Causes of cervical cancer

Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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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.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
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How long does it take for cervical cancer to develop?

The causes of cervical cancer are now clear; it is caused by an infection with the HPV virus. Generally, this virus needs to be carried for more than two to three years before it can infect and develop into cervical cancer. There is a process of carcinogenesis where normal epithelial tissue transforms into cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. If the HPV infection is not treated and continues, it could lead to cervical cancer. Thus, the development process is relatively long, typically requiring two to three years. It is recommended that sexually active women undergo cervical cancer screening to check for any pathological changes in the cervix, including HPV, TCT, and colposcopy examinations.

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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 Liu Jian Wei
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Cervical cancer is divided into several stages.

Cervical cancer is categorized into four stages based on the extent of the cancer lesion, with different stages receiving different treatments clinically. Stage I cervical cancer is the earliest stage, while stage IV cervical cancer is the latest stage, often invading organs beyond the reproductive system. Clinically, early-stage cervical cancer is primarily treated with surgical resection, followed by postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy to reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence. In contrast, late-stage cervical cancer is treated primarily with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

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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.

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Does cervical cancer hurt?

Early cervical cancer generally has no obvious symptoms, often manifesting as vaginal discharge with blood streaks or bleeding after intercourse. However, if not treated timely, the condition can progress to an advanced stage where the growth of the cancer may compress surrounding tissues, possibly causing swelling and pain in the lower body and back pain. If the cancer cells spread throughout the body and affect nerves, stubborn pain can occur, and when bone metastasis occurs, localized bone pain can also be experienced.