Symptoms of Cervical Cancer: 10 Warning Signs That Women Should Watch Out For

Cervical cancer The most common gynecological cancer in women in developing countries. The cervix is ​​the lower part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina. In developing, low- and middle-income countries, cervical cancer accounts for more than 85 percent of all deaths. More than 1.2 lakh women are diagnosed with the disease every year in India and the mortality rate is over 50 per cent. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women between the ages of 15 and 44.Also read – Government panel approves qHPV, India’s first indigenously developed vaccine against cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is often associated with an infection under the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is usually sexually transmitted. HPV can cause pre-cancerous changes in cervical cells that eventually lead to the development of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine, if given at an early age, plays an important role in protecting against HPV infection and preventing cervical cancer. While cervical cancer can be a slow-growing disease, if not detected early, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the stomach, liver, bladder, or lungs. Dr. Shivali Ahlawat – Lab Director, Onquest Laboratories Ltd. provides information on cervical cancer, early signs and symptoms, diagnosis and how to take care of it. Also read – What is cervical cancer? How dangerous is it for women in India? You need to know; The expert speaks

Signs and symptoms

The disease is often detected in the early stages without any symptoms and it can take years for the primary signs to develop. Here are some common signs and symptoms of stage 1 cervical cancer: Also read – World Cancer Day 2022: What is Silent Cancer? Causes, symptoms and prevention strategies, all you need to know, the expert speaks

1. Post coital bleeding i.e. vaginal bleeding after intercourse
2. Irregular or successful bleeding between periods or between postmenopausal bleeding
3. Odorless vaginal discharge or pain during intercourse
4. Painful urination
5. Diarrhea
6. Bleeding from the rectum
7. Fatigue
8. Weight loss
9. Not feeling hungry
10. Pelvic or abdominal pain

Diagnosis

Gynecological screening with a Pap test is usually effective in detecting most cases of cervical cancer by examining the signs of pre-cancer and irregularities. Other tests, such as HPV molecular testing, are performed specifically to detect cervical cells for the HPV virus. For detailed detection of suspected cancer, biopsy is performed by taking tissue samples using a variety of techniques such as punch biopsy or endocervical curettage. Other tests performed to find out if the disease has spread to other parts of the body include a study of liver and kidney function, blood and urine tests, and a radiological assessment of the bladder, rectum, intestines, and abdominal cavity.

Phases

Like most other cancers, cervical cancer is divided into four stages – Stage I, Stage II, Stage III and Stage IV. Stage I is largely undetected without symptoms and means that the cancer is only in the cervix and does not spread to other parts. In the second stage the infection has spread beyond the cervix and uterus but has not yet spread to the pelvic wall. In the third stage the cancer can spread to the lower part of the vaginal and pelvic wall and finally in stage IV it enters the bladder, rectum or other parts of the body such as your bones or lungs.

Prevention

Raising awareness about the symptoms and signs of cervical cancer, early detection through Pap smear screening and molecular tests will go a long way in reducing the incidence and mortality of this deadly disease. It is therefore important for all of us to consult well-informed and gynecologists for proper diagnosis and prevention.