Cervical Cancer Signs, Symptoms & Causes

Cancer is a medical condition in which the body’s cells behave abnormally and proliferate uncontrollably. Even if it later spreads to other body areas, cancer is always named after the area of the body where it first manifests. Cervical cancer is a kind of cancer that first appears in the cervix. The vagina (birth canal) and the top part of the uterus are joined by the cervix. Cervical cancer is a concern for anyone with a cervix.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is characterised by cell proliferation that begins in the cervix, the bottom portion of the uterus that links to the vaginal opening. Most cervical cancer cases are caused by different strains of the HPV or Human Papillomavirus. HPV is a widespread virus spread through sexual contact. When the body is exposed to HPV, our immune system usually stops the virus from causing any harm. The virus, on the other hand, can live for years in a small number of people. This contributes to the process that leads to the transformation of certain cervical cells into cancer cells.

Although not all the cells will develop into cancer, it is crucial to identify these unfavourable cells and treat them to avoid cervical cancer. By taking an HPV vaccination and undergoing screening tests, one can lower their chance of acquiring cervical cancer. When cervical cancer occurs, surgery to remove the cancerous tumour usually constitutes the initial course of treatment. The use of medication therapy to destroy cancer cells may be one of the additional therapies. Chemotherapy and targeted treatment medications may be options. 

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

It may be possible to identify cervical cancer symptoms at an earlier stage, even if some people don’t exhibit cervical cancer symptoms until the disease has reached the advanced stage. The cervical cancer early signs include:

Vaginal bleeding – Cervical cancer can sometimes seem like menstrual bleeding. Any type of bleeding that appears abnormal should be reported to a doctor.

• A heavier or longer than average menstrual period.
• Bleeding or spotting in between cycles.
• Bleeding after menopause, particularly if months or years have gone since the last period.

Pelvic pain – Women may feel pain in the pelvic area, sometimes with no obvious cause.

• Some people have back pain, especially in the lower back.
• Anywhere in the lower abdomen, below the belly button, it may feel like severe pain or pressure.

Changes in vaginal discharge – Vaginal discharge that is clear, milky, or slightly yellowish in colour is typical and healthy. However, any changes in colour, consistency, or odour should be looked into. Women should be on the lookout for any changes to their discharge since they could be connected to cervical cancer:

• Discharge that has a little reddish tint from the presence of blood.
• An increase in discharge volume.

Pain during sex – Some people bleed after having sex or endure pain during it. One should talk to a doctor about any of these cervical cancer symptoms.

There may be no symptoms when early-stage cervical cancer first appears. The cancer typically doesn’t show signs until it has spread to adjacent tissue. Although signs of cervical cancer are unlikely to arise rapidly, once they occur, they frequently linger.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer at Advanced Stage

It is possible for cervical cancer to spread (metastasize) to the lymph nodes, the pelvis, or other parts of the body by forming tumours. Advanced cervical cancer signs include:

• Fatigue, weight loss, and loss of appetite.
• Leg pain that lasts for a long time and is either acute or dull
• Swelling in the legs
• Back pain
• Leakage of faeces or urine from the vagina
• Bone fractures
• Having a bowel movement and urinating with difficulty
• Blood in the urine

These are the most prevalent cervical cancer signs; now, let’s understand its causes in detail.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

The majority of cervical cancer causes are high-risk strains of the genital human papillomavirus (HPV). Four out of five persons will get at least one kind of genital HPV over their lifetimes, making it exceedingly prevalent. Having intercourse with an infected person typically results in the transmission of genital HPV.

Most HPV carriers will not experience any symptoms, and their immune systems will soon eliminate the virus. When an infection in a woman’s cervix does not go away, it may create precancerous alterations that may eventually turn into cancer. These changes take years to manifest and proceed extremely slowly. The following cervical cancer causes can increase a person’s chance of developing cancer brought on by HPV infections:

• Beginning sexual activity at a younger age
• Having several sexual partners
• Having sex without protection (without condoms)
• Having a compromised immune system as a result of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, or from immuno-suppressive medicines.
• Not receiving the HPV vaccination.

Additional Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

The following are additional cervical cancer risk factors:

• Cervical cancer risk is raised by cigarette use. Smokers are more prone to develop HPV infections, which often linger longer and have a lower chance of treatment.
• Obesity may make cervical cancer screening more challenging, which might result in less accurate diagnosis of precancers and an increased chance of developing cancer.
• If a person has HPV and their immune system is compromised due to another medical issue, they may be more prone to develop cervical cancer.
• An increased risk of cervical cancer is linked to both using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and having several children. 
• Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to infectious sores, most frequently in the mouth or on the genitalia. An increased risk of cervical cancer exists in those with genital herpes.
• People under the age of 20 are less likely to get cervix cancer than those in their late teens and mid-twenties when the risk is highest. Cervical cancer can still occur in people over this age range, which is why routine screenings like Pap tests and/or HPV tests are necessary.  
• People with low incomes are more likely to get cervical cancer and are less likely to have access to cervical cancer screenings. 

Conclusion

Cervical cancer is a preventable & treatable disease when detected early through regular screening and vaccination against HPV. Additionally, practising safe sex, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. If you have concerns about cervical cancer or its risk factors, you can consult with a specialist at Wockhardt Hospitals for guidance and appropriate preventive measures.

Wockhardt Hospitals, the most reputable hospital for treating cervical cancer, provides thorough diagnostic services in the field of oncology. We provide our patients with all-inclusive medical assistance during the entire procedure by our highly skilled medical personnel. Our doctors offer compassionate care and a variety of cervical cancer treatment modalities, such as medicinal therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, etc.