What are the early symptoms of cervical cancer?

It is a very common saying that people are afraid of cancer, and it is indeed true. Because no matter which type of cancer it is, it is very serious. People can only prevent it but are powerless to stop it from happening. Cervical cancer is a common cancer in women. Cancer is usually divided into early, middle and late stages. There will be some symptoms in the early stages of cancer. So what are the early symptoms of cervical cancer?

The clinical manifestations of early cervical cancer are related to its type. If cervical cancer is close to the cervical canal, there are usually no symptoms in the early stages. If you are close to outside, the common symptom is vaginal bleeding. The most common type of bleeding is contact bleeding, such as bleeding during intercourse or vaginal discharge, which can be white or bloody, thin, watery or fishy.

Now most people know that they need to do cervical cancer screening every one or two years. Only cervical lesions can be detected early. A smooth cervix may also be an early stage of cervical cancer. The cervical erosion may reach the third degree and be completely rotten, or it may be a simple inflammation, so cervical cancer screening is particularly important. It is best for women who have had sexual activity for more than two or three years to have a cervical cancer screening every one or two years.

1. Irregular vaginal bleeding

It manifests as minor non-menstrual vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods and vaginal bleeding after menopause. The former is easily regarded as menstrual irregularity, while the latter is easily regarded as a symptom of menopause. However, this irregular vaginal bleeding is indeed seen in the early stages of cervical cancer and is the patient's first symptom.

2. Abnormal vaginal discharge

Most of the symptoms are increased vaginal discharge, accompanied by changes in color and odor. Symptoms of increased leucorrhea usually appear later than contact bleeding. Initially it is normal in color and taste, and gradually turns into serous secretions. In the late stage of cervical cancer, there may be rice-watery or watery leucorrhea.

3. Contact bleeding

After sexual intercourse or straining due to constipation, the vaginal discharge (leucorrhea) is mixed with drops of blood, sometimes in the form of streaks, and sometimes dark red. Women who are over 30 years old, have given birth and are living with their spouse, and suddenly experience vaginal spotting after sexual intercourse should take it as an early sign of cervical cancer and take it seriously.

4. Pain

Pain is a symptom of advanced cervical cancer. The tumor extends along the paravertebral tissue, invades the pelvic wall, and compresses the peripheral nerves. The clinical manifestation is persistent pain in the sciatic nerve or one side of the sacral or iliac region. The tumor compresses or erodes the ureter, causing narrowing and obstruction of the ureter, leading to hydronephrosis, which manifests as unilateral low back pain or even severe pain, and further develops into renal failure and even uremia. Invasion of the lymphatic system leads to blockage of lymphatic vessels and obstruction of lymphatic return, resulting in symptoms such as lower limb edema and pain.