Cervical cancer is a condition many women dread talking about, but it is important to be well-informed of the main symptoms of the condition. At one time, cervical cancer was a major cause of death among women, but thanks to the encouragement that women take regular pap smears, the number of deaths of cervical cancer has decreased significantly.
Although pap smears are highly effective at detecting signs of cancer early, it is still essential to know the earliest signs of this condition, including irregular bleeding, unusual discharge and pain during and after intercourse.
If you have any of these symptoms, it is imperative to make an appointment with a gynecologist right away. Some of these symptoms can be mistaken for other phenomena, such as irregular bleeding during perimenopause, but it is better to take the trouble and get tested to be sure than to let it go.
1. Irregular Discharge
It isn’t unusual to have regular vaginal discharge, but if you notice a different color, a watery consistency or a strong odor, you should be cautious. If there is blood in the discharge, this could indicate a cancerous growth, or the advent of a period. However, if no period develops, then the discharge should be a cause of concern.
The unusual discharge is the result of tissue that has died as a result of the onset of cancer and is being passed out of the body. Other symptoms related to discharge may be discharge that is pink or brown and has small bits of tissue along with it.
When tumors develop, there tends to be fluid released, and in the case of cervical cancer, this fluid happens to be visible. See your doctor if you notice any unusual discharge even if there is no pain or discomfort.