Pattern of cervical cancer among females presenting to Makerere University Pathology Core Reference Laboratory. A 5-year review

Abstract

The common cause of cervical cancer is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV is responsible for 99.7% of cervical cancer and Infects 75 - 80% of sexually active adults at some point, however, it can be cleared by the body’s immune system most of the time and is preventable. Over 100 types of HPV are currently known, most are not associated with cervical cancer or genital warts. The High risk types (16, 18) are associated with cancer and the low risk types (6, 11) are associated with genital warts (WHO, 2022). There are different histological patterns of cervical cancer ranging from premalignant lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia), squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and others. Histological screening and diagnosis of cervical cancer is very crucial in prevention, early detection and treatment of cervical cancer and is recommended in all women of reproductive age (WHO, 2022). The aim of this study is to assess the patterns of cervical cancer among females presenting to Makerere university pathology core reference laboratory by conducting a five-year review.