Cervical Cancer - Symptoms

Women with precancerous lesions in their cervix usually have no symptoms. That is why it is important that women have regular Pap tests. A woman usually does not have any symptoms until the cells turn into cancer and invade the deepest parts of the cervix or other pelvic organs. The following are common symptoms in women with fully developed cervical cancer:

• Unusual bleeding. A woman with cervical cancer may have bleeding between her periods or following sexual intercourse. Blood flow during her period may be heavier and last longer than usual.
• Vaginal discharge. Cervical cancer can cause more vaginal discharge than usual. This discharge is often bloody or foul-smelling.
• Pain. A woman who has cervical cancer may experience pain during sex, or spontaneous pain in the pelvic area.

These symptoms may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious health problems. It is important that a woman see her doctor if she is experiencing any of these symptoms to be sure.

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Cervical Cancer - Symptoms  

ervical Cancer - Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

If the doctor or nurse notices something suspicious in the pelvic exam or Pap test, other tests can help the doctor determine whether the woman has cervical cancer:

• Colposcopy. A colposcopy is a test that helps find abnormal areas in the cervix. The doctor or nurse puts a vinegar-like solution (3 percent acetic acid) on the cervix. The cervix is then visually examined with a colposcope, which is like a microscope. This procedure can be performed in a doctor's office.
• Biopsy. In a biopsy, the doctor removes cervical tissue so that a pathologist can look at it under the microscope.
• Endocervical curettage (ECC). In an endocervical curettage (ECC), the doctor will scrape tissue from the opening of the cervix in order to examine it more closely.

Patients are often overwhelmed with the information they receive from their doctor. It is important that they take the time to gather as much information as possible.

Some women may experience vaginal bleeding or cramps after some of these tests. This usually does not last long.

Conization. The doctor may want to look at cells that are deeper in the cervix. Conization, or cone biopsy, lets the pathologist see if abnormal cells exist deep in the cervix. In a cone biopsy, the doctor removes a cone-shaped sample of tissue. This procedure may be performed in the doctor's office or the hospital.

Endometrial biopsy (EMB). Sometimes, a doctor cannot determine whether abnormal cells exist in the cervix or in the endometrium (the internal lining of the uterus). In these cases, the doctor may perform an EMB. In an EMB, the doctor scrapes cells from the endometrium to determine where the problem exists. This procedure can be done either in the doctor's office or the hospital.

Thorough tests are done so that the doctor can determine whether the cancer is superficial (preinvasive) or invasive. Treatment methods of preinvasive and invasive cancers are quite different.

Cervical Cancer - Symptoms  

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