How to screen for gynecological cervical cancer

Gynecological cervical cancer screening mainly includes cervical cytology examination, human papillomavirus detection, colposcopy and cervical biopsy. The main purpose of cervical cancer screening is to detect precancerous lesions or early cervical cancer early to facilitate timely intervention and treatment. Screening frequency often varies based on age and risk factors.

1. Cervical cytology examination

Cervical cytology, also known as Pap smear or liquid-based cytology, is one of the most commonly used screening methods for cervical cancer. During the examination, a special brush will be used to collect exfoliated cervical cells and sent to the laboratory for pathological examination. Liquid-based cytology can detect abnormal changes in cervical cells and help detect precancerous lesions. Women over 30 years old are recommended to have a cervical cytology test every 3 years.

2. Human papillomavirus detection

HPV testing collects cervical cells to detect the presence of high-risk human papillomavirus infection. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV is the main causative factor of cervical cancer. The sensitivity of HPV testing alone is high, and women over 35 years old can give priority to HPV testing every 5 years. Those who are positive for HPV types 16 and 18 need further colposcopy.

3. Joint screening

Women aged 30-65 can choose a combined screening method of cervical cytology and HPV testing. Joint screening can increase the detection rate and the interval can be extended to 5 years. Negative results on both tests can reduce the frequency of screening in subsequent years. When one test is positive and the other is negative, the screening interval needs to be shortened appropriately.

4. Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a confirmatory test performed after an abnormal cervical cytology or HPV test. Doctors use a magnifying glass to observe blood vessels and epithelial changes on the surface of the cervix, and perform a biopsy when suspicious lesions are found. Colposcopy can accurately locate the lesion and help determine the nature and extent of the lesion.

5. Cervical biopsy

Cervical biopsy is a method of pathological diagnosis by directly taking cervical tissue. Commonly used biopsy methods include spot biopsy, cervical scraping and conization biopsy. Biopsy results are the gold standard for diagnosing cervical precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. An individualized treatment plan can be developed based on the biopsy results.

It is recommended that women over the age of 21 start cervical cancer screening. Women aged 21-29 should undergo cervical cytology every 3 years. Women aged 30-65 can choose to undergo HPV testing combined with cytology every 5 years, or cytology alone every 3 years. Women over 65 years old can stop screening if their past screening results were normal. Regardless of whether the screening results are abnormal, you should maintain good living habits and avoid high-risk factors for cervical cancer such as multiple sexual partners. Regular gynecological examinations can help detect and treat cervical lesions early.