Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. It occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Cervical cervical does not show any symptoms in its early stages. The symptoms are more prominent, after the disease has spread to the bladder, liver, intestines or lungs. Chances of successfully treating cervical cancer are higher if it is detected during the early stages. Being an adult woman, if you notice any unusual changes or symptoms affecting your reproductive organs, consult your doctor immediately, because women of all ages who are sexually active are at risk of developing this cancer
Some of the most typical warning signs that shouldn't be ignored are as follow:
1. Vaginal Discharge
A little bit of vaginal discharge without color or odor is normal. but significant changes in discharge are still worth getting checked out. it could be a result of bacterial vaginosis, menopause symptoms, or yeast infection. But when the discharge becomes heavy, pale, watery, brownish or mixed with blood, it could be a sign of onset cervical cancer. If you experience this symptom, report it to your doctor immediately.
2. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Of all the symptoms, this is likely the most common. Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause could be due to other medical conditions such as a hormonal imbalance, pelvic inflammatory disease or an infection in the pelvic organs. it might also be sign of possible cervical cancer. As cancer spreads to nearby tissues, it creates new, abnormal capillaries that break easily and cause bleeding. These bleeding may occur after sexual intercourse, between menstrual periods and after menopause. If you are experiencing abnormal bleeding then you definitely want to contact your doctor. Women who are postmenopausal and no longer have periods should pay close attention to this symptom.
3. Loss of Bladder Control
Frequent urination is common among pregnant women and people who have increased their fluid intake. But change in urine and urinary habits can also be symptoms of cervical cancer. Bladder control is one area of the body where cervical cancer commonly spreads. It indicates that the cancer has spread beyond a localized area and is affecting the bladder or other parts of the urinary tract. If you experience loss of bladder control coupled with blood in the urine seekthe input of a medical professional.
4. Irregular And Heavy Menstrual Periods
There should be some level of consistency when it comes to monthly periods. Heavy bleeding can be due to hormonal imbalance, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis or thyroid, liver or kidney disease or due to certain medications. But menstrual periods that are heavier and longer than normal are another common warning sign of cervical cancer. This is as a result of irritation of the cervix, possibly due to spread of cervical cancer. Bleeding is considered heavy if you have to change sanitary napkins or tampons more than once every 2 hours. Consult a physician if there is any change in the consistency of monthly periods and also if the inconsistencies persist.
5. Leg Pain
Some women diagnosed with early stages of cervical cancer experience swelling and pain in the leg. This is as a result of swelling in the cervix which obstructs blood flow, and eventually causes the leg to swell and gives a sore, painful sensation. The pain tends to be constant and increases in intensity over time making it hard to carry out your day-to-day activities.
6. Discomfort While Urinating
Keeping track of urination can help reveal the presence of cervical cancer in several ways as cervical cancer can also cause discomfort during urination. It is one of the most obvious and prevalent symptoms of the deadly disease. This is normally described as a tight and concentrating stinging sensation while urinating. Such symptoms occur when the cancer has spread to nearby tissue. However, this type of pain is a sign of something far less serious, like a urinary tract infection, bladder problem,
yeast infection or STDS.
7. Unexplained Loss of Weight and Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss can indicate cervical cancer. The body produces small proteins called cytokines, which break down fat at a much higher rate than normal. This leads to weight loss, irrespective of your diet. The immune system works hard to fight it. Your body then becomes tired as a result of these various biological processes. Although these symptoms can be a result of other factors, but when other symptoms are present, It’s important that you get a medical checkup.
8. Pelvic Pain
Cramping and aches are a normal part of the menstrual cycle, so pelvic pain is a fairly routine burden of being a woman. But when pain lasts for longer periods of time, occurs frequently, or becomes more intense than it could be a sign of cervical cancer. It is advised to visit a doctor.
9. Body Pain
Body pain is a common symptom of cervical cancer. It’s common for women with cervical cancer to have prolonged pain which increases as time goes on and it can make basic simple movements difficult to do. Although body pain can happen for a wide variety of reasons, but if accompanied with other symptoms from the list, go for a medical check-up.
10. Painful intercourse (Dyspareunia)
An infection or STD can be the cause of discomfort during sexual intercourse, but it is another important warning sign of cervical cancer. Pain during sex is a late symptom of cervical cancer, and it indicates advanced cervical cancer, which means the cancer has spread throughout the reproductive organs and tissues and the pain is usually accompanied with vaginal discharge This symptom should not be ignored.
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