Early symptoms and precursors of cervical cancer

Early symptoms and precursors of cervical cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sexual intercourse, abnormal vaginal discharge, etc. Early detection can be intervened through regular screening and timely medical treatment.

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is a common early symptom of cervical cancer, which manifests as bleeding during non-menstrual periods or abnormally heavy menstrual flow. This bleeding may occur after sexual intercourse, after a gynecological examination, or after menopause. Cervical cancer causes damage to cervical tissue, exposing blood vessels, and even slight stimulation can cause bleeding.

2. Bleeding after sexual intercourse

Bleeding after sexual intercourse is a typical precursor to cervical cancer, which may be related to the fragility of cervical lesions or tumor tissue. The cervix is ​​prone to bleeding after mechanical stimulation. If bleeding after sexual intercourse occurs frequently, you should see a doctor as soon as possible for cervical cytology or HPV testing.

3. Abnormal vaginal discharge

Increased vaginal discharge, changes in color, or an odor may be an early sign of cervical cancer. Abnormal discharge may be caused by substances secreted by cancer cells or by infection. If the discharge is watery, bloody, or has a foul odor, be alert to cervical disease.

4. Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen

When cervical cancer progresses to a certain extent, it may cause pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen. This pain may be related to the tumor compressing surrounding tissues or nerves. If the pain persists or worsens, you should seek medical attention for further examination.

5. Abnormal urination or defecation

Cervical cancer may invade the bladder or rectum, causing difficulty urinating, frequent urination, painful urination, or abnormal bowel movements. These symptoms indicate that the tumor may have spread to adjacent organs and require imaging examinations and pathological diagnosis as soon as possible.

The key to early detection of cervical cancer is regular screening and timely medical treatment. Cervical cytology TCT and HPV testing are commonly used screening methods. It is recommended that women undergo a gynecological examination once a year. For high-risk groups, such as those infected with HPV and those with a family history, the screening frequency should be increased.

Treatment methods include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Surgery is suitable for early-stage patients, and common procedures include cervical conization and total hysterectomy. Radiotherapy is suitable for patients in the middle and late stages, and high-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used for patients in the late stages or relapses, and commonly used drugs include cisplatin and paclitaxel.

Measures to prevent cervical cancer include getting the HPV vaccine, maintaining good hygiene habits, and avoiding high-risk sexual behaviors. The HPV vaccine can effectively prevent high-risk HPV infection and is recommended for women aged 9-45. Keeping the vulva clean, avoiding multiple sexual partners, and using condoms can reduce the risk of infection.

Although the early symptoms and precursors of cervical cancer are not obvious, regular screening and timely medical treatment can significantly improve the cure rate. Women should pay attention to their own health, take active preventive measures, and detect and treat early to avoid worsening of the disease.