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.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Causes of cervical cancer

There are several causes of cervical cancer, such as having multiple sexual partners, premature birth, smoking, and early sexual activity, all of which could lead to cervical cancer. However, the main cause of cervical cancer is infection with HPV, the human papillomavirus. It has been scientifically proven that cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection. Therefore, this viral infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer. It is recommended that women of childbearing age undergo cervical cancer screening to check for any abnormalities in the cervix.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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early symptoms of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer in its early stages often has no obvious symptoms or signs. It is usually discovered when abnormal vaginal discharge, which may have an unpleasant odor or bloodstains, prompts a hospital visit. Upon examination, cervical cancer can be diagnosed. Another typical symptom may be light bleeding after sexual intercourse, which can also lead to discovery upon medical examination. Therefore, the best approach to detecting cervical cancer is to regularly undergo cervical cancer screenings to identify and treat any early changes, improving treatment outcomes.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Cervical Cancer Staging Criteria

For the staging of cervical cancer, the staging criteria of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) are now adopted. Staging should be done before treatment, and since the FIGO staging of the cervix mainly relies on the examination of the pelvis, it is emphasized that the pelvic examination must be performed by two senior gynecologic oncologists. The staging primarily involves assessing the size of the cervical lesion, particularly the measurement of endophytic tumors, parametrial tissue infiltration, and the status of pelvic lymph nodes. However, these stages mainly rely on radiological examinations, primarily magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to provide objective data for staging.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is cervical hypertrophy cervical cancer?

Cervical hypertrophy is not cervical cancer. Cervical hypertrophy is merely a change in the shape and size of the cervix, which becomes larger than normal, and its shape might be somewhat larger than a normal cervix. It is just a morphological change. Cervical cancer, on the other hand, is caused by an HPV virus infection. It is a type of tumor and is different from mere enlargement; one is cancer, and the other is just an increase in size. Therefore, it is recommended that patients who experience irregular vaginal bleeding after intercourse, as well as those who have irregular bleeding normally, should undergo screening for cervical cancer, including tests for HPV and TCT.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can cervical cancer be cured?

Cervical cancer can be treated with options including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. For Stage 1A1 cervical cancer, a conization surgery can be chosen; for stages from 1A2 up to before 2B, a radical hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy can be selected; if it is Stage 2B, where the cancer has spread to the parametrium, it is recommended to first undergo chemotherapy as preoperative neoadjuvant therapy to reduce the tumor size before proceeding with surgery; if the cancer has progressed to Stage 3A1 and beyond, radiotherapy or chemotherapy is recommended. In summary, surgical treatment can be chosen for cervical cancer before Stage 2B; if it is Stage 2B or later, involving the parametrium or the lower third of the vagina, surgery is generally not an option, and the treatment usually involves radiotherapy or chemotherapy.