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Cervical cancer is the third most common malignancy in women worldwide, and it remains a leading cause of cancer-related death for women in developing countries. In the United States, cervical cancer is relatively uncommon.

The incidence of invasive cervical cancer has declined steadily in the United States over the past few decades; however, it remains at high levels in many developing countries. The change in the epidemiologic trend in the United States has been attributed to mass screening with Papanicolaou (Pap) tests, which permits detection and treatment of preinvasive disease.

Recognition of the etiologic role of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in cervical cancer has led to the recommendation of adding HPV testing to the screening regimen in women 30-65 years of age. However, women who have symptoms, abnormal screening test results, or a gross lesion of the cervix are best evaluated with colposcopy and biopsy.