Cervix Cancer Symptoms

Cervical cancer is due to abnormal changes in cervical cells. Not all abnormal cells are cancerous as some tend to go away on their own, but for others, these cells can become cancerous within a year. Women should be sure to have regular Pap smears for identification and treatment of any changes to their cervix.

Abnormal Bleeding

• Abnormal bleeding may occur either during sex or when something touches your cervix, such as a diaphragm. There may be discharge that is tinged with blood as well as pain.

Menstrual Cycle

• A woman's period may begin to last longer than usual or may become heavier. A woman should call her doctor if her periods have lasted longer than usual for three months in a row or heavy bleeding is experienced.

Anemia

• A woman may become anemic due to the abnormal vaginal bleeding. This is usually in patients whose illness has progressed.

Urinary Problems

• As the cancer progresses, abnormal openings or "fistulas" may develop between the vagina and the bladder, urethra or rectum, causing leakage of urine or fecal matter. Tumor progression can eventually block urinary drainage from the kidneys.

Diagnosis

• The doctor will scrape cells from the surface of the cervix during a routine Pap smear. If the cells appear to be abnormal, the doctor may take a biopsy, especially if you have any of the symptoms as described above.

Treatment

• If not caught early, a women diagnosed with cervical cancer may not be able to have children. Treatment includes radiation, chemotherapy or a hysterectomy.