Introduction Different approaches to screening and treatment of cervical precancer Anatomical considerations

Anatomical considerations Gross anatomy of female genital organs, External genitalia Internal genital organs Gross anatomy of the cervix Cervical epithelium Squamous epithelium Columnar epithelium Squamocolumnar junction (SCJ)

Physiological changes of the cervical epithelium

Ectropion Squamous metaplasia Transformation zone of the cervix Changes induced by pregnancy Atrophic changes Congenital transformation zone (CTZ)

Neoplastic changes of the cervical epithelium

Genesis of cervical cancer – Role of HPV HPV structure and types Genesis of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) Cervical cancers

HPV tests – Variation between tests Instruments, consumables, and setup required

for collection of samples for HPV testing (provider-collected) for self-collection of samples for HPV testing

Procedure to collect samples for HPV testing

Sample collected by a health provider Counselling of a woman undergoing HPV testing History taking Preparation for sample collection for HPV testing Steps for inspection of the external genitalia Steps for insertion of the speculum and exposure of the cervix Steps for collection of cervical samples Steps for self-collection of samples Storage of the samples after collection, and transportation to the laboratory

Interpretation of HPV test results Management of women with a positive HPV test result

Management of women with a positive HPV test result The different strategies Triage with cytology Triage with VIA Triage with colposcopy

Treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia – principles Steps to determine eligibility for ablative treatment

Criteria used to determine eligibility for ablative treatment Steps to determine eligibility for ablative treatment

Role of Lugol’s iodine in identifying the transformation zone for treatment

Role of Lugol’s iodine in identifying the transformation zone for treatment Steps for applying Lugol’s iodine to the cervix Pre-treatment assessment

Treatment by cryotherapy

Principles Cryosurgical unit Ancillary instruments and consumables Steps Side-effects and complications Post-treatment advice and follow-up Video

Treatment by thermal ablation

Principles The benchtop model The battery-operated model Complications Video

Using an HPV test as the test of cure in women treated for cervical abnormalities or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) Infection prevention

Standard procedures for protection from infection Essential steps for infection prevention in a cervical cancer screening clinic Preparation of 0.5% chlorine solution

Case studies

VIA triage outcome (applicable in screen-and-treat setting only) – negative cases VIA triage outcome – positive cases VIA triage outcome – suspicious of cancer cases

Foreword Acknowledgement Authors Suggested citation Copyright

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Using HPV tests for cervical cancer screening and managing HPV-positive women – a practical online guide

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Age: 40

HPV outcome: HPV positive

Before application of acetic acid: Scanty thin curdy white discharge is present on the cervix. Note that a red patch around the external os is not always columnar epithelium. Wait until after application of acetic acid before trying to locate the SCJ.

Cervix before application of acetic acid:

Infective vaginal discharge:
Strawberry appearance of cervix
Cervicitis
Polyp
Bleeding on contact
White patch
Growth
Ulcer
Erosion

After application of acetic acid: Large dense acetowhite areas are seen around the external os occupying more than 75% of the ectocervix. The acetowhite areas extend into the endocervical canal. The SCJ is not visible. Multiple areas of peeled-off epithelium (at the 10, 12, and 6 o’clock positions) can be seen as red patches within the dense acetowhite lesion.

Cervix after application of acetic acid:

Squamocolumnar junction visibility:
Squamocolumnar junction location:
Acetowhite area:

If present, description of acetowhite area:

Colour:
Margin:
Surface:
Location:
Size:

VIA triage outcome category:

Determine eligibility for ablative treatment:

Histopathology: HSIL-CIN3

Remarks: A high-grade lesion may appear as a red patch in the transformation zone on visual examination. This may give a false interpretation of visualization of the SCJ. Always try to identify and locate the SCJ after application of acetic acid.

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