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 Gong Chun
Oncology
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Cervical cancer screening

For the examination of cervical cancer, it should be based on medical history and clinical manifestations, especially for people with contact vaginal bleeding, a detailed general examination and gynecological examination should be conducted, and an examination of cervical biopsy tissue is needed for diagnosis. What specific examinations are there? There are cervical scrape cytology tests, iodine tests, colposcopy, examination of cervical and cervical canal tissue, as well as post-surgical cervical conization, and examination of postoperative specimens. Therefore, there are indeed many examinations, including some radiological assessments such as enhanced CT, PADCT, MRI, and other such tests.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can a cervical biopsy detect cervical cancer?

Cervical biopsy can detect cervical cancer as long as the altered tissue is collected. However, some people have a type 3 transformation zone in the cervix, making it difficult to obtain the altered tissue, and in these cases, cervical scraping is needed. Therefore, it is best to perform the biopsy under colposcopic examination and conduct a cervical canal scraping at the same time. If there is cervical cancer, it can be detected, and generally, it will not be missed.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

The most common symptom of cervical cancer is contact bleeding, which can manifest as bloody vaginal discharge and bleeding after sexual intercourse, as well as intermittent vaginal bleeding outside of menstrual periods. Additionally, it can present with malignant vaginal discharge, increased vaginal secretion accompanied by an unpleasant odor or foul smell, and sometimes purulent discharge. If the cervical cancer tumor spreads to adjacent organs, such as the bladder or kidneys, symptoms may include frequent urination, urinary urgency, back pain, and swelling of the lower limbs. In advanced stages, symptoms can also include anemia, fever, and weight loss.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Staging of cervical cancer

The clinical staging of cervical cancer mainly uses the FIGO system, which adopts the staging criteria of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). Staging should be performed before treatment, and once done it does not change after treatment. Since FIGO staging of cervical cancer primarily relies on pelvic examination, it emphasizes the necessity of this examination being conducted by two experienced gynecologic oncologists. If needed, a pelvic examination under anesthesia is performed to ensure the accuracy of the evaluation. So, how is the staging performed? It involves measuring the size of the cervical lesion, particularly the measurement of endophytic tumors, the infiltration of cervical tissue, and the status of pelvic lymph nodes, providing accurate information with the aid of radiological data, especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.