OBSOLETE: HIV-related cervical cancer

HIV-related cervical cancer, sometimes called AIDS-related cervical cancer or HIV-associated cervical cancer, is a type of cancer of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina) that occurs in people living with HIV. It is listed as an AIDS-defining illness, meaning its diagnosis in someone with HIV can indicate that their immune system has been severely weakened. This condition is now considered an obsolete classification in some medical coding systems, as cervical cancer in people with HIV is increasingly managed under broader cervical cancer and HIV care guidelines. Cervical cancer in people with HIV is almost always caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV types 16 and 18. Because HIV weakens the immune system, the body has a harder time clearing HPV infections, which makes it easier for abnormal cervical cells to develop into cancer. Symptoms can include unusual vaginal bleeding (especially after sex or between periods), pelvic pain, unusual vaginal discharge, and pain during sex. Treatment depends on the stage of cancer and includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) to control HIV is also a critical part of care, as keeping the immune system as strong as possible improves outcomes. With regular screening and early detection, this cancer is often preventable or caught at a treatable stage.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What stage is my cervical cancer, and what does that mean for my treatment options?,How will my HIV status and CD4 count affect my cancer treatment plan?,Should I change or adjust my antiretroviral therapy during cancer treatment?,Am I eligible for immunotherapy or targeted therapy, and how do these interact with HIV?,How often will I need monitoring for both my HIV and my cancer going forward?,Are there clinical trials I should consider for HIV-related cervical cancer?,What support services are available to help me manage both conditions at the same time?

Common questions about OBSOLETE: HIV-related cervical cancer