Cervical Cancer Symptoms What All Women Need to Read

Since abnormal cervical cell changes rarely cause symptoms, it is important to have regular Pap test screening. If cervical cell changes progress to cervical cancer, symptoms may develop.

Symptoms of cervical cancer may include:

1.Abnormal vaginal bleeding or a significant unexplained change in your menstrual cycle.

2.Bleeding when something comes in contact with the cervix, such as during sexual intercourse or when you insert a diaphragm.

3.Pain during sexual intercourse.

4.Abnormal vaginal discharge containing mucus that may be tinged with blood.

5.Symptoms that may occur when your cervical cancer has progressed include:

6.Anemia because of abnormal vaginal bleeding.

7.Ongoing pelvic, leg, or back pain.

Urinary problems because of blockage of a kidney or ureter.

8.Leakage of urine or fecal content into the vagina because an abnormal opening (fistula) has developed between the vagina and the bladder or rectum.

9.Weight loss.

What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer can often be cured when it’s found early. It is usually found at a very early stage through a Pap test.

What causes cervical cancer?
Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV. You can get HPV by having sexual contact with someone who has it. There are many types of the HPV virus. Not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer. Some of them cause genital warts, but other types may not cause any symptoms.

You can have HPV for years and not know it. It stays in your body and can lead to cervical cancer years after you were infected. This is why it is important for you to have regular Pap tests. A Pap test can find changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer. If you treat these cell changes, you may prevent cervical cancer.