Cervical Kanser: Signs and Symptoms And How To Recognize The Progression and Staging That Women Need To Observe

Share This:

Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest Linkedin

All women from the age of 25 to 64 to attend cervical screening. Women aged 25 to 49 are offered screening every 3 years and those aged 50 to 64 are offered screening every 5 years.

Cervical cancer can often be found early, and sometimes even prevented entirely, by having regular Pap tests. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers.

During cervical screening, a small sample of cells is taken from the cervix and checked under a microscope for abnormalities.

In some areas, the screening sample is first checked for human papilloma virus (HPV), the virus that can cause abnormal cells.

An abnormal cervical screening test result does not mean you definitely have cancer. Most abnormal results are due to signs of HPV, the presence of treatable precancerous cells, or both, rather than cancer itself.

Worldwide, cervical cancer is both the fourth-most common cause of cancer and the fourth-most common cause of death from cancer in women.

In 2012, an estimated 528,000 cases of cervical cancer occurred, with 266,000 deaths. This is about 8% of the total cases and total deaths from cancer.

About 70% of cervical cancers occur in developing countries. In low-income countries, it is one of the most common causes of cancer death. In developed countries, the widespread use of cervical screening programs has dramatically reduced rates of cervical cancer.

In medical research, the most famous immortalized cell line, known as HeLa, was developed from cervical cancer cells of a woman named Henrietta Lacks.

In fact, having signs of cervical cancer are not prominent same as breast cancer. Thus, mostly women are not aware with these signs. Listed below are the most common signs of cervical cancer, as soon as you experience these signs we encouraging you to visit and a check to a doctor right away;

Unusual discharge- a watery discharge with some foul smell which produces from the cell of uterine wall starts to get rid, this happen when the cancer cell begins to grow inside the cervix.

Genital warts- can’t be seen visually that may cause itchy, pain and discomfort. Genital warts can be treated, but they can comeback unless the underlying infection is also treated.

Pain or bleeding- Dr. Turaka says the most common cervical cancer symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding, which typically occurs after the cancer has spread to nearby tissue. Although women often think bleeding is normal spotting, it's important to see your doctor if you experience:

Bleeding between menstrual periods, Heavier menstrual periods, Longer menstrual periods, Bleeding after sexual intercourse, Bleeding after menopause and Bleeding after a pelvic exam.

Anemia- The decreased delivery of oxygen in anemia patients causes the following symptoms:

Fatigue or tiredness
Trouble breathing
Depression
Rapid heartbeat
Dizziness, light-headedness, inability to concentrate, or headache
Chest pain
Difficulty staying warm
Loss of sex drive
Pale skin
Diminished cognitive function
Uncomfortable/irregular urination

Blockage of the kidneys can occur from cervical cancer. This blockage will cause urination to become uncomfortable and sometimes difficult. You may even experience frequent urges to use the restroom without cause.

The avenue through which cervical cancer can lead to a swollen (lymphedema) and painful leg is when the disease causes the cervix to swell and push against nearby blood vessels.

The leg pain from cervical cancer is persistent. It’s not something that will be there one day and then gone for several days, then back again and so on. This persistent feature, however, can also have benign causes.

Low Back, Pelvic or Appendix Pain

Low back pain or pelvic pain can be linked to problems with reproductive organs, such as the cervix. A sign of cervical cancer is pelvic pain, especially continuous pain. Pelvic pain near the appendix doesn't usually occur unless the cancer is in advanced stages. There will usually be other cervical cancer red flags before pelvic pain occurs.

Weight loss

The same factors that can cause cervical cancer-related nausea can cause unintended weight loss, says Dr Shirazian. (Think: a compressed stomach that can’t hold very much food.) Plus, if you’re constantly feeling nauseated, you probably aren’t going to even want to try to eat. If you lose up to 5 or 10% of your bodyweight over the course of six months without trying, go ahead and call your primary care doctor.

Risk factors of cervical cancer are includes:

Smoking
Having weakened immune system
Chlamydia infection (common bacteria that infect reproductive system which can acquire from sexual intercourse)
A diet low in fruit and vegetables
Being overweight
Long term of use of oral contraceptives(birth control pills)
Intrauterine device (IUD) use
Having multiple full-term of pregnancies
Being younger than 17 at your first full-term pregnancy
Economic status
Diethylstilbestrol (DES)- is a hormonal drug that was given to some women between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage.
Having a family history of cervical cancer

Additionally, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally. Most people are infected at some point in their lives. In 2012, about 528,000 new cases and 266,000 deaths occurred from cervical cancer worldwide.

Getting to know and be aware the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer is a good start. In this article, encouraging you to observe your body especially for all women and have regular check-up to a doctor and gynecological examination.