Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).  A PAP test can identify potentially precancerous cells in the cervix.  Most deaths from cervical cancer can be prevented if women receive the recommended screening. Untreated cervical cancer usually spreads to the lymph nodes, the uterus, the urinary tract, and underlying connective tissue. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of cervical cancer below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer are as follows:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Moderate pain during sexual intercourse
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Painful, heavy periods
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause

The early stages of cervical cancer may be completely asymptomatic.  Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer include:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Pelvic pain
• Back pain
• Leg pain
• Heavy bleeding from the vagina

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect a woman’s reproductive organs.  Infection with the HPV virus is necessary for the development of cervical cancer, though only ten percent of women infected with the HPV virus actually go on to develop cervical cancer.  Infection with the HPV virus is very common, and it affects roughly eighty percent of all sexually active people.

Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

A diagnosis of cervical cancer is made through a biopsy of the cells of the cervix.  While the PAP test is an effective screening test, it cannot confirm a diagnosis of cervical cancer.  If it is determined that you have signs and symptoms of cervical cancer, other imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan are done to determine whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Books For Women With Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer Resources

General Patient Resources

• National Cancer Institute

Information about cervical cancer treatment, prevention, causes, screening, clinical trials, research, and statistics from the National Cancer Institute.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/cervical

• American Cancer Society

American Cancer Society’s guide offers information and resources on Cervical Cancer (Cancer of the Cervix).

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CervicalCancer/DetailedGuide/cervical-cancer-what-is-cervical-cancer

• Centers For Disease Control and Prevention

Information about cervical cancer from CDC.

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/

• Medicine Net . com

Get the facts on cervical cancer causes (HPV or human papillomavirus), symptoms, diagnosis (abnormal Pap smear), prognosis, treatment, research, stages and statistics.

http://www.medicinenet.com/cervical_cancer/article.htm

• E Health Forum

Welcome to the Cervical Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Forum – a health community featuring member and doctor discussions ranging from a specific symptom to related conditions, treatment options, medication, side effects, diet, and emotional issues surrounding medical conditions.

http://ehealthforum.com/health/ovarian_cancer_symptoms.html

• Cancer Compass

Our cervical cancer forum offers compassionate support and feedback for cancer patients and their loved ones. Research topics and explore our extensive online resources today for additional information and insights.

http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/cancers/gynecological-cancers/cervical-cancer/1,0,119,38,17.htm

• Med Help

Med Help’s Cervical Cancer Help Forum. This forum is for help, questions and support regarding Cervical Cancer.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Cervical-Cancer/show/350

Medical Resources

• Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers signs, symptoms, causes, treatment and the cervical cancer vaccine.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cervical-cancer/ds00167

• Web MD

Find in-depth information on cervical cancer including symptoms ranging from abnormal vaginal bleeding to pain during sexual intercourse.

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-cancer/default.htm

• Pub Med Health

Reviews causes, risk factors, incidence, symptoms, treatment, prognosis and complications.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001895/