A particularly contagious cancer called cervical cancer is brought on by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 100 different strains of the sexually transmitted virus known as HPV. Cervical cancer, one of the most deadly gynecological cancers, is one of the variations that can cause it. If the immune system is strong enough to combat it, the HPV can go away on its own. However, it can occasionally lead to abnormal cell growth that can result in cervical cancer.
7 SIGNS OF CERVICAL CANCER
Although
cervical cancer does not produce obvious symptoms like breast cancer,
it can still be detected early if you know what signs to look for.
Visit a gynecologist immediately in case you have any of the symptoms:
UNUSUAL DISCHARGE
Unusual
discharge is a common symptom of this type of cancer because once the
cancer starts growing inside the cervix, the cells of the uterine lining
start secreting watery discharge.
WARTS
As
gynecologist Rosa Maria Leme says: The appearance of small warts
(external or internal) serves as a red flag for some diseases such as
HPV, which greatly increases the chances of cervical cancer in women.
PAIN OR BLEEDING
Pelvic
discomfort and bleeding are also typical signs of cervical cancer
because the walls of the cervix dry out and even crack due to the
abnormal cell growth. Rectal or bladder bleeding can also occur though
in the more advanced stages. Any bleeding outside your menstrual period
requires immediate medical attention.
ANEMIA
Anemia
often accompanies cervical cancer because it’s caused by excessive
bleeding, another sign of this cancer. If your eating habits are the
same, but you constantly feel tired, or your heartbeat increases even at
the slightest effort, you should get examined for anemia and the reason
behind it.
URINARY PROBLEMS
Difficulty
urinating is another sign of cervical cancer that occurs as a result of
swelling of the cervix, which presses the bladder and kidneys impeding
the passage of urine. This results in inability to empty your bladder
completely, pain while urinating and/or a urinary tract infection.
CONTINUOUS PAIN IN THE LEGS, HIPS OR BACK
A swollen cervix affects not only your kidneys and bladder but also your internal organs. It may put pressure on the blood vessels and inhibit blood flow to the pelvis and legs, thus producing pain and swelling in the legs and ankles.
WEIGHT LOSS
Loss
of appetite and weight accompanies most types of cancer. In the case of
cervical cancer, the swollen cervix puts pressure on the stomach,
leading to appetite and weight loss.
Note: It’s very important to
have in mind that these symptoms can also be produced by other
conditions. However, reporting them to your gynecologist is vital for
early detection.
There are numerous risk factors that can lead to contracting an HPV infection, found in both men and women.
THE BEST-KNOWN RISK FACTORS FOR CERVICAL CANCER ARE:
- Smoking or inhaling second-hand smoke
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Having unprotected sex
- Having low immunity
As
the article mentioned earlier, an HPV infection is the root cause of
cervical cancer, so being able to read the warning signs and symptoms of
HPV is critical for this cancer. Having regular Pap smear tests once or
twice a year also increases your chances of early detection.