Oncogynecologist Chichigin spoke about the precursors of cervical cancer that appear at 20

Oncogynecologist Alexei Chichigin spoke about the precursors of cervical cancer, which appear at the age of 20. This is reported by “Doctor Peter”.

According to Chichigin, the first changes in the tissues of the cervix can occur at the age of 20, the neoplasm will slowly progress, and by the age of 40-50 it will turn into a serious diagnosis for a woman.

“Cervical cancer is not associated with the presence of any known hereditary syndrome, so it is believed that the disease is random,” said the expert. – But it is preceded by background and precancerous conditions that should alert the woman. You need to be diagnosed and treated.”

Diseases that should alert a woman: simple ectopia and endocervicosis of the cervix; ectropion of the cervix; leukoplakia of the cervix; and neoplasia (dysplasia) of the cervix.

“In most cases, all these changes are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus, namely, types of high carcinogenic risk,” the oncogynecologist specified. “Depending on how long the virus is in the woman’s body, the higher the likelihood of developing cervical cancer against the background of existing dysplasia.”

At an early stage of cervical cancer, more precisely, at the level of “precancer”, the patient usually does not worry about anything. The first symptoms appear with the onset of tumor growth.

You need to see a doctor urgently in the following cases:

Menses are longer and more profuse than usual.

There is bleeding between cycles.

Difficulty or impaired urination.

Bleeding appears in postmenopause.

During sexual intercourse, pain or bleeding appeared.

There are pains in the lower abdomen.

There was itching or discomfort in the vagina.

The discharge has changed its usual texture, color or smell.

Sudden and unexplained weight loss.

Loss of appetite, dizziness and general weakness.

A slight increase in temperature, not higher than 37.5 degrees.

Swelling of the legs.

Increased fatigue and drowsiness.

“Clinical symptoms of background and precancerous diseases, the initial stages of cervical cancer may be mild or completely absent,” the expert warned. “Therefore, it is important to visit the gynecologist regularly, especially after the onset of sexual activity.”

As for the treatment of cervical cancer, it, according to the oncogynecologist, largely depends on the stage of the disease. “In the early stages, surgical treatment is offered, including organ-preserving treatment if the spread of the tumor allows and it is necessary to preserve the reproductive function,” he added.

At later stages, women are offered radiation treatments, as in this case they are considered more effective. This can be remote, intracavitary radiation therapy, or a combination of them, which may include chemotherapy drugs.

“The prognosis for recovery depends on the duration of the disease,” the expert said. “That’s why it’s so important to get regular checkups and cancer screening.”

The high-risk HPV vaccine, usually given during adolescence, may also protect against cervical cancer.