What does third degree cervical columnar epithelium ectopic mean?

Cervical columnar heterotopia is

a common change in cervical epithelial tissue. When the columnar epithelium extends outward to the external ostium, it presents a similar appearance to "erosion", but it is not actually erosion. Third degree cervical columnar heterotopia refers to this heterotopia to a more severe degree, that is, covering more than 2/3 of the cervix. Cervical columnar heterotopia is mainly related to changes in estrogen levels. Before puberty, the cervical surface is mainly covered by squamous epithelium. As puberty approaches and estrogen levels rise, columnar epithelium gradually extends beyond the cervix to cover part or all of the cervix. This change is particularly common in women of childbearing age and is mostly physiological.

Third-degree ectopic columnar epithelium usually does not cause obvious symptoms such as pain and bleeding. However, when it is associated with infection, vaginal secretions may increase, odors, and contact bleeding. For asymptomatic third-degree cervical columnar ectopia, no special treatment is generally required. However, if there is a co-infection or obvious symptoms, treatment is required on a case-by-case basis. Treatment includes medication (such as antibiotics, antiviral drugs, etc.) and physical therapy (such as electrocoagulation, laser, etc.). In rare cases, surgery may be considered if the lesion persists or worsens.

Women are advised to pay attention to their health status and undergo regular gynecological examinations to prevent and treat related diseases.