Symptoms of cervical cancer in the early stages of development

The early stages of cervical carcinoma development are usually asymptomatic. As the disease progresses, the patient may begin to experience moderate pain during sexual intercourse, spotting or bleeding from the genital tract, and a sensation of a mass in the vagina.

Symptoms of cervical cancer in later stages of development

In advanced cases of cervical cancer, clinical symptoms associated with distant metastasis of the tumor may come first – abdominal enlargement, pain in the right hypochondrium, cough, etc. Advanced stages of cancer may also manifest themselves as weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, abdominal pain , back, limbs, asymmetrical swelling of the legs, severe uterine bleeding.

Symptoms that accompany the late stages of cervical cancer are a reflection of an advanced disease:

  • Painless hematuria (blood in the urine, which may also indicate the need to visit a doctor such as an oncologist);
  • Frequent urination;
  • Painless bleeding from the rectum;
  • Changes in stool frequency and consistency;
  • Swelling of the legs, often unilateral. Lower back pain and hydronephrosis, leading to the development of renal failure, are a serious sign indicating involvement of the pelvic floor walls in the process.
  • As it progresses further, complaints of discomfort in the pelvic area appear, which the patient cannot clearly describe and often describes as an aching sensation in the suprapubic or sacral region. These sensations resemble menstrual discomfort, can be constant or variable in nature, and are often misdiagnosed as manifestations of arthropathy.

Cervical cancer detection

It should be remembered that most cases of cervical cancer can be detected through routine screening at an early stage, when there are no clinical symptoms yet. However, the appearance of the following symptoms requires immediate contact with a gynecologist to examine the pelvic organs and cervix using mirrors:

  • Vaginal discharge, which can be of any nature and torment the patient for a long time or periodically;
  • Bleeding, which may appear spontaneously or after sexual intercourse, urination or defecation. The patient may ignore these symptoms, as the bleeding may be minimal or perceived as normal menstrual irregularities.
  • Vaginal discomfort or symptoms of dysuria;

Manifestations of cervical cancer

  • When examining a patient with early forms of cervical cancer, the results of a gynecological examination may be almost normal.
  • During a speculum examination, the doctor may detect white or red plaques on the surface of the cervix.
  • As the disease progresses, erosions, ulcerations and tumor formations may appear on the surface of the mucous membrane covering the cervix and vagina.
  • During a rectal examination, a tumor mass may be palpable or bleeding associated with ulceration of the tumor surface may occur.
  • A bimanual examination allows you to palpate a tumor that extends beyond the cervix.
  • Swelling of the legs is caused by compression or destruction of blood vessels and lymphatic collectors.
  • Distant metastasis, in particular affecting the liver, can cause its enlargement.
  • Metastases to the lungs may manifest themselves as a persistent cough, signs of bronchial obstruction or pleural effusion.

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