Is chronic cervicitis with squamous metaplasia serious?

Chronic cervicitis with squamous metaplasia is not serious in most cases and is a benign adaptive change of cervical tissue. However, it is necessary to evaluate whether there is a risk of precancerous lesions based on specific pathological results.

Chronic cervicitis with squamous metaplasia is usually a physiological repair process triggered by long-term chronic inflammation of the cervix. It is a common phenomenon that squamous epithelium replaces columnar epithelium. Most patients have no obvious symptoms or only show mild increased leucorrhea and contact bleeding. Through gynecological examination, it can be seen that the cervical surface is smooth or has mild erosion-like changes. When TCT and HPV screening results are normal, there is no need for excessive intervention and regular follow-up is enough. Some patients may have recurrent inflammation due to persistent infection by pathogens, and require drug treatment for bacterial, mycoplasma and other infections, such as topical medications such as metronidazole suppositories and Baofukang suppositories.

If squamous metaplasia is accompanied by high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, it indicates the risk of cancer, and colposcopy biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis. When pathological examination reveals abnormalities such as cell dysplasia and increased mitotic figures, cervical conization or LEEP knife treatment may be required. Patients with positive expression of P16/Ki67 by immunohistochemistry or persistent infection with HPV16/18 should be closely monitored. Such situations are among the few cases that require vigilance.

It is recommended that patients undergo a cervical cancer screening combination test, including TCT and HPV typing, every 6-12 months. Avoid frequent vaginal douching, pay attention to sexual hygiene, and supplement with appropriate vitamin A and folic acid to help repair mucous membranes. When abnormal vaginal bleeding or increased discharge occurs, timely review is required to avoid delaying the early diagnosis and treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.