Can you still get cervical cancer if have had a partial hysteroctemy?

It is possible to still get cervical cancer after a partial hysterectomy, although the risk is significantly reduced. A partial hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus, but the cervix is left intact. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus that connects it to the vagina. Cancer can still develop in the remaining cervical tissue. The risk of developing cervical cancer after a partial hysterectomy depends on several factors, including:

The type of partial hysterectomy performed:

- Subtotal hysterectomy: In this procedure, the upper part of the uterus is removed, but the cervix and some of the surrounding tissue are left intact. This is the most common type of partial hysterectomy.

- Supracervical hysterectomy: In this procedure, the upper part of the uterus and the cervix are removed, but the vaginal cuff is left intact. This is a less common type of partial hysterectomy.

The amount of cervical tissue remaining:

The more cervical tissue that remains, the higher the risk of developing cervical cancer.

The presence of precancerous cells in the cervix:

If precancerous cells are present in the cervix before the partial hysterectomy, the risk of developing cervical cancer is higher.

The presence of human papillomavirus (HPV):

HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that is the leading cause of cervical cancer. If you have HPV, your risk of developing cervical cancer is higher, even after a partial hysterectomy.

To reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer after a partial hysterectomy, regular Pap tests are important. These tests can detect precancerous changes in the cervix that can be treated before they turn into cancer. The recommended frequency of Pap tests after a partial hysterectomy will depend on your individual risk factors and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.