Cervical cancer is a malignant neoplasia of the uterine cervix. Greater than 99% of cervical cancer is known to be a result of infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) among both men and women. HPV infection is usually self-limited, and women with a normal immune system will clear the infection typically within 8-24 months. If the infection is not cleared, it can progress to preinvasive disease, which in some cases can then progress to invasive cancer. This progression usually takes many years – often more than a decade. The primary risk factor for developing cervical cancer is infection with HPV. Other risk factors include smoking, multiple sexual partners, young age of first sexual intercourse, and immunosuppression.

Typically, cervical cancer is diagnosed in women aged older than 30 years. Peak incidence is in the late 40s. The vast majority of women have no symptoms, and the first sign of an abnormality is noted on routine screening. If symptoms are present, they may include abnormal vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or postcoital bleeding. Symptoms of advanced disease are typically from mass effect leading to low back or pelvic pain, obstructive renal failure, or leg edema.