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

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

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

• HPV-Independent 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); and over 90% of the cases are HPV-associated i.e., arising from persistent and recurrent human papillomavirus infection that is transmitted sexually. HPV-Independent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix is the development of invasive carcinoma in the background of HPV-negative status i.e., it is not caused by HPV-related infection. Only about 5-7% of the cervical SCCs are HPV-independent, and the mean age of diagnosis is 60-70 years
• The cause of development of HPV-Independent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix is not well-understood. Also, the presence of a precancerous lesion is not observed in this form of cancer, unlike HPV-associated SCCs. Genetic changes have been noted on the P53, KRAS, ARID1A, and PTEN genes that are not well-characterized
• In some women, the condition may be asymptomatic during the initial stages of cancer development. Large-sized tumors may cause abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, and increased bleeding. Other presentations of HPV-Independent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix may include cramping pain, blood in urine, and fistula formation in the vaginal region
• Most cases of HPV-Independent Cervical SCC are diagnosed during the advanced stages. Pap smear screening is not a helpful diagnostic tool in the case of HPV-Independent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix. However, molecular HPV testing is important towards establishing a diagnosis of this form of cervical cancer. HPV-associated SCC and HPV-independent SCC have similar features when examined by a pathologist under the microscope. Special studies are required to distinguish between the two types of cancers
• A treatment of HPV-Independent 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. HPV-Independent Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinomas are aggressive malignancies that frequently exhibit lymph node metastasis at initial diagnosis