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Women with early stage of cervical cancer usually do not experience symptoms until it turns into a cancer in a developed stage.
Symptoms begin to appear only when the cancer develops and becomes severe. Here are some signs to pay attention to.
The Pap test is extremely important in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer, and other cancers of the reproductive tract such as ovarian cancer. This test localizes the abnormal cells of the cervix and then they treated if needed.
In addition to testing and analysis, it is important to detect the first symptoms for effective treatment:
1. Irregular bleeding
The most frequent symptom of this type of cancer is irregular vaginal bleeding that many women tend to ignore. Irregular bleeding usually occurs between periods or after intercourse, in the form of light blood spots or vaginal discharge. Period bleeding may also become more concentrated and last somewhat longer than usual.
In postmenopausal women who no longer have periods, vaginal bleeding is the main symptom of cervical cancer and problems related to the reproductive system.
There are different types of vaginal discharge that can be an early sign of cervical cancer. Some secretions can be an alarming symptom:
- Pale
- Aqueous, light
- Brown patches
- Undesirable odors
- Blood spots
2. Pelvic pain
Suffering from pelvic pain, especially during intercourse, can be a symptom of cervical cancer. These pains could also signal abnormal changes in the cervix. Recall that cervical cancer can spread in the pelvis.
3. Signs of an advanced stage of cervical cancer
These signs of cervical cancer are often ignored by the majority of women. If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, consider consulting your doctor immediately:
- Back pain or pelvic pain
- Difficulty going to the restroom due to obstruction
- Constant fatigue
- Swelling in one or both legs
- Unexplained weight Loss
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
Detecting the symptoms of cervical cancer is an essential phase that helps to diagnose the disease in the first stage. The following are factors that may expose you to a higher risk of developing cervical cancer:
- Having many intimate partners
- Having intercourse for the first time at a young age
- Having intercourse with a man whose partner had cervical cancer
- Smoking
- A weak immune system
- The use of diethylstilbestrol (DES), a drug to prevent premature deliveries and spontaneous abortions during pregnancy.
The American Cancer Society states that the aforementioned signs and symptoms may also indicate health problems other than cervical cancer, such as infections that cause pain and bleeding. So if you have any of these symptoms consult your doctor and do not ignore the signs sent by your body.
