How is cervical cancer screened?

Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on November 08, 2024
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Cervical cancer screening is a routine gynecological examination item for married women and women who are sexually active. Cervical cancer screening includes TCT (ThinPrep Cytologic Test) and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) tests. The TCT is a cytological examination of the cervix to determine if there are any cervical lesions based on cell morphology. HPV is the human papillomavirus, and its presence is a high-risk factor for cervical cancer. Therefore, cervical cancer screening consists of both TCT and HPV tests. If abnormalities are found in either test, a cervical biopsy may be necessary to confirm the presence of cervical lesions. It is best to conduct these tests between three to seven days after the end of menstruation.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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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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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Treatment of Cervical Cancer

The treatment principle of cervical cancer primarily focuses on surgical and radiotherapy, supplemented by chemotherapy and other comprehensive treatment plans. Therefore, it should be based on clinical staging and the specific condition of the patient, such as age and physical health, combined with the overall situation, as well as considering the level of technology and equipment conditions to develop a suitable treatment plan. Nowadays, emphasis is placed on personalized treatment and initial treatment. Cervical cancer treatment primarily involves surgery, including extensive hysterectomy and extensive cervical excision, where choosing the appropriate surgical method is key. Post-surgery, radiotherapy can be combined, and for those unsuitable for surgery, preoperative radiotherapy is an option. Additionally, preoperative or postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy can also be considered.

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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 Liu Jian Wei
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Is cervical hypertrophy cervical cancer?

In clinical practice, most cases of cervical hypertrophy are not cervical cancer, but normal women do not have cervical hypertrophy. It is recommended that patients who suspect cervical hypertrophy should immediately visit the obstetrics and gynecology clinic of their local hospital, undergo a gynecological color ultrasound, and a gynecological examination to determine the cause of the cervical hypertrophy. The gynecological examination mainly relies on the doctor's visual assessment of the size of the cervix, and observation of any obvious lesions on the surface of the cervix. Additionally, gynecological ultrasound can be used to identify potential lesions in parts of the cervix that are not visible to the naked eye.