. The occurrence of cervical cancer is mainly due to exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the body. Typically, this virus persists and replicates within the body, leading to cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. From the initial virus infection to the development of cervical cancer, it usually takes a vast majority about five to ten years. Furthermore, different types of virus infections lead to varying probabilities of cervical cancer. In general, if the infection involves types 16 and 18 of the virus, the likelihood of developing cervical cancer is particularly high. Therefore, if one is infected with HPV types 16 and 18, it is crucial to undergo a cervical TCT test. If necessary, a cervical biopsy is generally performed under colposcopy, followed by treatment based on the examination results. Thus, to prevent cervical cancer, it is essential for women to undergo regular annual cervical cancer screening.

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Causes of cervical cancer

The causes of cervical cancer are closely related to several factors. Firstly, infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is highly related and is the fundamental cause of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Secondly, although HPV DNA is not detected in the tumor tissues of a minority of cases, particularly among older patients, epidemiological surveys indicate that early childbirth and multiple childbearing are closely related to the incidence of cervical cancer. Thirdly, it has been found that the incidence of cervical cancer in women is related to contact with high-risk men, such as those with penile cancer, prostate cancer, or those whose ex-wives had cervical cancer. Fourthly, smoking has a certain relationship with the incidence of cervical cancer as it can inhibit the body's immune function. Alcohol consumption, irregular diet, and lifestyle also have certain relationships with the incidence of cervical cancer.