Truc tested positive for HPV type 18 and had precancerous cervical lesions. After undergoing cervical conization to remove the abnormal tissue, histopathology confirmed adenocarcinoma. Subsequently, she experienced two weeks of brown vaginal discharge and sought examination at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

Dr. Nguyen Ba My Nhi, Director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, stated that Truc was diagnosed with stage IB1 cervical cancer. This means the cancer cells were localized within the cervix and had not spread to surrounding tissues or metastasized distantly. The tumor measured 2 cm and had invaded the cervical stroma by approximately 5 mm. This early stage of cancer typically has a 5-year survival rate of over 90% with timely treatment.

According to Dr. Nhi, there are over 200 types of HPV, with about 14 high-risk types capable of causing cervical cancer. This virus is primarily transmitted through sexual contact or skin-to-skin contact. It often progresses silently without symptoms, potentially developing into cancer after 3-5 years or 20-25 years. HPV 16 and 18 account for about 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. HPV type 18 is a high-risk virus often associated with cervical adenocarcinoma. This type of cancer is less common but progresses subtly, making it harder to detect early compared to squamous cell carcinoma caused by HPV 16.

Having given birth to three children and with no desire for more, Truc was advised by doctors to undergo a total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic lymphadenectomy for curative treatment. Post-surgical histopathology confirmed early-stage cervical adenocarcinoma with no lymph node metastasis. She requires regular follow-ups to prevent cancer recurrence.

The surgical team performing a hysterectomy on the patient. Photo: Ngoc Chau

To prevent HPV infection, doctors recommend safe sexual practices for couples, HPV vaccination for women, and regular health check-ups. Patients should seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge, foul odor, vaginal bleeding, back or pelvic pain, leg swelling, fatigue, or weight loss.

Treatment for stage one cervical cancer depends on the patient's desire to preserve fertility and the extent of cancer cell spread into the bloodstream. Women wishing to maintain fertility are often treated with cervical conization to remove abnormal tissue. If biopsy results show no cancer cells, patients do not require further treatment but need close monitoring for recurrence.

For patients with no desire for future pregnancies, a hysterectomy may be an option. This method is only recommended if the cancer has not spread to blood vessels or lymph nodes. If a patient is unwilling or medically unfit for surgery, chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy can be used as an alternative treatment.

Ngoc Chau

*Patient's name has been changed