Cervical cancer is a form of cancer unique to women because it develops in the cervix, an essential component of the female reproductive system. It is one of the rarest cancers in the United States with only 12,000 new cases reported each year. Of those 12,000 cases, roughly 4,500 are incurable and lead to fatalities. The most common cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease that often has no symptoms. It has been found to be the source of over 90% of cases.
When a woman develops cervical cancer, she often experiences few signs or symptoms in the early stages. This allows the disease to grow and spread. It is essential for women who experience some of the unusual symptoms of cervical cancer explained here to see a doctor as soon as possible for her own health and wellbeing.
The Early Stages
Cervical cancer does not cause any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. It is often only detected when a gynecologist performs a Pap smear, a form of preventive testing. During a Pap smear, a small cotton swab is inserted into the cervix and collects cells. These cells are then examined and can be determined to be precancerous or cancerous. Modern doctors have increased the prevalence of Pap smears and similar preventive testing in efforts to reduce the number of cases of cervical cancer as well as the spread of HPV.
If a woman does show early signs of cervical cancer, they often include:
- Bleeding between Periods
- Bleeding after Sexual Intercourse
- Unusual Vaginal Discharge
- Irregular Vaginal Bleeding
Unusual vaginal discharge can take several forms. The most common are having discharge which is watery, faintly pink, or has a foul smelling odor.
What Are the Advanced Signs?
Eventually, cervical cancer can metastasize or spread to other parts of the abdomen. When this happens, the cancer can affect the lymph nodes and other organs, leading to advanced symptoms which are disruptive and lower a patient’s quality of life. Some of the advanced signs are:
- Weight Loss
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Leg Pain or Swelling
- Leakage of Urine or Feces from the Vagina
- Bone Fractures
Who Is at Risk?
Women who are at risk of developing cervical cancer are encouraged to take precautions. Some of these precautions could include more frequent visits to the gynecologist, regular pap smears, and receiving the HPV vaccine to avoid developing the virus.
The average age of diagnosis is 50, but the majority of cases are found in women between the ages of 34 and 44. Individuals who have had one or more children are more at risk than women with no biological children, and women who take hormonal birth control are also at a slightly increased risk.
Women should also be aware their background and race can put them at an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. For example, Hispanic women are most likely to develop cervical cancer, followed by African Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, and White Europeans. Asians and Pacific Islanders are less likely to have cervical cancer.
Conclusion
Cervical cancer is rare but dangerous when left untreated because it possesses few symptoms and can quickly spread. Women are encouraged to take precautions and visit a gynecologist on a regular basis for pap smears and the discussion of any irregular bleeding or abdominal pain. Once the early signs of cervical cancer do develop, it is even more important to seek treatment. In addition to a pap smear, a doctor can perform a pelvic exam, colposcopy, or cell biopsy to check for cancerous cells.