Pre-invasive lesions of the cervix

Abstract

Invasive Cervical carcinoma o Cervical Cancer (CCa) is the fourth leading cause of death among women. CCa is preceded by dysplastic alterations in the epithelial cells of the cervix that do not compromise the stroma. The most significant risk factor is one that is also required for the development of pre-invasive cervical lesions: persistent infection with a strain of human papilloma virus (HPV) that has a viral genotype. Timely detection programs consist of methods aimed at identifying women with asymptomatic pre-malignant lesions that can be healed with treatment. Current screening tests to detect CCa include cervical cytology, either conventional or liquid-based, and assays to detect high and low risk viruses or specific serotypes. Furthermore, because HPV is an etiological factor and because we know that primary prevention of HPV is a health-promoting strategy, prophylactic vaccines have been developed for this virus. Treatments for pre-malignant lesions depend on the degree of the lesion, the availability of medical resources, the experience of the surgeons in performing specific procedures and patient choice.