Photo: thepharma
Cervical cancer is one of the most serious oncological threats for women in Ukraine, yet it is also one of the few cancers that can be effectively prevented. Timely detection of precancerous conditions can save lives and preserve health.
According to the National Cancer Registry, 3,007 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in Ukraine in 2024, and 1,097 patients died from the disease.
Cervical cancer is aggressive, but it is largely preventable. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) and regular screening to detect precancerous changes greatly increase the chances of complete recovery.
In over 95% of cases, cervical cancer is linked to HPV infection. The disease develops gradually: after HPV infection, abnormal changes—dysplasia—appear in cervical cells. Without intervention, dysplasia can progress to invasive cancer. This stage is critical, as modern medicine can effectively halt the progression.
Screening methods
Modern screening methods include Pap tests, cytological examinations, HPV testing, and colposcopy, which allows visual inspection of the cervix using a specialized device. These methods help detect precancerous conditions before irreversible changes occur.
Understanding cervical “erosion”
The term “erosion” refers to various changes in the cervix. Most are not dangerous but require differentiation:
True erosion – a superficial lesion that usually heals quickly
Ectopia (pseudo-erosion) – a normal variant often seen in young women or during pregnancy
Dysplasia – a precancerous condition requiring medical attention
Laboratory tests such as cytology, HPV testing, and sometimes biopsy are necessary to distinguish harmless changes from dysplasia.
Cervical dysplasia
Dysplasia occurs when normal cervical epithelial cells are replaced by atypical ones. The greater the number of abnormal cells, the higher the risk to a woman’s health. Dysplasia is most often linked to infection with oncogenic HPV strains. While the immune system can sometimes suppress the virus, prolonged infection increases the likelihood of dysplasia and cervical cancer.
Symptoms not to ignore
In most cases, cellular changes in dysplasia do not cause noticeable symptoms and are detected only during screening. However, some women may experience:
- Discomfort or itching in the vulva
- Dull lower abdominal pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse and post-coital bleeding
- Bloody, foamy, or cloudy discharge with an unpleasant odor between periods
- Severe irritation, burning, or itching of the external genitalia
- Doctors advise consulting a specialist immediately if any of these symptoms occur.
Diagnosis and treatment
Dysplasia is detected through Pap tests or HPV testing. Suspicious results lead to colposcopy and biopsy, in which tissue samples are analyzed in detail. Treatment is individualized based on the extent of tissue involvement.
Other potentially concerning conditions
During examinations, doctors may also detect cervical “spots” such as:
Leukoplakia – whitish patches or plaques
Erythroplakia – reddish areas
These are not always dangerous but can hide atypical cells, including dysplasia, and require further investigation.
Polyps
Cervical polyps are benign growths of the cervical mucosa. Most are harmless, but in rare cases, polyps may contain precancerous or cancerous cells.
