Chronic cervicitis: a gynecologist and cytologist’s view of the problem

Cervicitis is a clinical syndrome characterized by inflammation of the predominantly columnar epithelium located on the exocervix and/or inside the cervical canal. The cause of inflammation can be infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), some systemic diseases, allergic reactions, chemical and mechanical irritants, and other factors. Chronic cervicitis is important from the point of view of oncological alertness, since it promotes deeper penetration of infectious agents into the tissue of the cervix, increases the risk of infection and persistence of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The article presents data on the diagnosis of cervicitis with an emphasis on cellular changes occurring in the cervical epithelium and patient management tactics.