What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

Many women don’t have symptoms of cervical cancer. When they do, they usually aren’t alarming and may be overlooked. That’s why Pap tests are key.

Women with precancerous lesions in their cervix usually have no symptoms. 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. That is why it is important that you have a regular Pap test. This test checks for cells that are cancer or precancer.

In the early stages of cervical cancer, you may have few symptoms. They may not be alarming to you, but it is a good idea to have them checked by a doctor. These are some of the early symptoms.

• Vaginal discharge. Cervical cancer can cause more vaginal discharge than usual. This discharge is often bloody or foul smelling.

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding. If you have cervical cancer, you may have bleeding between your periods or after sexual intercourse. Blood flow during your period may be heavier and last longer than usual.

• Odor. You may notice a strange or unpleasant odor from vaginal discharge. 

• Pain. You may have pain during sex or pain in the pelvic area unrelated to sex or other activities.

If you have a more advanced cancer that has spread, you may have these symptoms. These signs usually mean that the cancer has spread to the tissue around the cervix.

• Pain in the pelvic area

• Heavy bleeding from the vagina

• A single swollen leg