Cervical cancer starts within the cervix as a tumor, which can metastasize and move into other organs. It affects the lower portion of the uterus and can cause polyps or cysts to appear. As cells mutate they can become pre-cancerous and then progress to being cancerous. During the early stages, the cancer is easiest to be treated successfully. Unfortunately, it isn't always easy to detect at this stage, which means that it is generally caught at a later stage when it is more difficult to treat.
Early Stages Of Cervical Cancer
The early signs and symptoms of cervical cancer are practically non-existent, which is why it tends to be missed until it has worsened. During this time, the cancer is forming only on the surface and has not yet spread into other areas, or become large enough to cause discomfort. Eventually it will begin to grow and enter the lining of the cervix to affect a larger area before expanding into the lymphatic system and surrounding tissues.
Signs In The Cervix
Once the cancer has passed through the initial stage, you may begin to notice changes in your body. Sometimes these can be mistaken for premenstrual syndrome or other common symptoms of the female reproductive system. Vaginal bleeding is one of the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer to watch for. It could occur following sexual intercourse, or during irregular times when menstruation has passed or menopause has set in.
During this cancer stage, pain can also be a sign, particularly if it is felt during or after intercourse, a Pap test or urination. Unusual discharge with an odd color, smell, or texture is another tell-tale sign.
Sometimes these symptoms are unrelated to cancer but should still be investigated by a medical professional. It could be due to an infection, or another illness, which could become worse without treatment. Although some of the signs might be misconstrued as being only slightly abnormal, it is important to get them checked, especially if they continue regularly.
Describing Your Symptoms
When it comes time to discuss the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer which you feel you have been experiencing, it is good to include all of the details that you can remember, even if they seem minimal. Sometimes your doctor may ask you to keep a journal of symptoms to decipher how irregular they are. At other times, he or she may order a test straight away and test you for cervical cancer or an infection.
The sooner that you report your symptoms to your doctor, the sooner you can be diagnosed and given a prognosis. Early treatment is the best defense against cervical cancer, and because it is difficult to catch early on, it is best to get medical assistance quickly.
Treatment for your cancer will depend on the stage, as well as the symptoms you are feeling. In some cases, treatment options may be used to regulate and reduce symptoms, while others are specifically for shrinking, destroying, or removing cancerous cells and tissues from your body.