How to Recognize Signs of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) which spreads through sexual contact. The body can usually fight off an HPV infection, but sometimes it can progress and lead to the development of cancer.
As cervical cancer does not usually cause any symptoms, most women do not know they have it until it's already in the advanced stage. The symptoms may vary in severity depending on the tissue and organs to which the disease has spread. Because the symptoms may be indicative of another medical condition that is not cancer, it is important for women to consult a medical professional if they experience a new symptom that does not go away.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in women through a Pap test and HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccination. Due to this early intervention, the mortality rate of those suffering from cervical cancer has decreased by more than 50 percent over the last 40 years.
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How to Recognize Signs of Cervical Cancer
Oncologist Aruna Turaka, MD, said that cervical cancer is not as common among the younger population, as compared to those aged 35 years old and above.
Normal cells in the cervix take several years to turn into cancer cells, through regular screening, early findings can treat any problems that may arise even before it turns into cancer.
1. Abnormal bleeding between periods.
This is the most common symptom of cervical cancer once the cancerous cells have spread to the nearby tissues. Bleeding after sexual intercourse, between menstrual periods or after menopause, or menstruation that lasts longer than usual with heavier bleeding may be signed to take note of.
2. Unusual vaginal discharge that may be foul-smelling.
With cervical cancer, the lack of oxygen can cause cells to die and infect the tumor. This infection can lead to a foul-smelling vaginal discharge that does not go away easily. The resulting discharge may be pale in color, or brown due to a mixture of blood. This needs immediate attention.
3. Pain during sexual intercourse.
When the tumor growth has spread to the nearby tissues and reproductive organs, a woman may experience pain during sexual intercourse.
4. Unexplained pelvic or low back pain that can be persistent.
Pain on your lower back or pelvic pain can be signs of reproductive organ problems, including the cervix. Persistent pelvic pain is a sign of cervical cancer.
5. Leg swelling and dull pain.
When cervical cancer has advanced to nearby tissues, it may start to press against the nerves in the pelvic wall, resulting to leg pain and swelling. While swelling of the legs could be a sign of several medical conditions, if combined with vaginal bleeding, foul-smelling discharge and pelvic pain, this could be a warning sign of advanced cervical cancer and merits immediate evaluation by a healthcare professional.
6. Fatigue, unexplained weight loss
When the immune system in fighting cancer cells, the body produces small proteins called cytokines, which can break down body fat at a higher rate than usual, which can lead to weight loss, regardless of how much food is consumed.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is better to consult your doctor as early as possible. The earlier this condition is detected, the better the chances that cancer can be prevented or cured.
Read more: The Common Plant Virus May Be the Answer To Cancer Treatment
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Oct 12, 2020 07:40 AM EDT
