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Cervical cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages and is often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Regular Pap smears are recommended for early detection, and symptoms include unusual bleeding, discharge, and pain. Ignoring symptoms can lead to a poor prognosis.
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting the female reproductive system. In its early stages, cervical cancer usually has no symptoms and can be difficult to detect. In more advanced stages, symptoms of cervical cancer can include problems such as unexplained bleeding or unusual discharge.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) has a significant role in causing cervical cancer. This virus is sexually transmitted, and when it gets into a woman’s vaginal cavity, it ends up on the cervix. Normally, the immune system deals with the invading virus, killing it and removing it from the woman’s body before it can do any harm. In some cases, however, it is not destroyed and remains in the body. It can sit dormant for years before causing problems, but it will eventually cause some of the cervical cells to convert and become cancer cells.
To diagnose cervical cancer, it is recommended that all women have a Pap smear every year. In this test, the doctor removes some cells from the surface of the cervix. They are then sent to a laboratory, where they are evaluated to determine whether or not they are cancerous. This test is important to do regularly, even if no symptoms of cervical cancer are present. Since early-stage cervical cancer has the best chance of being cured, but produces no symptoms, a Pap smear is usually the only way to find such cancer.
One of the symptoms of cervical cancer that has reached a more advanced stage is unusual vaginal bleeding. If bleeding occurs in a post-menopausal woman, it is a clear sign that there is a problem that needs to be investigated and addressed. Bleeding between periods can also be a symptom of cervical cancer, as can bleeding after intercourse. Vaginal discharge of a watery liquid, usually tinged with blood and often smelling bad, is another possible indicator of cervical cancer and should be checked for immediately.
Cervical cancer symptoms that involve pain include pain in the pelvic area or pain during intercourse. While this may have causes other than cervical cancer, it’s best to investigate the problem as soon as possible, to determine the source of the pain. If cervical cancer is discovered, it can be cured and the sooner it is discovered, the more likely it is to be cured. Women who ignore cervical cancer symptoms run the risk of the cancer continuing to advance, causing a poor prognosis.
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