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

• Adenocarcinoma In Situ, HPV-Independent, of the Uterine Cervix
• HPV-Independent Cervical Adenocarcinoma In Situ
• Human Papillomavirus Independent AIS of the Uterine Cervix

What is HPV-Independent Adenocarcinoma In Situ of the Uterine Cervix? (Definition/Background Information)

• HPV-Independent Adenocarcinoma In Situ of the Uterine Cervix is a premalignant condition and a precursor to 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
• Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) of cervix is a small-sized, localized, premalignant adenocarcinoma, observed in the uterine cervix. These often involve small-sized areas of the cervix. It may be described as an epithelial lesion and carries a very high-risk for invasive carcinoma, if left untreated. The condition is also known as high-grade cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia (HG-CGIN)
• It is reported that about 90% of cervical adenocarcinoma in situ cases are HPV-associated i.e., arising from persistent/recurrent human papillomavirus infection that is transmitted sexually. HPV-Independent Adenocarcinoma In Situ of the Uterine Cervix is the development of preinvasive carcinoma in the background of HPV negative status i.e., it is not caused by HPV-related infection
• HPV-Independent AIS of the Uterine Cervix is a non-invasive cancer. Special studies do not reveal the presence of HPV infection. When examined under a microscope by the pathologist, this condition has similar histological features to the stomach lining. Hence, it is called gastric-type adenocarcinoma in situ. The behavior of this condition is not known, since some grow slowly, while others grow more rapidly
• The cause of development of HPV-Independent Adenocarcinoma In Situ of the Uterine Cervix is not well-understood. It is a very rare occurrence that is observed in a wide age range of women (average age 51 years). It develops from precancerous lesions over many years, aided by factors such as the use of oral contraceptives, poor immunity, and smoking. HPV-Independent Cervical AIS may move to involve the endometrial layers of the uterus. The condition is usually asymptomatic or may cause watery discharge and abnormal Pap smear tests. Also, no mass lesions are typically noted
• In many instances, HPV-Independent Adenocarcinoma In Situ of the Uterine Cervix may be incidentally detected on hysterectomies or procedures performed on the uterine cervix (for other health conditions). In cases where the condition is suspected through screening Pap smears resulting in an early diagnosis, a complete surgical removal via cone biopsy procedure is generally recommended