Final answer:
The treatment of cervical lesions depends on the cancer stage and may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Early detection through Pap smears and HPV tests enhances treatment success. Vaccination against HPV is crucial in preventing cervical cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The treatment of cervical lesions largely depends on the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed. It can encompass a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. Surgery aims to remove the entire tumor with no cancerous cells at the margins of the removed tissue, as confirmed by microscopic examination. Detecting and treating cervical cancer at an early stage when symptoms start to emerge is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. The HPV vaccine has been instrumental in reducing the incidence of cervical lesions since most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), along with other risk factors like smoking and a weakened immune system.
A Pap smear is used to diagnose cervical cancer early, and where it's conducted routinely, the death rates from cervical cancer have reduced significantly. Additional systematic screens, like specific HPV tests for people aged 30 and older and Pap tests for women aged 21 to 65 every 3 years, are recommended to detect cervical cancer early. While there is no cure for HPV, prevention through the HPV vaccine and routine screenings play a vital role in managing cervical health.