Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
By: Alin ThomsTotal Views: 36, Word Count: 605,
Cervical cancer is a disease of female cervix which is a part of the reproductive system. This is considered as the third most commonly occurring diseases in women. To avoid cervical cancer, we must first focus on symptoms of this cancer. If we are aware of symptoms of cervical cancer, we can take steps to control it before situation gets worse.
Nearly all cervical cancer cases occur due to infection of HPV which is human Papilloma Virus. HPV is spread through sexual intercourse. There are different types of HPV virus strains in the world which leads to cervical cancer.
Primary Symptoms
Research tells that there are possibilities that early cervical cancer symptoms cannot be detected in normal conditions. Symptoms that may occur can include:
- Nonstop vaginal discharge, which is watery or pale, pink, brown, bloody in color or foul-smelling.
- Abnormal bleeding between periods, or after indulging in sexual intercourse
- Periods last longer than usual and become heavier
- Bleeding after menopause
Cervical cancer develops very slowly. Initially, precancerous condition can be detected by a pap smear which is treatable if you get regular check up for Pap smears. It is observed that woman diagnosed with cervical cancer today did not have regular Pap test.
Hidden, precancerous changes can grow into cervical cancer and can spread to the bladder, lungs, intestines, and liver. Women with cervical cancer do not generally have problems until the cancer is highly developed and spread.
Cervical cancer is asymptomatic in its early stage. In some cases, following symptoms of cervical cancer may occur as a primary sign:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Tiredness
- Pelvic pain
- Back pain
- Leg pain
- Single swollen leg
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Leaking of urine or feces from the vagina
- Bone fractures
Secondary Symptoms
Let us focus on symptoms which appear in the advance stage of cervical cancer. These symptoms confirm the occurrence of cancerous situation in cervix.
Abnormal Bleeding
Women suffering from cervical cancer show symptoms of abdominal vaginal bleeding. Bleeding is heavy or light depending on the stage of cancer.
Discharge of Fluid
An increased vaginal discharge is an important symptom of cervical cancer. This may be indicated by foul smelling, heavy discharge which is watery or thick and that which sometimes contain mucus.
This varies from woman to woman. It is important to consult the doctor if any unusual vaginal discharge occurs.
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain caused besides normal menstrual cycle can be a symptom of cervical cancer. It can be mild or severe.
Pain during Urination
Urinary bladder pain is also considered as a symptom of advanced cervical cancer. This symptom occurs when cancer spreads to the bladder.
Bleeding
Bleeding after sexual intercourse can also be a cervical cancer symptom. This is due to the irritation of the cervix during sex.
Although these are the symptoms of cervical cancer, they are also considered as symptoms of many other illnesses. So if you find these symptoms in you, please see a doctor. He/she will most likely do a pelvic examination and may order further tests depending on the situation.
About the Author
Dr.Alin Thoms is a well known cancer specialist ( oncologist) and has been in this field since from 1995. He uses radiotherapy or drugs to treat cancer. He has done B.A and B.M.B.ch from Oxford University. His special interests lies in - leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and chemotherapy and transplantation for these disorders. He is currently director of the North London Cancer Network
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