Clinical research on the trends of cervical cancer pathological types and characteristics

Cervical cancer (CC) persists as a major global health burden primarily caused by persistent high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Comprehensive analysis of CC pathological subtypes and evolving HPV genotype distribution is essential for optimizing prevention and therapeutic approaches. We systematically examined CC trends and HPV infection status in Guangzhou, China, to provide a scientific foundation for enhancing regional CC control programs. Retrospective analysis of 601 histologically confirmed CC cases (2013–2023) Diagnosed at Guangzhou Overseas Chinese Hospital in Guangzhou, China. Epidemiological features, pathological subtype, HPV genotype distribution, treatment modalities, and screening method sensitivity of CC were evaluated. Throughout the study period, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and cervical adenocarcinoma (CADC) proportions remained stable. Unemployment, gravidity (> 4 pregnancies), and abnormal vaginal bleeding constituted significant SCC risk factors. Agricultural/occupational workers exhibited reduced SCC risk versus unemployed individuals. Asymptomatic screening-based presentation lowered SCC risk relative to symptomatic attendance. HPV infections predominantly involved single high-risk genotypes (HPV16 > 18 > 58 > 52). HPV16 dominated multi-infections, primarily co-occurring with HPV18/58/52. SCC strongly associated with HPV16/58/52 (HPV58/33 showing subtype specificity), while CADC primarily linked to HPV16/18 (HPV18 demonstrating significant CADC tropism). Significant differences were observed between SCC and CADC for HPV positivity ( P = 0.004), TCT efficacy ( P < 0.001), and p16 expression ( P < 0.001). Integrated HPV/TCT/p16 screening outperformed single-modality approaches ( P < 0.05). SCC and CADC exhibit distinct risk profiles, HPV genotype tropism, and biomarker expression. Multimodal screening integrating HPV genotyping, cytology, and p16 significantly enhances early detection, supporting precision CC prevention.