Early screening aims to detect cancer.

A 24-year-old female patient unexpectedly received a diagnosis of precancerous cervical lesion; was early screening unnecessary?

Based on common symptoms, a young female patient visited MEDLATEC Tay Ho Multi-Specialty Clinic and received a diagnosis of suspected precancerous cervical lesions.

According to recommendations from leading oncology and obstetrics/gynecology experts, for peace of mind regarding health and timely treatment in case of cervical abnormalities, women should proactively undergo regular cervical cancer screenings after the age of 21.

A 24-year-old female patient from Hanoi , seeking treatment at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of MEDLATEC Tay Ho Multi-Specialty Clinic with seemingly minor symptoms, was surprised by the diagnosis of a precancerous lesion on her cervix.

At the clinic, the patient underwent a clinical examination by a doctor and important tests and imaging diagnostics. Test results showed bacterial inflammatory lesions, and the HPV Genotype PCR test was positive for HPV type 18 – the leading cause of cervical cancer – and positive for one of 12 other high-risk HPV types.

During the examination, the doctor discovered an atypical white lesion, suspected to be abnormal. The patient underwent a cervical biopsy for histopathological examination, which revealed low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL).

Commenting on the case, Dr. Duong Ngoc Van, a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology at MEDLATEC Tay Ho Multi-Specialty Clinic, said that during the medical history taking, the patient stated that she had unprotected sexual intercourse.

With a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) result, this is a typical case of lack of preventative measures, not being vaccinated against HPV, and engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse.

Fortunately, the patient was examined and the precancerous cervical lesion was detected in time, allowing for long-term monitoring and control of potentially dangerous progression.

Despite the media constantly reporting alarming statistics on cervical cancer worldwide and in Vietnam, many women remain indifferent to this dangerous disease.

Cervical cancer is a malignant disease caused by the abnormal growth of squamous or glandular epithelial cells in the cervix, leading to the formation of tumors in the cervix. When these tumors multiply uncontrollably, they invade and metastasize to surrounding organs such as the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina, and rectum.

Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that nearly 350,000 deaths from cervical cancer occur worldwide each year. In Vietnam, more than 4,000 women are newly diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, and over 2,000 die from the disease.

According to the WHO, 99.7% of cervical cancer cases are linked to the HPV virus – a virus with nearly 200 types, 14 of which are classified as high-risk for causing malignant tumors in the cervix. The most common are types 16 and 18, which are responsible for over 70% of cervical cancer cases in women.

HPV is primarily transmitted sexually due to unprotected sex. Infections with high-risk HPV types often result in low viral clearance, persistent persistence in women with cervical cell damage, and potential progression to cancer.

This situation highlights the urgent need to improve the screening of high-risk HPV strains and early detection of cervical cancer in women worldwide.

Dr. Duong Ngoc Van provides important information for women: cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be screened for very early. The earlier the disease is detected, the higher the success rate of treatment and the preservation of reproductive functions.

Unlike many other cancers, cervical cancer undergoes a long, insidious precancerous progression, estimated at 10-15 years, and often has no obvious clinical manifestations. This is the scientific basis for modern medicine to develop methods for early cervical cancer screening.

Currently, cytology testing and HPV Genotype PCR testing are two common, effective methods routinely applied in healthcare facilities to help women screen for cervical cancer lesions from their early stages.

According to recommendations from leading oncology and obstetrics/gynecology experts, for peace of mind regarding health and timely treatment in case of cervical abnormalities, women should proactively undergo regular cervical cancer screenings after the age of 21.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/tam-soat-som-nham-phat-hien-ung-thu-d224513.html