Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

If you experience symptoms of cervical cancer, contact your doctor immediately. Cervical cancer is a very serious disease. Its symptoms often go unnoticed as they mimic many other ailments. Sometimes, there are no symptoms. This is why it is important to visit your gynecologist on a yearly basis to have a Pap smear.

Unusual vaginal discharge

Unusual discharge is a symptom of cervical cancer. The discharge may contain mucus and be thick or watery. It can have a foul odor as well. The key factor is that it is significantly different than your usual discharge.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Another sign of cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. This includes bleeding during the month, including during your period and between periods. The bleeding can range from light to very heavy. This bleeding can start unprovoked or begin after having sex, douching or getting a pelvic exam. Unusual bleeding also includes bleeding after menopause. Any of these types of bleeding are cause for concern.

Pain during urination

Pain during urination is unfortunately a sign of advanced surgical cancer. This usually occurs when the cervix has become so inflamed from a tumor that it is pressing up against the bladder, causing pain.

If caught early, the chances of survival are high. The five-year survival rate for cancer that has spread to the inside of the cervix walls but not outside the cervix is 92 percent. As previously stated, early stage cervical cancer often shows no symptoms, so it is important to obtain yearly Pap smears as a preventative measure.