latent period of cervical cancer

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on November 05, 2024
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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.

Other Voices

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Self-exam method for cervical cancer

There aren't many methods for self-examination of cervical cancer. If symptoms such as vaginal bleeding or discharge occur, it is crucial to visit a hospital for a gynecological examination promptly. Of course, the diagnosis of cervical cancer should still rely on the examination by specialist doctors at hospitals. There are cytological examinations of cervical scrapings available, as well as examinations of cervical and endocervical tissue to confirm whether it is cervical cancer or not. Particularly, the examination of cervical and endocervical tissue is the main basis for confirming cervical cancer. Therefore, we should still undertake pathological examinations to confirm whether it is cervical cancer or not, rather than relying solely on self-examination to diagnose cervical cancer.

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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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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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Cervical cancer treatment

For the treatment of cervical cancer, it should be based on the patient's physical condition, nutritional status, pathological staging, and pathological type to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, rather than a general, single approach. The treatment principle for cervical cancer mainly involves surgery and radiotherapy, supported by a comprehensive treatment plan that includes chemotherapy. However, the treatment plan should be based on clinical staging, age, overall health, and consider the level of technology and equipment available to formulate a suitable treatment plan. It is important to focus on individualized treatment and the method of initial treatment. Therefore, each person is different, and treatments vary from person to person and disease to disease.

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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.