Cervical cancer is considered as one of the most common cancers diagnosed in women worldwide. Cervical cancer as the name suggests occurs in the cells of the cervix. It is located in the lower part of the uterus that finally connects to the vagina.
What is cervical cancer?
THE CERVIX: The cervix is a part of the female reproductive system that includes the uterus, ovaries, vagina, fallopian tubes and vulva. The cervix is also called the neck of the uterus and it connects the uterus to the vagina.
CERVICAL CANCER: Cervical cancer is an unconditional growth of cells that starts in the cells of the cervix. Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor which means that it can spread to other parts of the body also.
Cancer most commonly begins in the area of the cervix. It has the ability to spread to tissues around the cervix that include the vaginal region or to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or liver. These cells can change at any point of time and no longer grow or behave normally. This kind of unconditional changes may lead to non-cancerous tumors such as cysts or fibroid.
In case there are any changes to cells of the cervix then in the worst case it can also cause precancerous conditions which means that these cells are not yet cancer. But there is a fair chance that these cells might become cancerous if not treated as soon as possible.
Spreading the Word: Warning Signs and Symptoms of Cervical cancer:
Most of the symptoms don’t begin to show up until cancer has started an invasive spread to surrounding tissues. Some of the most typical symptoms of cervical cancer are as follows:
#1 Uncomfortable Sex or bleeding after intercourse
If you spot that you have some kind of pain associated with intercourse, this can be a sign of cervical cancer. The other sign includes that you may experience vaginal bleeding after intercourse which is discussed below.
There may be some other causes for painful sex also. But for precaution sake, we advise that you should have your doctor rule out to diagnose the signs before they look at other possible causes.
#2 Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is most common among women associated with different factors and causes. We know that cramping is a normal part of the menstrual cycle and do not usually indicate the presence of cancer. However, if there is a case that pain lasts for longer periods of time and are occurring more frequently then there is a fair chance that it could be a sign of cervical cancer.
You may experience pelvic pain at unusual times which means that the pain may start suddenly at any time of the month. You must notice the fact that this type of pain usually does not occur unless the cancer is in a very advanced stage. If you experience pelvic pain or pressure then we advise you to pay a visit your doctor to find out the exact cause.
#3 Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Most women who get diagnosed with cervical cancer have shown a sign of vaginal bleeding at abnormal times. The reason behind this is that as cancer spreads to nearby tissues, it starts creating new abnormal capillaries that break easily and thus cause bleeding.
#4 Unusual Vaginal Discharge
As we have discussed the cause of vaginal bleeding, it’s normal for a woman to experience small amounts of clear discharge that don’t have any odor or color.
#5 Discomfort in Urinating
One of the prevalent symptoms of cancer is discomfort while urinating. This can normally describe as a tight stinging sensation. It is seen that when urinary symptoms are involved, cancer has spread to nearby tissues and requires immediate response and check-up.
#6 Irregular Menstrual Cycles
You must be aware of the fact that women should have some level of consistency when it comes to their menstrual cycle. There may be many other causes for irregularity in your period but in the worst case, it might be a sign of the earliest stages of cervical cancer.
It is wise to schedule an appointment with your health care doctor to get checked and accordingly get treated. This cancer can usually be cured if it is diagnosed in the early stages.
