HPV-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix

HPV-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix

Article
Sexual Health
Women's Health
+3
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAFeb 20, 2022

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • HPV-Associated Cervical SCC
  • Human Papillomavirus Associated SCC of the Uterine Cervix
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma, HPV-Associated, of the Uterine Cervix

What is HPV-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix? (Definition/Background Information)

  • HPV-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix is a type of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a malignancy of the uterine cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus/womb. It is a very common cancer in women worldwide. The cervix is the tube-like structure that connects the uterus to the vagina. Almost all cervical cancers are believed to originate from a premalignant lesion
  • The development of cervical cancer occurs slowly and the process of precancerous changes leading to invasive cancer, generally takes place over decades. Hence, periodic screening of women with Pap smears helps in early detection and management of any precancerous change, before a full-blown malignancy develops. Cervical cancer is frequently preventable through early screening programs and HPV vaccinations
  • A vast majority of cancers arising from the cervix (between 80-90%) are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). HPV-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix is the development of invasive carcinoma due to persistent and recurrent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It is reported that about 90-95% of cervical squamous cell carcinomas are HPV-associated, with the mean age of diagnosis being 50-60 years
  • HPV infection is transmitted sexually, and high-risk HPV types (mainly HPV strains 16 and 18) are responsible for nearly 95% of the cervical SCCs. HPV-Associated SCC of the Uterine Cervix develops from a precancerous lesion termed high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) over many decades, aided by factors such as the use of oral contraceptives, poor immunity, and smoking. Additionally, HPV-Associated Cervical SCC also show genetic changes involving the PI3K/MAPK gene and TGF-β signaling pathways
  • In many women, no signs and symptoms may be noted during the initial stages of cancer development. Large-sized tumors may cause pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, and increased bleeding. Other presentations of HPV-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix may include cramping pain, increased urination, blood in urine, and fistula formation in the vaginal region
  • Pap smear screening and HPV DNA testing helps detect HSIL successfully in many cases, which is an early indicative lesion of future cervical SCC (if left untreated). Any abnormality found on a Pap smear is further scrutinized with an instrument, called a colposcope, and a biopsy of the abnormal areas performed to make the diagnosis
  • A treatment of HPV-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix is based on the cancer staging and presenting signs and symptoms. It may involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The prognosis may depend on factors such as the tumor stage, tumor size, and age of the individual. The tumor grade and strain of HPV involved is not known contribute to overall outcomes. In general, an early detection and adequate treatment can help achieve better outcomes
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Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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