Cervical Cancer is caused in the lower part of the uterus or cervix due to abnormal cells which get infected in the cervix. The infected cells then become cancerous and change to a tumor. There are several causes of cancer of the cervix like smoking, aging, weakened immunity but the major cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papillomavirus or HPV. It spreads through skin contact. In females, this virus usually spreads from an infected partner sexually. However, cervical cancer doesn’t happen from all instances of an infection as our body’s immunity also fights infections, but certain types of viral infections may develop later to cervical cancer.
It is the fourth most common cancer happening worldwide in women and here are the most common 8 symptoms one needs to be careful about:
1. Abnormal or Excessive Bleeding
Sudden excessive bleeding can be caused by various other factors but abnormal and sudden bleeding can be a cause of cervical cancer. Excessive bleeding during menstruation sudden bleeding after reaching menopause, lengthy menstrual cycle, and irritation in the cervix area are some common indicators of cervical cancer. Any kind of sudden and excess bleeding needs to be given attention immediately and must be discussed with doctor’s attention immediately.
2. Abnormal Discharge
The most common reason behind abnormal discharge is the infections caused by yeast or bacteria or it can be due to menopause. They are all harmless and can be treated. Sometimes there is abnormal discharge which is brown in color, yellowish or pale, it may have a foul smell, then these symptoms could be a sign of cancer of the cervix. One should always reach out for a doctor as soon as you notice an unusual kind of discharge.
3. Discomfort During Urination
Any sort of discomfort like burning, itching or pain in the bladder is a sign of a Urinary Tract Infection often referred as UTI which is caused generally by a yeast or bacterial infection. But, frequent urges of urinating and discomfort may be an indication of cancer in the cervix. In the advanced stage of cervical cancer, the discomfort can be due to the blockage of kidney or urethra causing an obstruction in urine flow. Moreover, when a UTI gets progressed one can even see blood in the urine that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a sign of cancer. One must visit a doctor immediately if any blood is passing in urine.
4. Just One Swollen Leg
Cancers have an asymptomatic nature i.e. no symptoms will be shown until the pain starts to happen due to compression of the nerves. When the tumor grows in size it starts to exert pressure on the nerves surrounding that area where the tumor grows ultimately causing pain. One of the causes of cervical cancer is a swollen the and paining leg and that can occur in any of the legs.
5. Pelvic and Back Pain
According to gynecologists pain in the back and pelvic area are the symptoms of an advanced stage of cervical cancer. It means that the tumor has grown a lot in size and has pressed down the lower tailbone hance causing back pain. It feels like one having menstrual cramps and severe back pain.
6. Loss of Appetite and Weight
The most common symptom of any kind of cancer is the loss of appetite leading which in turn leads to weight loss. Cancerous tumors inside the body lead to the increased the production of cytokines. Cytokines are small proteins that suppress appetite and alters the metabolic rate of the body. they speed up the rate with which fat breaks down in the body causing weight loss and reduce muscle mass.
7. Constant Fatigue
One of the signs of cervical cancer is unusual lethargy and fatigue, especially when combined with other symptoms. Your body works harder to fight the disease which makes it tired.
8. Anemia
When a female has anemia along with one or more than one symptoms listed above, it could be a clear sign of advanced stage of cervical cancer which causes abnormal and excessive bleeding.
The best way one can follow to prevent cancer is going for a screening of the cervical from time to time. Going for urine and body check-ups and going and discussing with the doctor even if you find a minor issue related to your lower body physiology.
