Do I still need cervical cancer screening after a hysterectomy?

Generally, if the cervix is removed during hysterectomy and there is no history of cervical precancerous lesions or cancer before surgery, cervical cancer screening is usually not needed after the operation. However, if the cervix is preserved, or if there was a prior history of cervical lesions or cancer, regular cervical cancer screening should still be performed as recommended. In case of any concerns, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider in advance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If the entire uterus, including the cervix, is surgically removed and preoperative cervical cancer screening results were normal with no history of precancerous lesions or cervical cancer, cervical tissue is no longer present after surgery and therefore there is no basis for developing cervical cancer. In such cases, routine cervical cancer screening is generally unnecessary. Instead, regular gynecological follow-ups should continue, focusing on the health of areas such as the vaginal cuff.

If only the uterine body is removed while the cervix is preserved, or if there was a history of cervical precancerous lesions or cervical cancer before surgery (even if the uterus has been removed), regular cervical cancer screening is still required after surgery. Preserving the cervix means that cervical tissue remains and is still at risk for developing abnormalities. For patients with a prior history of cervical disease, screening is essential to monitor for possible recurrence or residual lesions and to prevent overlooking potential health risks.

After hysterectomy, it is important to clarify whether the cervix was preserved and to understand preoperative screening results. Patients should provide their complete medical history to their doctor. If abnormal vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge occurs, prompt medical evaluation is necessary to ensure postoperative health.