On the global scale, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, which have about 660,000 new cases in 2022 (WHO). Usually it slowly develops over time. Cervical cancer is a cancer that begins in cervical cells. The cervix is lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb). The cervix connects the uterus with the vagina (native channel). For a period when cells are not destroyed or removed, abnormal cells can become cancerous and begin to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and surrounding areas.It is strange that early cervical cancer usually has no symptoms that are difficult to detect. Symptoms usually begin after cancer spread. Let’s look at some of the most common symptoms. (Source: National Cancer Institute)
Pathological vagina bleeding
One of the first and most common symptoms of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding. It can be bleeding between periods, during or after intercourse or after menopause. Some women may experience unusually severe or long periods. Although hormonal changes or benign conditions, such as fibroids, can also lead to irregular bleeding, any inexplicable bleeding should be reported to the doctor. Cervical cancer can interfere with the blood vessels in the cervix, which leads to these symptoms.
An unusual vaginal release
The vaginal release is normal, but changes in its color, consistency or odor may indicate something more serious. Cervical cancer can cause a watery discharge that is blocked by blood or has a bad smell. These symptoms can often be confused with general infections such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. However, if the discharge for your body is constant or unusual, it is important to check it out.
Repeated pelvic pain or discomfort
Repeated pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvic area – another early symptom of cervical cancer. Some women experience pain during or after intercourse. The pelvic pain is caused by numerous conditions, ranging from menstrual seizures to urinary tract infections, but persistent discomfort cannot be ignored. Cancer can grow and press on adjacent tissues.
Extended symptoms
When cervical cancer is moving, the signs become worse and begin to interfere with the adjacent organs. Symptoms can be
- Sore or rigid urination
- The presence of blood in the urine
- Pain in the intestines
- Rectal bleeding
- Swelling in both or one foot
- Repeated in the back or in the abdomen
- Strong exhaustion or unusual weight loss
These symptoms usually occur after the condition has passed past the cervix, which complicates the treatment. Thus, early identification is very important.Probably the most disturbing feature of the cervix cancer is how silent it develops. In most cases, cervical cancer at an early stage has no symptoms. This requires regular screening using PAP smears and HPV testing. These tests can determine the predictable changes in the cervical cells before the symptoms occur to intervene in time and really be lifeline.
What treatment options are available for cervix cancer?
Like any other type of cancer, cervical cancer treatment also depends on what stage it is detected. In the initial stages, when it is detected, surgery can be an option for cancer removal, especially if the patient is young and hopes to maintain fertility.Over time, when the disease progresses, treatment may include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemistry. Ultimately, the key to beating the cervical cancer is early detection. Do not forget to notice any unusual or prolonged symptoms and make sure you get timely treatment. In addition, the HPV vaccine also prevents cervical cancer, protecting from high human papillomas strains that cause most cervical cancer cases among women.(Representative images)
