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Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms may not appear until the cancer is advanced.

Common Symptoms

The most common symptom is bleeding from the vagina:

  • Between periods
  • After sex, douching, or a pelvic exam
  • After menopause

Menstrual periods may be heavy or last a long time. There may be an unusual discharge from the vagina.

Cervical Cancer.

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Advanced Symptoms

Later stages of cancer may cause:

  • Pain in the pelvis, belly or back
  • Problems passing urine or stool
  • Loss of hunger and weight
  • Being very tired
  • Swelling in the legs

References

  • Cervical cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cervical-cancer. Accessed April 21, 2021.
  • Cervical cancer. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/gynecologic-tumors/cervical-cancer. Accessed April 21, 2021.
  • General information about cervical cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/patient/cervical-treatment-pdq. Accessed April 21, 2021.
  • Hu Z, Ma D. The precision prevention and therapy of HPV-related cervical cancer: new concepts and clinical implications. Cancer Med. 2018 Oct;7(10):5217-5236.
  • Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html. Accessed April 21, 2021.

Contributors

  • Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
Last Updated:
2021-03-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.