Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Characterized by the presence of an abnormal and malignant tissue mass in the cervical area, cervical cancer can be treated by radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. However, the problem with this disease is that it is hard to detect unless it is in the advanced stages. In order to detect the illness at the early stage, it is important that patients have ideas about cervical cancer symptoms.
Abnormal Bleeding
One of the symptoms of the disease is abnormal bleeding. This usually occurs when a patient has menstruation. The bleeding can be light or heavy depending on the stage of the disease. A patient can also find blood in her stool. To detect the cause of abnormal bleeding, medical professionals advise patients to undergo the Papanicolaou test (also known as Pap test) immediately.
Heavy Discharge
Another symptom of this life-threatening disease is an unusual heavy vaginal discharge. The discharge can have a foul smell and mucus. A watery discharge is also a symptom of cervical cancer. Women should consult with gynecologists if they observe any abnormality in their vaginal discharge.
Pelvic Pain
Aside from abnormal bleeding and an abnormal heavy discharge, pelvic pain is another sign that a patient is suffering from cervical cancer. The pain is not associated with the normal menstrual period of a patient and it can be severe or mild.
Pain While Urinating
If you are having pain while urinating, then you need to consult with your physician because it can be a sign of the disease. This symptom is commonly experienced when the cancer cells reached the bladder.
Bleeding During Pelvic Exam and After Sexual Intercourse
When a woman bleeds after having sex with her partner when not on menstruation, it is necessary that she seek help from medical professionals because it is one of the symptoms of cervical cancer. This happens because the cervix is irritated during this activity. Bleeding can also occur during pelvic exam.
More Points on Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a life-threatening disease that should be treated during the early stages of the disease. One of the causes is one’s exposure to human papillomavirus. A patient with multiple sexual partners is also at risk of the disease. Other causes of the disease are Chlamydia infection, hormonal contraception, HIV infection and smoking.
At the onset of the symptoms discussed on this page, patients are advised to consult with their gynecologists to prevent the prognosis of the disease. To diagnose the disease, patients should undergo different medical procedures. These include colposcopy, conization and loop electrical excision procedure and biopsy.
To avoid suffering from this disease, women should practice safe sex. Smoking cessation is also helpful in preventing the etiology of cervical cancer. Additionally, having cervical cancer vaccine is important to be safe from this disease.
To avoid the prognosis of the cancer, patients are recommended to eat nutritious fruits and vegetables. Foods that are rich in vitamin A and vitamin C are highly recommended to patients as well. Those who have been exposed to papillomavirus should eat foods that have high folic acid content to avoid infections caused by the virus. Other nutrients that are helpful in preventing the prognosis of cancer cells are carotenoids and vitamin E.