What is the difference between cervical erosion and cervical cancer?

Cervical erosion and cervical cancer are two completely different types of cervical lesions. The former are mostly physiological changes, while the latter are malignant diseases. Cervical erosion usually refers to the outward migration of cervical columnar epithelium, which may be related to changes in hormone levels ； Cervical cancer is a malignant hyperplasia of cervical epithelium caused by human papillomavirus infection and other factors.

Cervical erosion is more common in women of childbearing age. It is characterized by red and granular changes on the surface of the cervix. There are usually no special symptoms. A few may experience increased secretions or contact bleeding. Cervical cancer may have no obvious symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge, pain, etc. may occur. Cervical erosion can be initially diagnosed through gynecological examination. Cervical cancer needs to be confirmed by cervical cytology examination, HPV testing and biopsy. Cervical erosion generally does not require treatment if it is asymptomatic, and regular follow-up is enough ； Cervical cancer requires comprehensive treatment such as surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy according to the stage.

Cervical erosion will not directly develop into cervical cancer, but both may coexist. Long-term high-risk HPV infection is the main risk factor for cervical cancer, and cervical erosion is not a precancerous lesion. It is recommended that sexually active women undergo regular cervical cancer screening, including HPV testing and cervical cytology, to detect cervical precancerous lesions or cervical cancer early. In daily life, you should pay attention to keeping the perineum clean and avoid unclean sex. Getting the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer.