Cervical precancer or cancer (needs checking)

Overview

Most HPV clears on its own.

HPV is very common and usually clears on its own. Long-lasting HPV can cause cell changes.

Screening finds changes years before cancer could develop.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Abnormal Pap or HPV test
• Abnormal Pap test or positive HPV test
• Bleeding after sex or between periods

Less common

• Bleeding after sex

When to get medical care

Causes

HPV.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: sex or touch.
• Condoms lower the risk. Sex partners should be tested and treated too.
• Some cases run in families. Ask whether genetic testing makes sense for you.

Who is more likely to get it

• Smoking
• Weak immune system

Diagnosis

Screening finds it.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Pap and HPV test:
• Colposcopy:

Treatment

Follow up.

Self-care

• Keep follow-up tests
• Get the HPV vaccine
• Don't smoke

Removal of abnormal cells.

Prevention

To prevent it:

• HPV vaccine
• Screening

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an oncologist (cancer doctor), often with a surgeon and a radiation doctor.

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Cancer Society: Help 24/7 at 1-800-227-2345, rides to treatment, and support programs.
• National Cancer Institute: Cancer Information Service: Free answers from cancer information specialists: 1-800-422-6237.

Back to school, work, or sports

• You can go to school and work as usual.
• Don't have sex until you and your partners finish treatment and your doctor says it's OK.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People with HIV: More frequent screening.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some cancer treatments can harm a baby. Ask about saving eggs before treatment if you want children later.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Precancer is very treatable.

Treating precancer prevents cancer.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• What follow-up do I need?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Cervical precancer or cancer (needs checking)