Symptoms & Signs
Most ot the time, early cervical cancer has no symptoms. Symptoms that may occur can include:
- Continuous vaginal discharge, which may be pale, watery, pink, brown, bloody, or foul-smelling
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause
- Periods become heavier and last longer than usual
- Any bleeding after menopause
Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Pelvic pain
- Back pain
- Leg pain
- Single swollen leg
- Heavy bleeding from the vagina
- Leaking of urine or feces from the vagina
- Bone fractures
Diagnosis & Tests
Precancerous changes of the cervix and cervical cancer can not be seen with the naked eye. Special tests and tools are needed to spot such conditions.
Pap smears screen for precancers and cancer, but do not offer the final diagnosis. If abnormal changes are found, the cervix is usually examined under magnification. This is called colposcopy. Pieces of tissue are surgically removed (biopsied) during this procedure and sent to a laboratory for examination.
Other tests may include:
- Endocervical curettage (ECC) to examine the opening of the cervix
- Cone biopsy
If the woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer, the health care provider will order more tests to determine how far the cancer has spread. This is called staging. Tests may include:
- CT scan
- Cystoscopy
- MRI
- Chest x-ray
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
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Cervical cancer : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Cervical cancer : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Cervical cancer : Treatment
Review Date : 12/27/2009
Reviewed By : Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
