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Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Cervical Cancer: Symptoms


Top Symptoms

1. Leg swelling and pain

Cervical cancer can be spread by the way of lymphatic system, it is a system in which lymph nodes, the vessels that drain the fluids from the body and prevent illness and infection traveling through the body, drain from the cervix along the pelvic wall to the cluster of lymph glands. The lymphatic vessels follow large blood vessels therefore the path of drainage is upward along the pelvic wall, then by the midline of the backbone and finally it reaches chest. If pelvic lymph nodes are blocked with cancer on one side of the pelvis then there will be swelling in the leg on that side. Leg swelling is caused by limitation in lymph fluid. Women with advanced cervical cancer experience severe swelling in one or both the legs.

2. Unusual bleeding

Vaginal bleeding is the first symptom of cervical cancer. Abnormal bleeding that starts and stops between periods, severe bleeding after menopause and sexual intercourse are signs of cervical cancer. Prolonged menstrual cycle, vaginal bleeding occurring during or after the sexual intercourse is due to the injuries to the vaginal wall and infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia and yeast. The main reason for prolonged and unusual heavy menstrual periods is fibroid tumors. Some other causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding are long use of contraceptive pills, cervicitis and polyps. Heavy discharge of blood may lead to anemia, weakness, general fatigue and pale skin.

3. Abnormal vaginal discharge

A continuous vaginal discharge that is pale, watery, pink, and brown with a foul smell or tinged with blood is an early symptom which may be caused by cervical cancer. This symptom is a result of bacterial overgrowth that is attracted to unhealthy cervical cancer tissues in the vagina. The reason for abnormal vaginal discharge is also because of a tumor that has become infected causing a bad smelling discharge which occurs before bleeding. Symptoms of cancer include the production of watery vaginal discharge which leads to vaginal irritation or inflammation of skin during urination and soreness or burning sensation of vagina and vulva.

4. Abdominal or pelvic pain

When it comes to pelvic pain, it is experienced at the later or advanced stages in cervical cancer. The most common pain is the pelvic pain as the cervix is part of the uterus. Pelvic pain indicates the problem in one of the reproductive organs. Pelvic pain is a pressure or pain felt in the lower abdomen or below navel. The pain is constant or intermittent including dull ache to sharp pains. It is caused by a variety of problems from PMS known as premenstrual syndrome to severe conditions, like cervical cancer. Prolonged lower abdomen pain unrelated to other conditions, physical exertion or menstruation can be a symptom of cervical cancer.

5. Increased urination

Women with cervical cancer experience increased urination or bladder irritation. Frequent urination signals underlying health problems. This symptom also occurs at the advanced stage of cervical cancer. A woman feels the sudden urge to urinate just after emptying the bladder. There may be sudden stoppage or difficulty in the urine flow. A sudden leaking of urine or feces is a sign of cervical cancer. Cancerous cells along the cervix can irritate and inflame surrounding organs including the bladder. Cervical fibroid can place unusual pressure on the bladder and the increased pressure leads to uncomfortable, sudden and frequent urination.

6. Dyspareunia

Pain during or after sexual intercourse is known as dyspareunia. Women with cervical fibroids experience sensation of pain during or after sexual intercourse. The most common cause is vaginal dryness, yeast infection, urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted infection. The pain is felt at the entrance of the vagina or pain during penetration. Inflammation occurs in the area surrounding the vaginal opening. The pain is often described as a burning and stinging feeling. The friction of intercourse can irritate the affected cervical tissues causing mild vaginal bleeding in some women. A painful intercourse is a sign of an infected cervix.

7. Weight and appetite changes

Weight loss is symptom experienced in the advanced stages of cervical cancer. Unexplained weight loss of about 10 pounds a month without any decrease in the intake of food or any increase in the physical activity can be a sign of cancer. The weight loss is accompanied by loss of appetite. This is usually preceded by a constant feeling of being full, even if you had a small meal. The cause of the weight loss is the exorbitant energy that cancer needs to reproduce. Loss of appetite leads to weight loss and lack of energy. Weight loss affects the body and hinders the patient to commence regular day-to-day functions. Weight loss affects the digestive system including chronic constipation, nausea and vomiting, severe or chronic diarrhea.

8. Constipation

When cervical cancer spreads to the other organs it causes constipation. Women with cervical fibroids can develop difficulty in bowel movements. The patient may suffer blood in stools. The passage of digested food products from the body is affected by cervical fibroid which presses into a womenโ€™s rectum. Cervical cancer affects large intestine movements causing chronic constipation, unintended weight loss. Severe pain in bowel movements and constipation has lasted more than two to three weeks is a symptom of cervical cancer. Constipation can aggravate abdominal pain and discomfort. The late stage cervical cancer can deteriorate the tissues that separates vagina from rectum causing severe constipation problems.

9. Pain during urination

Pain during urination is a symptom experienced in the later or advanced stages of cervical cancer. Painful urination is also termed as dysuria. When urination occurs with discomfort, pain, burning sensation and pressure, it is a symptom of the underlying disease. Pain during urinating occurs in the urethra, opening from where the urine leaves the body. Difficulty in urinating occurs due to the blockage either in tubes leading from kidneys to the bladder or in the kidneys. In some cases the patient might see blood with urine. Pain during urination means the urinary tract has been infected with bacteria causing the cervical cancer to spread into the bladder.

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