1. What are the early symptoms of cervical cancer?
Early cervical cancer often has no obvious symptoms. Contact bleeding, irregular vaginal bleeding, intermenstrual or postmenopausal bleeding may occur. Vaginal discharge may increase and become watery or bloody, with an odor.
2. How is cervical cancer related to HPV?
Persistent high-risk HPV infection is the main cause. HPV16 and HPV18 are the most common types, accounting for approximately 70% of cases.
3. What cervical cancer screening methods are available?
Screening includes cervical cytology (TCT) and HPV testing. Women aged 21-29 are advised to undergo TCT every three years,
4. What types of cervical cancer surgery are available?
Surgery is the main treatment for early cervical cancer. Cervical conization or LEEP is suitable for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and very early invasive cancer.
5. What is minimally invasive treatment for cervical cancer?
Minimally invasive treatments include laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery. Compared with open surgery, they offer less trauma, less blood loss, and faster postoperative recovery.
6. How is intermediate or advanced cervical cancer treated?
Chemoradiotherapy is the main approach. External beam radiotherapy with concurrent platinum chemotherapy is standard, followed by intracavitary brachytherapy to improve local control.
7. How can cervical cancer be prevented?
HPV vaccination is a primary preventive measure, ideally at ages 9-14. It does not replace screening; regular TCT and HPV testing are still needed after vaccination.
