What causes cervical cancer and what are its typical symptoms

Cervical cancer is mainly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and typical symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sexual intercourse, and abnormal vaginal discharge. The key to prevention and treatment lies in regular screening, HPV vaccination, and early intervention.

1. Causes of cervical cancer

The main cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk HPV viruses, especially HPV16 and HPV18. HPV infection is transmitted through sexual contact and can remain latent for a long time after infection, eventually leading to cervical cell cancer. In addition to HPV infection, other factors may also increase the risk of disease:

Genetic factors: People with a family history of cervical cancer have a higher risk of the disease.

Environmental factors: Behaviors such as smoking, long-term use of oral contraceptives, and multiple sexual partners may increase the risk of HPV infection.

Physiological factors: People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop persistent HPV infection.

Pathological factors: Chronic cervicitis, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and other diseases may develop into cervical cancer.

2. Typical symptoms of cervical cancer

There may be no obvious symptoms in the early stages of cervical cancer, but as the disease progresses, the following symptoms are more common:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding: This includes bleeding between periods, postmenopausal bleeding, or bleeding after sexual intercourse.

Abnormal vaginal discharge: Increased amount of vaginal discharge, which may be accompanied by an odor or blood.

Pelvic pain: In late stages, persistent pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area may occur.

Difficulty urinating: When the tumor presses on the bladder or urethra, urination may become difficult or frequent.

3. Prevention and treatment of cervical cancer

The key to preventing cervical cancer is regular screening and HPV vaccination.

Regular screening: It is recommended that women start regular cervical cytology examinations such as TCT and HPV testing from the age of 21 to detect lesions early.

Get HPV vaccine: Women aged 9-45 can get HPV vaccine to effectively prevent high-risk HPV infection.

Healthy lifestyle: Quitting smoking, reducing the number of sexual partners, using condoms and other measures can reduce the risk of infection.

For women diagnosed with cervical cancer, treatment may include:

Surgical treatment: Early cervical cancer can be treated through surgical methods such as cervical conization and hysterectomy.

Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy can be used for patients in the middle and late stages, combined with chemotherapy to improve the efficacy.

Chemotherapy: Commonly used drugs include cisplatin, paclitaxel, etc., which are used to treat patients with advanced or recurrent disease.

Early detection and treatment of cervical cancer are crucial, and regular screening and a healthy lifestyle are the key to prevention. If abnormal symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying the disease.