CERVICAL PRECANCEROUS LESION, HOW TO KNOW?

Reproductive organs are very important for the survival and preservation of human living. Its structure and regulatory system are very complex in order to function normally. Behind all that, every organ in the human body is also at risk for certain diseases, which are closely related to its function and location as well as the exposure it receives. One of the female organs that often exposed to infection is the uterine cervix.

Cervical precancerous lesion is a disease or condition that precedes cervical cancer. How important is the attention must be given to this disease? To be able to develop into cancer it takes quite a long time, namely several years or even decades, so that a woman who experiences it has a long enough time to prevent it from developing into cervical cancer. Of course, we must know and understand the signs and symptoms, as well as routine screening.

The main cause of cervical precancerous lesions is the Human papillomavirus (HPV) which is mainly transmitted through sexual contact in women of reproductive age. This virus can also be transmitted through the skin. There are more than 100 subtypes of low and high-risk HPV and the most common causes of cervical cancer are types 16 and 18. Persistent infection with HPV is the most important risk factor for the development of moderate and high-grade precancerous lesions. Women who have an increased risk of being exposed to HPV are women who have sexual activity at an early age, have multiple sexual partners, has partner with multiple sexual partners and partner who is not circumcised. Other risk factors that increase the occurrence of precancerous lesions to a more severe degree are smoking, immunosuppressive conditions such as treatment with immunosuppression, after transplantation, and HIV.

Precancerous lesions usually do not cause symptoms, but are more often found during routine pap smears. Because pelvic examinations are often normal, routine pap smears are important. Apart from routine and repeated pap smears, other further examination that necessary for the follow-up and treatment of precancerous lesions are colposcopy, endocervical curettage, biopsy, excision and HPV DNA testing. In early cervical cancer, symptoms can be found such as: changes in vaginal discharge, odor discharge, abnormal bleeding outside the time of menstruation or more menstrual blood, longer menstrual time, bleeding after menopause, bleeding after sexual intercourse, pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.

In most cases, the immune system will be able to eliminate the virus, but in other women the infection can continue and cause precancerous lesions. In mild precancerous lesions it can sometimes resolved without treatment, but observation is needed by doing a pap smear every 3-6 months. In moderate to severe precancerous lesions, and low grade precancerous lesions that persist for 2 years, treatment is needed to remove these lesions so that do not develop into cancer.

The risk of developing more severe lesions can be prevented by avoiding high-risk sexual behavior associated with HPV infection, avoiding smoking, initial screening starting at age 21 years for women who have had sexual intercourse, HPV vaccination from age 11-12 years and given to women up to 45 years of age. So, with prevention efforts, early detection and early treatment, precancerous lesions can be prevented from developing into cancer.