Signs And Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

The cervix is the portion of the uterus that connects it to the vagina. Cervical cancer, which occurs in this area when a cell mutates, is a serious form of cancer that affects women. The DNA mutation that causes this type of cancer will compromise the cervical cell’s division, growth, and death. Certain human papillomavirus (HPV) strains have been known to cause these mutations. Unfortunately, HPV is quite common for women to experience.

The simplest method of preventing cervical cancer from developing and getting severe is for women to receive an annual pap smear. This will allow their doctor to catch abnormalities early. Catching cervical cancer early is vital for women to receive effective treatment.

As this type of cancer progresses, the treatments get more invasive. They will also have lasting consequences. Traditional cervical cancer cures include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, patients may be facing serious surgeries for cervical cancer too. These cervical cancer treatments include conization, hysterectomy, and pelvic externation. The last two are used when cervical cancer has spread.

Bleeding Following A Pelvic Exam

Women need to have a pelvic exam regularly. This is to ensure their doctor can catch any potential issues early. Normally, a pelvic exam does not cause much bleeding, if any at all. However, cervical cancer can cause bleeding following a pelvic exam. This is because of irritation to the cervix that results in the walls being dry, cracked, or otherwise inflamed. Any disturbance to this area, including a simple pelvic exam that takes a cervical swab, can trigger some bleeding. This is because the swab can open up the dried cracks in the cervical walls. Pelvic ultrasounds may also cause bleeding if a woman is suffering from cervical cancer.

Get more information on symptoms linked to cervical cancer now.

Menstrual Cycle Changes

It is difficult to determine exactly what a normal menstrual cycle should look like. Many reports indicate that a woman’s menstrual cycle should last for a total of 28 days, with approximately 5 of those days being when bleeding occurs. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Some women experience cycles of 25 or 26 days, and their bleeding may only last for 4 days. Other women even deal with spotting. However, all women must note that menstrual cycle changes are a serious warning sign of cervical cancer.

A cycle that lasts for longer than what it normally does is one change that can indicate cervical cancer, as it can mean the cervix is damaged. Early menstrual bleeding may also mean the cervix is irritated. This can signify a tumor. A woman should visit her doctor if she experiences changes in her menstrual cycle that last for more than 3 months. Even if these changes turn out to not be cervical cancer, there may still be a health issue and it is far better for women to get themselves checked out.

Uncover details on more changes that can indicate a woman has cervical cancer next.