Characteristics of Bleeding in Cervical Cancer

Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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The bleeding characteristics of cervical cancer should be considered based on the pathological type and stage of the disease. In the early stages, the bleeding may be contact-related, occurring after sexual intercourse or a gynecological examination, and may involve a small amount of fresh, light bleeding. As the disease progresses into the later stages, the tumor may cause irregular vaginal bleeding. The amount of this irregular bleeding varies, depending on the size of the lesion and the involvement of the blood vessels in the interstitial tissues. A larger lesion may naturally result in more bleeding. In advanced stages, major blood vessels may be affected, potentially leading to severe bleeding. Therefore, the characteristics of vaginal bleeding should be analyzed based on the specific circumstances. If the cancer is exophytic, bleeding tends to occur earlier and is usually more copious, whereas if it is endophytic, bleeding tends to occur later.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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 Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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 Gong Chun
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How to prevent cervical cancer

How to prevent cervical cancer: Firstly, it is very important to prevent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). So, how can one prevent HPV infection? First, in choosing sexual partners, one should select a healthy male, generally a steady one, and avoid relationships with men who have penile cancer, prostate cancer, or whose ex-wife had cervical cancer, as these men are considered high-risk, and the women they come into contact with are also at increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Secondly, we should pay attention to personal hygiene. Thirdly, one should enhance their physical constitution to prevent viral infections and to maintain cleanliness. Fourthly, attention should be given to prevention of other contributing factors, such as early childbirth. Therefore, it is necessary to choose an appropriate age for childbirth. Multiple births are also related to cervical cancer, so if pregnant, one should avoid miscarriage and multiple dilation and curettage procedures. Fifthly, adhere to a healthy and reasonable diet, and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Precursors of cervical cancer

The occurrence and development of the cervix is a process from quantitative to qualitative change, evolving gradually to a sudden shift over a long period. The precursor might be the heterotypic zone of the cervix, which is a common site for abnormalities. During the formation of this heterotypic zone, cervical epithelial metaplasia is relatively active, and, compounded by infection with the human papillomavirus and further stimulated by external carcinogens, immature or proliferative squamous epithelial cells may exhibit gradual changes or atypical hyperplasia, potentially leading to sarcomatoid changes in the cervical epithelium. This might be a precursor sign.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
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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.