This type of cancer originates in the cervix, and unlike other types of cancer, the risk of cervical cancer can be controlled through vaccination. However, it affects many women in their fertile years, so it is important to know the most common symptoms of cervical cancer to facilitate early diagnosis and timely treatment.
Early warning signs
There are very few visible symptoms in the early stages of this type of cancer. In many cases, it may be asymptomatic when the cancer cells are limited to the surface of the cervix and have not yet spread to the deeper tissue. As a result, it is important for women to undergo regular Pap tests and cervical screening. Ideally, women should start going for Pap smear tests from the age of 21.
The symptoms typically manifest after the cancer cells have grown into the deeper cervix tissue and uterus. The most common symptoms of cervical cancer in the early stages are:
- Vaginal bleeding between menstrual cycles
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Bleeding from the vagina in postmenopausal women
- Heavier and longer menstrual cycles
- Unusual watery, pink discharge from the vagina with traces of blood; this discharge also has a foul smell
- Pelvic pain
These symptoms may be difficult to identify, as they can occur due to several other infections as well.
The most common symptoms of cervical cancer in advanced stages
As cancer spreads from the cervix and starts affecting other parts of the vagina and the walls of the pelvis, the symptoms may become more pronounced. Some symptoms of advanced cervical cancer are:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Lower back pain
- Pain and swelling in the legs that causes difficultly in walking
- Abdominal swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
Symptoms indicating metastasis of cervical cancer
If left untreated, cervical cancer could spread to the lymph nodes and other organs of the body as well. It can grow out of the pelvis and affect nearby organs like the bladder and rectum. Later, it may also affect the liver, bones, and lungs. At this stage of the disease, treatment becomes difficult. The symptoms of this stage are:
- Leakage of urine from the vagina
- Increased risk of fracturing bones
- Difficulty passing urine
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or bleeding from the rectum while defecating
One of the main reasons it is important for women to be able to recognize the most common symptoms of cervical cancer is that this disease is easier to treat in the early stages. So, if one notices any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is best to consult a gynecologist at the earliest.