Cervical erosion is a disease, which will develop into cervical cancer if it is not treated in time.
Rumors:
In 2008, the eighth edition of the national medical textbook Obstetrics and Gynecology changed the name of "cervical erosion" to the physiological manifestation of cervical columnar epithelium heterotopia. In other words, cervical erosion is not a disease and does not need any treatment. However, this knowledge update and academic progress have not aroused widespread concern. Until today, many people are still talking about "cervical erosion".
During embryonic development, the cells on the surface of the cervix can be roughly divided into two types: columnar epithelial cells in the cervical canal and squamous epithelial cells outside the cervical canal. After puberty, under the action of estrogen, columnar epithelial cells proliferate, crawl outward and are exposed outside the cervical canal, which is "columnar epithelial heterotopia". Because there is a rich vascular network under the columnar cells, the cervix is red, and because the columnar epithelial cells are fused with each other, they are fluffy or granular, which looks red and rough and looks like "erosion". After menopause, the level of estrogen is low or lacking, and columnar epithelial cells retract into the cervical canal, which no longer exists. Not everyone will have this phenomenon all the time, which mainly depends on the responsiveness of cervical columnar epithelial cells to estrogen. In short, "cervical erosion" is a manifestation of "columnar epithelial ectopia", a normal physiological phenomenon, not a disease! Has nothing to do with cervical cancer.
Whether there is any disease in the cervix and what kind of disease it is depends on regular hospitals and qualified gynecologists for gynecological clinical examination. Cervical liquid-based cytology (TCT), human papillomavirus (HPV), colposcopy and pathological biopsy are needed to confirm. If necessary, auxiliary immunohistochemical examination is needed. In order to effectively prevent cervical cancer and other gynecological diseases, it is very necessary to have regular gynecological examinations.
In 2008, China officially banned the wrong diagnosis term "cervical erosion" of "columnar epithelial ectopia" in the form of authoritative teaching materials, and then it was widely spread in various media and academic seminars. Today, more than ten years later, many people are still willing to talk about "cervical erosion" driven by ignorance or interests. I hope everyone will get out of the misunderstanding, seriously defend the cervix and maintain the integrity of the female reproductive system.
Normal cervix
Ectopic columnar epithelium of cervix
Expert: Guo Shuzhen, Director and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University.
Expert: Tian Xiangyang, Director of Guidance and Training Department of China Health Education Center.