Early Symptoms and Signs of Cervical Cancer

In its early stages, cervical cancer will cause no pain or other symptoms. The first identifiable signs and symptoms of cervical cancer are likely to include:

Watery or bloody vaginal discharge, occasionally heavy and foul-smelling.
Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between your menstrual periods, or after menopause; menstrual periods may be heavier and last longer than normal.

If the cancer has already spread to the nearby tissues, symptoms may include:

Difficult urination and the possibility of kidney failure.
Painful during urination, sometimes with blood in the urine.
Dull lower backache or swelling in both legs.
Diarrhea, pain, or bleeding from the rectum during defecation.
Fatigue, loss of weight and appetite, and general feelings of illness.

Abnormal bleeding. Women with cervical cancer may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding This can be heavy or light bleeding during the month.

Unusual heavy discharge.

An increased vaginal discharge is also a symptom of cervical cancer. It may be foul smelling, watery, thick, or contain mucus.

It varies from woman to woman. It is important to report any unusual vaginal discharge to your doctor.

Pelvic pain.

Pelvic Pain that is not related to the normal menstrual cycle can be a cervical cancer symptom. Many women describe them ranging from a dull ache to sharp pains that can last hours. It can be mild or severe.

Pain during urination.

Bladder pain or pain during urination can be a symptom of advanced cervical cancer. This cervical cancer symptom usually occurs when cancer has spread to the bladder.

Bleeding between regular menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse, douching, or pelvic exam Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or pelvic exam can be cervical cancer symptoms. This is due to the irritation of the cervix during these activities. While a healthy cervix may have a very small amount of bleeding, many conditions may cause bleeding after activities like sex.

Notify Your Doctor If:

Abnormal bleeding, vaginal discharge, or any other symptoms last more than two weeks without explanation. You should have a complete gynecological examination that includes a Pap smear.

Any vaginal bleeding after menopause should be brought to your doctor's attention right away. The cause may simply be vaginal dryness or a benign uterine polyp, but vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of cervical and uterine cancer.

Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer will usually not be apparent until abnormal cervical cells become cancerous. When this happens, the symptoms that are most common in cervical cancer are abnormal bleeding occurrences. These cervical cancer symptoms may appear between regular menstrual cycles, and after sexual intercourse.

Cervical cancer symptoms may also occur after douching or pelvic exams. Bleeding after menopause and increased vaginal discharge may also be cervical cancer symptoms.

Cervical Cancer Questions & Answers...

Cervical Cancer Risk Factors Cervical cancer is a significant reproductive health problem; close to 200,000 women die from the disease each year. It is the third most common cancer worldwide....

Cervical Cancer Prevention The Pap test can detect HPV and precancerous abnormal changes in the cervix. Treating these problems can stop cervical cancer before it has a chance to fully develop....

Cervical Cancer Stages The staging system for cervical cancer is based on clinical criteria....

Stages of cervical dysplasia Early cervical carcinoma is often associated with watery vaginal discharge and post-coital bleeding or intermittent spotting....

Last updated Jan 09/07