Four Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer Every Woman Must Know

Cervical cancer starts due to human papilloma virus or (HPV) that causes abnormal cell growth in the cervix area which becomes cancerous. In certain cases, women may have unusual cell growth in cervical wall but is unlikely to be suffering from this form of cancer. Detection of cervical cancer can be done at an early stage if women undergo pap-smear tests on a regular basis at family clinic which can help start early treatment. The pap-smear test also helps a doctor diagnose the stage of cervical cancer in the body and then proceed with the treatment plan to meet unique requirement of each patient. Like other cancers, this form of cancer is treatable if diagnosed in the early stages. Given below are the most critical signs that every woman should look out for cervical cancer besides taking pap tests every three years.

Unusual bleeding

Spotting between periods and heavy bleeding during periods are some of the earliest signs of cervical cancer and should be immediately brought to the attention of a family doctor. Sometimes when women have bleeding after menopause they ignore it as normal which can lead to problems later. Bleeding during and after intercourse followed by pain in the vaginal region can be a sign of cervical cancer as this discomfort could be due to HPV infection in its early stages.

Sudden weightloss followed by leg pain

Similar to other forms of cancer, sudden weight loss is common in cervical cancer too as body tries its best to fight off the HPV infection. When the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it can start pressing on nerves of the pelvic wall and other sections leading to severe pain in the legs, back and abdominal region. In advanced stages of cervical cancer, when kidneys are unable to function normally, the buildup of urine leads to swelling in the ankles, feet and legs.

Unusual vaginal discharge

Though most women suffer from irregular vaginal discharge on and off throughout their lives, unusual situations of vaginal discharge can become a symptom of cervical cancer. Women who have foul smelling vaginal discharge on a recurring basis should immediately visit an urgent care clinic that has test facilities for checking existence of HPV virus through pap-smear.

Urination problems

Growth of cancer in the body can affect the kidneys and cause problems during duration. During this advanced stage, the cancer blocks kidney functions leading to difficulty in passing urine. When you have any form of unusual urination problems, it can be a sign of trouble in the kidneys and it is best to go for same day appointment to a gynecologist to speak about your problem.

For protection of future generation of women against cervical cancer, there is HPV vaccination that can provide immunization against HPV virus. The HPV vaccination is administered in three doses over a period of six months to women in the age group of nine to eleven years at any registered family clinic like Phoenix Family Medical Clinic and their providers and physicians also treat and provide care for kids with ADHD.

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