Symptoms and early signs of cervical cancer

In recent years, the incidence of cervical cancer has been very high. It is a health killer for women, so it is very important to prevent cervical cancer in daily life. The early symptoms of cervical cancer are easily overlooked, so young women must pay attention to cervical cancer screening and understand the early symptoms of cervical cancer, such as contact bleeding, which manifests as vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse or after constipation. This should cause certain vigilance.

Most cervical cancers go through a process of development from "inflammation" to "cancer". Therefore, women should pay extra attention when experiencing the following symptoms:

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.

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.

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.

Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor with clear etiology and pathogenesis. It is also a malignant tumor that is easy to prevent early through regular examinations. The most effective cervical cancer screening technology used internationally is cervical liquid-based thin-layer cytology testing (TCT) and high-risk HPV testing. As the incidence of cervical cancer is getting younger, all women should start cervical cancer screening at the age of 21. Women aged 21 to 29 should have their cervical TCT tested once a year. If the cervical TCT test results are abnormal, HPV testing is required; women aged 30 to 65 should have both cervical TCT and HPV tested every 3 years.