Cervical Cancer Symptoms and Signs

There are no evident cervical cancer symptoms, when it is in early stages.

Cervical cancer is the abnormal growth of cancer cells in the cervix which is the part of the female reproductive system, the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

This cancer is considered the most common type of cancer which affects females.

Fortunately, when detected at an early stage, this disease is highly curable. Pap test screening, when done regularly, is the single most important tool for preventing cervical cancer because it can detect abnormal cervical cell changes before they become cancerous, when treatment is most effective. Let us first know the causes before knowing the cervical cancer symptoms.

The major cause of this disease is proved to be the HPV which is a sexually transmitted disease. Several strains of this virus are said to cause the cervical cancer. It is said that a small group of females are found to sustain this virus for years. Later after many years this virus turns the cells to cancerous. The common age group of women affected by this cancer is 35-55 years.

Cervical cancer is divided into two main types the squamous type and the adenocarcinoma type. The former is the most common type which accounts almost 75% of the total cases of the cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer detected in its early stages can be cured with treatment and close follow-up. The treatment choices may be divided into two types: the pre-invasive stage and the invasive stage. There are different treatment options for both the stages.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms or Signs of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer symptoms are not so evident in the initial stage of the disease. This disease rarely causes any symptoms in the early stage therefore it is important to have regular screening test done if the risks of developing the disease are detected.

Cervical cancer symptoms may be evident as the disease progresses. Some of the cervical cancer symptoms or signs of cervical cancer are as follows:

• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
• Abnormal vaginal discharge containing mucus that may be tinged with blood that may be heavy and have a foul odor
• Pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse may also be one of the cervical cancer symptom

• Significant unexplained change in the menstrual cycle.
• Bleeding when something comes in contact with the cervix, such as during sexual intercourse or insertion of a diaphragm.

• Anemia because of abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Ongoing pelvic, leg, or back pain. (Back Pain Can Be Serious – Cervical Cancer!)
• Urinary problems because of blockage of a kidney or ureter.
• Leakage of urine or fecal content into the vagina because an abnormal opening (fistula) has developed between the vagina and the bladder or rectum.
• Weight loss.