Cervical cancer may not always cause visible signs or symptoms in its early stages. However, as the cancer progresses, some visible signs may appear. These signs can include.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
One of the most common signs of cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This can include bleeding between periods, after sexual intercourse, or after menopause. It may manifest as heavier or longer periods than usual.
Unusual vaginal discharge
Cervical cancer can cause changes in vaginal discharge. You may notice an increase in the amount of discharge, and it may have a watery, bloody, or foul-smelling appearance.
Pelvic pain
As cervical cancer advances, it can cause pain in the pelvis. This pain may be constant or occur during sexual intercourse or pelvic exams.
Pain during urination
Some women with cervical cancer may experience pain or discomfort while urinating. This can be a result of the tumor pressing against the bladder or ureters.
Back or leg pain
In later stages of cervical cancer, the cancer cells may spread to the surrounding tissues and organs, such as the lower back or legs. This can cause persistent pain in those areas.
It’s important to note that these signs and symptoms can be indicative of various conditions, and they may not necessarily indicate cervical cancer. However, if you experience any of these signs or have concerns about your cervical health, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional or gynecologist for further evaluation and appropriate testing. Regular cervical screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV testing, can help detect cervical abnormalities early on, even before visible signs manifest.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It typically develops slowly over a period of several years, starting with pre-cancerous changes in the cells of the cervix.
The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. Not all HPV infections lead to cervical cancer, but certain high-risk strains, particularly HPV types 16 and 18, are strongly associated with the development of cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular cervical screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV testing, are crucial for early detection. These screenings can identify abnormal changes in the cervical cells before they develop into cancer or detect cancer at an early and treatable stage.
As cervical cancer progresses, symptoms may include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods, after sexual intercourse, or after menopause.
- Unusual vaginal discharge that may be watery, bloody, or have a foul odor.
- Pelvic pain, including pain during sexual intercourse or pelvic exams.
- Pain during urination.
- Back or leg pain (in advanced stages of the disease).
If you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about your cervical health, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional or gynecologist for evaluation and appropriate testing. Treatment for cervical cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches, depending on the stage and extent of the disease.
