Dr Arti Gupta : Cervical Cancer

MBBS, MS (Obstetrics and Gynaecology)
Associate Professor – Career Medical College, Lucknow
Ex Consultant – District Government Hospital

When cancer develops in the cervix of a female, it is termed as Cervical Cancer (CC). CC usually develops slowly over time with initial appearance of abnormal cells in the cervical tissue. Later, cancer cells start to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and to surrounding areas.

What are the risk factors

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection

Early Marriage.

Sexually active at younger age.

Having multiple sexual partners.

Poor genital hygiene.

Smoking.

Multiple pregnancies.

Weakened immune system.

Malnutrition.

Prolonged use of Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs).

What are the signs & symptoms?

Women with pre-cancers and early cervical cancers usually have no signs and symptoms. Signs & symptoms of CC appear only after the cancer has reached an advanced stage. More severe symptoms may develop at advanced stages of CC.

Irregular, inter-menstrual (between periods) bleeding..

Abnormal vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse and a pelvic examination or bleeding after menopause.

Vaginal discomfort or odorous discharge from vagina, the discharge may contain some blood and may occur between periods or after menopause.

Pain during sex.

Back, leg or pelvic pain.

Fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite.

Swelling in one leg.