SQCCA: Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix - Definition & Clinical Context

SQCCA = Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix (Uterine Cervix).

Epidemiology

• Most common cervical cancer type (~70–80%).
• Caused by persistent high-risk HPV (16, 18, others).
• Peak incidence: 35–44 years; preventable via screening/vaccination.

Pathogenesis

HPV E6/E7 oncoproteins → p53/Rb degradation → genomic instability → CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) 1→2→3 → invasive SCC.

Diagnosis

• Pap smear (cytology) + HPV co-testing.
• Colposcopy + biopsy (confirmatory).
• Staging: FIGO 2018 (clinical + imaging: MRI, PET-CT).

Treatment by Stage

• Stage IA1: Cone biopsy / simple hysterectomy (fertility-sparing option).
• Stage IA2–IB1: Radical hysterectomy + pelvic lymphadenectomy OR chemoradiation.
• Stage IB2–IVA: Concurrent cisplatin-based chemoradiation (standard).
• Stage IVB / Recurrent: Palliative chemo (cisplatin/paclitaxel/bevacizumab), immunotherapy (pembrolizumab if PD-L1+), clinical trials.

Prevention

• HPV vaccination (9-valent) — ages 9–26 (up to 45 shared decision).
• Screening: 21–65 per guidelines (Pap q3y, HPV q5y, co-test q5y).

Early detection = near 100% 5-year survival for localized disease.