The incidence of cervical cancer in Europe is very high: it is the 2nd cancer in young women (between 15 and 44 years). Currently in Spain 2 women die every day from this cause.
It is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), transmitted by genital contact. In general, it is estimated that 70% of sexually active women and men have been exposed to this virus at some time in their lives. In most women the virus is eliminated and the lesions regress thanks to the body’s own defenses. Only if the infection becomes chronic can it lead to cancer.
The alterations in the cells can be of 2 types: Low-grade lesions (mild dysplasia or CIN I ) or high-grade lesions (moderate-severe dysplasia or CIN II-III ). The first ones are cured spontaneously in almost 60% of women, so they are only followed up with cytology and colposcopy, a technique that is practiced in the office and allows a magnified view of the cervix, using acetic acid that stains the lesions whitish, allowing their identification to take samples (biopsies).
HPV prevention to avoid cervical cancer
Any woman, sexually active and at any age, can be in contact with HPV. For this reason, regular check-ups with the gynecologist specialist should be performed and vaccinations are beneficial and are indicated both in healthy women and in those who have already had contact or lesions caused by HPV.
There are several types of HPV, some produce external genital lesions (condylomas or genital warts) and others produce precancerous lesions of the cervix. The HPV types that produce the most cases of cancer are types 16 and 18. Prevention depends on regular visits to the gynecologist and the administration of vaccines.
At the gynecological examination a cytology is performed, which is painless and consists of gently scraping the outside of the cervix in order to collect cells, which are then examined under a microscope.
High-grade lesions (moderate and severe dysplasia) must be treated, as they could progress to cervical cancer within 10 years. Treatment consists of conization: removal of the affected tissue by means of a diathermy loop. The second form of prevention is the administration of HPV vaccines. They are active against 4 types of virus: 16 and 18 which produce precancerous lesions and 6 and 11, genital condylomas. They are currently included in the vaccination schedule for girls aged 13-14 years.