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Cervical Cancer : Signs, Symptoms and Causes

Home> Cervical Cancer> Symptoms and Causes

Cervical cancer may not have any symptoms in its early stages, and even if they do appear, they are mild and can only be detected by a doctor. In most cases, symptoms of cancer of the cervix become apparent only in the advanced stages, when the disease has spread to other parts of the body.

A few symptoms of cervical cancer may be similar to symptoms of other cervix problems, and therefore, they may be ignored in some cases. This may lead to a delayed diagnosis and a poor treatment prognosis.

Paying attention to the different signs and symptoms of cervical cancer and understanding the possible causes of cervical cancer can aid in the early detection and timely treatment of this condition.

Who is Mainly Affected by Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. The risk of cervical cancer is found to increase around the age of 45 and peak around the age of 55.

Those who have had an HPV infection for years have a higher chance of developing cervical cancer.

That said, anyone can get diagnosed with cervical cancer, and it is therefore important to undergo regular screening, which helps in the early detection and timely treatment of cervical cancer.

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Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Not all women with cervical cancer experience the same symptoms. Being aware of the different symptoms of cervical cancer can help women seek medical attention at the right time and put themselves a step ahead of the disease. The following are some of the important cervix cancer signs and symptoms:

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Women must keep an eye on abnormal vaginal bleeding, as this is one of the most common symptoms of cervical cancer. Bleeding between periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse, or bleeding after menopause are some of the signs of cervical cancer, and it is important to see a doctor for a definitive diagnosis.

Unusual Vaginal Discharge

Any changes in the vaginal discharge with respect to its volume, texture, odor, and color should not be ignored, as this is also one of the important stage 1 cervical cancer symptoms.

Pelvic Pain

Women with cervical cancer may experience pain, which may range from a dull ache to pronounced discomfort. If this pain is persistent, one must see a doctor for a proper evaluation.

Pain During Sexual Intercourse

Women with cervical cancer may also experience pain during sexual intercourse, also known as dyspareunia. This may or may not be accompanied by abnormal bleeding. This symptom should not be ignored, as it is one of the most important signs of cervical cancer.

Painful Urination

Pain and discomfort while urinating could also be cervix cancer early symptoms. That said, painful urination can be caused by other problems too, and therefore, it is advised to see a doctor for a proper evaluation. This could be one of the stage 2 cervical cancer symptoms.

Changes in Menstrual Cycle

Women with cervical cancer may experience menstrual irregularities, namely heavier periods, prolonged periods, and bleeding between periods. In such cases, women must seek immediate medical attention.

Weight Loss and Fatigue

As the disease progresses, women with cervical cancer may experience unintended weight loss and extreme tiredness. This could be one of the cervical cancer stage 3 symptoms.

Cervical Cancer Types & Their Symptoms

The symptoms of cervical cancer may vary depending on the type of cancer. The following are the possible symptoms of different types of cervical cancer:

Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma may present with symptoms like vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, changes in the vaginal discharge, and discomfort in the pelvic region.

Symptoms of Adenocarcinoma

This type of cervical cancer may present with unusual vaginal discharge and pain and discomfort in the pelvic region.

Symptoms of Adenosquamous Carcinomas

Adenosquamous carcinomas can present with symptoms of both squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. Women with adenosquamous carcinomas may experience vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, pain, and discomfort in the pelvic region.

Symptoms of Glassy Cell Carcinomas

This rare type of cervical cancer may cause symptoms like bleeding, discomfort, and pain.

Symptoms of Neuroendocrine Carcinomas

Women with neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix experience abnormal vaginal discharge and bleeding, pelvic pain, and pain during intercourse.

What are the Causes of Cervical Cancer?

Presently, the exact cause of cervical cancer is unknown. However, over the years, a few factors that can increase the risk of cervical cancer have been identified.

HPV Infection

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the biggest risk factors for cervical cancer, and it could be one of the potential causes of cervical cancer.

Early Sexual Activity

Becoming sexually active at a young age is also found to increase cervical cancer risk in women.

Smoking

Smoking is one of the potential causes of cervical cancer, as tobacco contains harmful chemicals that can weaken the immune system and make one more susceptible to HPV infection.

Long-Term Use of Birth Control Pills

Although the connection between long-term use of oral contraceptives and cervical cancer risk is not fully understood, it is also observed to be one of the possible risk factors or possible causes of cervical cancer.

Multiple Pregnancies

Multiple full-term pregnancies are also considered one of the possible causes of cervical cancer.

Multiple Sexual Partners

Having multiple sexual partners is also found to increase one’s chances of developing cervical cancer due to increased exposure to the HPV virus.

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Exposure

Women who are exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero (prenatal exposure) have a higher chance of being diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Genetic Factors

Having a positive family history of cervical cancer or having certain inherited genetic disorders that are associated with cervical cancer development can increase one’s chances of developing cervical cancer.

Socioeconomic Factors

A lack of awareness, low levels of education and income, and limited access to healthcare may possibly increase one’s risk of developing cervical cancer.

Weak Immune System

A weaker immune system, which may be caused by certain diseases like HIV/AIDS, can also be a reason for cervical cancer.

Poor Hygiene and Sanitation

Poor hygiene practices may also become a risk factor for cervical cancer.

When to See an Oncologist?

Certain signs and symptoms of cancer of the cervix are similar to those of other less serious gynecological problems. However, it is important not to ignore the different signs of cervical cancer, especially if they last for more than two weeks or begin to worsen. Promptly seeing a doctor in such cases can support an early diagnosis and timely treatment of cervical cancer.

Conclusion

We may not know the exact cause of cervical cancer at this point in time. However, we do know that certain factors can increase cervical cancer risk in women. Learning about these risk factors, along with the different early signs of cervical cancer and other important symptoms of cervical cancer, can help women become cancer-aware and put themselves a step ahead of cervical cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does cervical cancer start?

Cervical cancer is commonly found to start in the squamocolumnar junction, or transformational zone, where the ectocervix (outer part of the cervix) and endocervix (inner part of the cervix) meet. Commonly, it is a persistent HPV infection, which is caused by certain HPV strains, that leads to precancerous lesions that, if left untreated, can transform into cancer. Other factors, like hereditary cervical cancer and certain genetic disorders, smoking, suppressed immunity, etc., may also lead to cervical cancer.

Many reports suggest that those with cervical cancer often have a vitamin D deficiency. However, this link is not fully understood. One of the possible reasons for this could be vitamin D’s role in immune function. The poor immunity caused by vitamin D deficiency may make one more susceptible to HPV infection, which is a direct risk factor for cervical cancer.

Certain lifestyle factors, or modifiable factors, can increase cervical cancer risk in women. Engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse, having multiple sexual practices, smoking, not opting for regular screening, poor hygiene practices, etc. are some of the important lifestyle factors that may act as possible cervical cancer reasons.

HPV infection, which is sexually transmitted, is one of the possible cervical cancer causes. It is possible for women to get HPV infections from men. If this infection becomes persistent and is not treated, it may lead to cervical cancer. Opting for HPV vaccination and practicing safe sex can help reduce cervical cancer risk in women.

Cervical cancer typically starts with the transformation zone cells on the cervix, where the squamous epithelial cells meet the glandular cells. These cells are most susceptible to HPV infection and abnormal changes that may lead to cancer.

Having multiple sexual partners is identified as one of the possible cervical cancer causes, as it increases the risk of HPV exposure. Opting for safer and healthier sexual practices, on the other hand, can help one reduce cervical cancer risk.

The following factors have been found to increase the risk of cervical cancer:

  • Persistent HPV infection
  • Early pregnancies and multiple pregnancies
  • Having multiple sexual partners
  • Compromised immune system
  • Smoking
  • Poor hygiene
  • Not opting for regular screening
  • Long-term usage of birth-control pills
  • Family history of cervical cancer

Yes. Cervical cancer is treatable. There are multiple treatment options available for cervical cancer. The success rates depend on the stage at which the disease is diagnosed. Early-stage cervical cancers are found to have better success rates than advanced-stage cervical cancers.

Some studies have reported that long-term use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) may slightly increase the risk of cervical cancer. For more information on the use of oral contraceptives and the cervical cancer risk associated with them, it is advisable to talk to a specialist.