by Wendy Pettit

Created on: February 14, 2008

It is not unusual for symptoms of cervical cancer to go unnoticed. In fact, many of the symptoms women experience are passed off as PMS or ovulation pains. Numerous cases of cervical cancer show no symptoms at all.

Symptoms when present are usually not experienced until the cancer is in advanced stages. These symptoms can also be associated with other illnesses or conditions.

Erratic Bleeding

Bleeding between menstrual cycles, after douching, after sex, or even after a pelvic exam, may be possible symptoms of cervical cancer. These activities irritate the cervix causing the bleeding. In a healthy cervix, these activities would cause little or no bleeding.

Painful Urination

Bladder pain can be present in later stages of cervical cancer. This usually happens when the cancer has spread to the bladder.

Abnormal Bleeding

Heavy bleeding that occurs for an extended period of time can be a symptom of cervical cancer. In addition, sudden gushes of blood that is steadily flowing, is an emergency and medical attention should be received.

Abnormally Heavy Discharge

Increased vaginal discharge is a symptom of cervical cancer. The type of discharge varies from woman to woman. The discharge may have a foul odor, appear watery or thick, and may contain mucus.

Pelvic Pain

A common symptom associated with cervical cancer is pelvic pain. This pain or pressure is felt directly below the navel. It can be a sudden sharp pain, or a dull steady pain. The pain may last for hours or be felt intermittently throughout the day. It is a good idea to keep track of the pain and inform your doctor so proper pain management can be given.

The following symptoms may occur when cervical cancer has progressed or spread to other areas of the body.

~ Steady weight loss
~ Anemia caused by loss of blood from abnormal vaginal bleeding
~ Constant leg pain, pelvic pain or back pain
~ Difficulty in urination
~ Leakage of urine or fecal matter into the vagina due to an abnormal opening that has developed between the vagina and bladder or the rectum

Symptoms related to cervical cancer will vary according to the woman. The abnormal cell changes that occur in the cervix often do not show signs or symptoms. There are cases, however, that a woman will experience symptoms similar to the ones that have been mentioned.

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