What are the physical symptoms of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer may have no obvious symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, increased vaginal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse, pelvic pain, and abnormal urination may occur. Cervical cancer is usually caused by human papillomavirus infection, long-term chronic inflammatory stimulation, low immune function, multiple and premature births, smoking and other factors. It can be diagnosed through cervical cytology, HPV testing, colposcopy and other methods.

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Non-menstrual bleeding or postmenopausal bleeding are common manifestations of cervical cancer and may be related to tumor invasion of blood vessels. In the early stage, it is mostly contact bleeding, and in the later stage, irregular bleeding may occur. The patient needs to undergo a colposcopy and, if necessary, a cervical biopsy. Hemostatic drugs such as Yunnan Baiyao capsules, blood-breaking tablets, etc. can be used as directed by the doctor, but the cause must be clarified before treatment.

2. Increased vaginal discharge

Be wary of increased leucorrhea accompanied by fishy smell or bloody discharge, which may be related to cancer tissue necrosis and infection. Rice-washing watery discharge may occur in the later stages. It is recommended to test secretions for pathogens to rule out other vaginitis. Keep the vulva clean, avoid using irritating lotions, and cooperate with your doctor for local irrigation treatment.

3. Pain during sexual intercourse

Tumor invasion of the cervix and surrounding tissues may cause discomfort or bleeding during sexual intercourse. It needs to be differentiated from ordinary vaginitis, and cervical hardness and contact bleeding need to be evaluated through gynecological examination. Avoid blind use of analgesics such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, and timely imaging examinations should be performed to clarify the scope of the disease.

4. Pelvic pain

Advanced cancer may compress nerves or metastasize to the pelvis, causing persistent dull pain that may radiate to the lumbosacral region. MRI staging is required. Those with severe pain can use tramadol hydrochloride tablets and other analgesics as directed by the doctor, along with hot compresses for relief. The presence of this symptom often indicates that the condition has progressed.

5. Abnormal urination

Tumor invasion of the bladder or ureter may cause frequent urination, hematuria, and even difficulty urinating. Urinary system ultrasound and cystoscopy are required to identify urinary system diseases. Tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release capsules can be used temporarily to improve symptoms, but the radical cure requires tumor treatment.

It is recommended that women over 30 years old undergo regular cervical cancer screening, including HPV testing and TCT examination. Maintaining a single sexual partner and getting the HPV vaccine can help prevent it. If you experience the above symptoms, you should promptly seek medical attention from a gynecological oncology specialist to avoid delaying the condition with self-medication. During the treatment period, it is necessary to strengthen nutritional support, supplement appropriate amounts of high-quality protein and vitamins, maintain moderate exercise to enhance immunity, and strictly follow the doctor's instructions to complete the radiotherapy and chemotherapy regimen.