Cervical cancer is a malignant neoplasm arising from cells originating in thecervix uteri. One of the most common symptoms of cervical cancer is abnormalvaginal bleeding, but in some cases there may be no obvious symptoms until the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage.[1] Treatment usually consists of surgery (including local excision) in early stages, and chemotherapy and/orradiotherapy in more advanced stages of the disease.
Signs and Symptoms
The early stages of cervical cancer may be completely asymptomatic.[1][2] Vaginal bleeding, contact bleeding, or (rarely) a vaginal mass may indicate the presence of malignancy. Also, moderate pain during sexual intercourse and vaginal discharge are symptoms of cervical cancer. In advanced disease, metastases may be present in the abdomen, lungs or elsewhere.
Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include: loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, pelvic pain, back pain, leg pain, swollen legs, heavy bleeding from the vagina, bone fractures, and/or (rarely) leakage of urine or faeces from the vagina.
Signs and Symptoms
The early stages of cervical cancer may be completely asymptomatic.[1][2] Vaginal bleeding, contact bleeding, or (rarely) a vaginal mass may indicate the presence of malignancy. Also, moderate pain during sexual intercourse and vaginal discharge are symptoms of cervical cancer. In advanced disease, metastases may be present in the abdomen, lungs or elsewhere.
Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include: loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, pelvic pain, back pain, leg pain, swollen legs, heavy bleeding from the vagina, bone fractures, and/or (rarely) leakage of urine or faeces from the vagina.
Infection with some types of human papilloma virus (HPV) is the greatest risk factor for cervical cancer, followed by smoking. Other risk factors include human immunodeficiency virus. Not all of the causes of cervical cancer are known, however, and several other contributing factors have been implicated.
