The cervix is an essential part of the female reproductive system. It is vital in maintaining the overall health. However, like other body parts, it can be affected by various abnormalities affecting the women’s well-being. This insightful guide, curated by Dr Rachna, a gynaecologist at Manasvi Healthcare, Gynae hospital in Rohini, will help you understand what cervical abnormalities are, why they matter, and what you need to know about them. If you are seeking this information for yourself or to support a loved one, this guide will provide clear insights into cervical abnormalities.

What are cervical abnormalities?

Cervical abnormalities are changes in the cells that cover the cervix, the opening to the uterus. These changes are not cancer and are usually caused by HPV, a common virus that passes through sexual contact.

Cervical abnormalities can be minor (low-grade) or serious (high-grade). Minor changes usually go back to normal on their own, but more serious changes can turn into cancer if left untreated. These more serious changes are often called precancers.

Importance of cervical health

Cervical health is important because:

• Cervical cancer is highly treatable when detected early.
• Cervical cancer screening tests check for abnormal changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer. The screening test looks for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types in a sample of cervical cells.
• If high-risk HPV is found, the sample checks for abnormal cell changes. Abnormal cells are treatable to prevent them from turning into cervical cancer.

The HPV vaccine can also help prevent cervical cancer. As of 2023, six HPV vaccines are available globally that protect against the high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which cause most cervical cancers.

Symptoms of Cervical Abnormalities

The only way to know if there are abnormal cells that may develop into cancer is to have a cervical screening test.

• There is vaginal bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause.
• The Vaginal bleeding is heavier or longer than normal.
• Vaginal discharge that is watery and has a strong odour or that contains blood.
• There is pelvic pain or pain during sex.
• There is a change in your vaginal discharge, such as more discharge or a strong or unusual colour or smell.

Other common symptoms include:

• Back pain
• Bone pain or fractures
• Fatigue
• Leaking of urine or feces from the vagina
• Leg pain
• Loss of appetite
• Pelvic pain
• Single swollen leg
• Weight loss

You should seek medical attention if you have any new symptoms that do not go away that could be signs of cervical cancer

Diagnosis of Cervical Abnormalities

These are the following ways to diagnose cervical abnormalities:

Pap test

The Pap test is a procedure that collects cervical cells to check for changes caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that may turn into cervical cancer. The cells are then examined in a lab under a microscope for changes that might be precancers or cancer. The test usually takes place in conjunction with a pelvic exam.

HPV test

The HPV test looks for high-risk HPV types that can cause cell changes on the cervix. The Pap test looks for precancerous cells on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if left untreated. The HPV/Pap test uses both the HPV test and the Pap test to check for both HPV and cervical cell changes.

Biopsy

A cervical biopsy is a minor surgical procedure that removes tissue from the cervix to test for cervical cancer or precancerous conditions. The procedure may cause mild cramping, brief pain, and some slight bleeding afterwards. A positive test means that cancer or precancerous cells have been found, and further diagnosis and treatment may be needed.

Complete blood count (CBC)

A CBC can be used to check for anaemia caused by long-term vaginal bleeding. It can also provide a baseline for doctors to compare future blood tests during and after treatment. A complete blood count (CBC) test can not confirm a cervical cancer diagnosis on its own, but is still important for the overall diagnostic process.

Colposcopy

A colposcopy is a cervical endoscopy test that uses a colposcope to examine the cervix for abnormal cells. The colposcope is a microscope-like instrument with magnifying lenses that stays outside the body and does not touch the patient. The procedure is similar to a Pap test.

Treatment Options

Treatments for abnormal cervical cells depend on the severity of the changes and may include:

• Cold coagulation: A heated probe burns away abnormal cells
• Cryotherapy: A cold probe freezes away abnormal cells
• Laser therapy: A hot beam of light burns away abnormal cells
• Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): A thin wire loop passes an electrical current to remove abnormal tissue
• Cold knife conisation: A scalpel removes abnormal tissue

All treatments can cause risks like heavy bleeding and pregnancy complications, so patients should discuss these with their doctor before treatment. After treatment, patients will need follow-up testing, including Pap tests or an HPV DNA test.

You should visit the best gynaecologist near you to get the right diagnosis and treatment. Cervical abnormalities are not serious unless not treated on time. Most people feel great after receiving treatment for cervical cell issues. Some people may feel unwell and need to go home and relax. You will have some bleeding and pain after therapy for abnormal cervical cells. Book an appointment with us to ensure your intimate well-being is taken care of.