Cervical Cancer Symptoms: Early Signs, Types, Complications, and When to See a Doctor
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Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Learn how to spot cervical cancer symptoms for an early diagnosis and a better prognosis.
Cervical Cancer Symptoms
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Published on October 4, 2024
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Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in your cervix (the lower part of a woman’s uterus that connects to the vagina). The initial signs and symptoms are often vague but may include pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

At first, cervical cancer might not cause any signs or symptoms at all. That’s why it’s hard to detect this cancer in its early stages without regular screenings.

 But as the cancer grows, you might experience more noticeable problems.

Still, early-stage cervical cancer can sometimes cause symptoms. Some symptoms to watch out for include:

  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause
  • Vaginal bleeding after sex
  • Bleeding between your periods
  • Menstrual bleeding that’s heavier or lasts longer than usual
  • Vaginal discharge that’s bloody or is watery with a strong odor
  • Pain during sex
When cervical cancer spreads beyond the cervix and becomes advanced, symptoms may include:

  • Difficult or painful urination or bowel movements
  • Bleeding from the rectum during a bowel movement
  • Blood in the urine
  • A dull backache
  • Swelling of your legs
  • Pain in your belly
  • Feeling tired
  • Diarrhea

  • Weight loss or loss of appetite

These issues could also be indicators of other health conditions. The only way to know if your symptoms are signs of cervical cancer is to see your doctor for testing.

Types of Cervical Cancer

There are two main types of cervical cancer.

  • Squamous Cell Carcinomas These cancers develop from cells in the ectocervix, which is the outer part of the cervix that doctors can see during a gynecological exam.

     Roughly 80 percent to 90 percent of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.

  • Adenocarcinomas These cancers develop in the glandular cells of the endocervix, which is the opening of the cervix that leads to the uterus.

     Adenocarcinomas account for 10 percent to 20 percent of cervical cancers.

You can also have features of both types of cervical cancer. This is called mixed carcinoma or adenosquamous carcinoma. Additionally, other types of cancer can develop in the cervix, but these are rare.

Potential Complications of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer can lead to complications, which are secondary health problems.

Some possible complications include:

  • Pain: If the cancer spreads, you might notice pain or discomfort.
  • Kidney damage: Cervical cancer can cause kidney failure in its advanced stages.
  • Change in bathroom habits: You may have difficulty peeing. Or, you could experience bowel changes, such as constipation.
  • Bleeding: You may bleed from your vagina, bladder, or rectum if cervical cancer spreads to other parts of your body.
  • Blood clots: Cervical cancer might slow your blood flow and increase your risk of clots.
  • Fertility issues: You may have trouble getting pregnant or experience miscarriage after treatment for cervical cancer. Some women can’t get pregnant at all, but your fertility status will depend on the treatment you receive.
  • Treatment side effects: Cancer therapies can cause problems like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction.

When to See a Doctor

You should see your doctor if you develop unusual symptoms, particularly:

  • Bleeding between your periods
  • Bleeding after menopause
  • Watery vaginal discharge
  • Pain during sex or pelvic pain during sex
Your doctor may recommend a Pap smear or other tests to see if you have cervical cancer or something else. Catching the cancer early can lead to a better prognosis, so you shouldn’t hesitate to see your health provider.

The Takeaway

Cervical cancer can cause symptoms like abnormal bleeding, discharge, and pain during sex. But these vague symptoms can sometimes be overlooked, highlighting the importance of regular screenings. Ask your doctor about any unusual signs and symptoms, because early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer are linked to a better prognosis.

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Ryland J. Gore, MD, MPH

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Castle Connolly Top Doctor
Ryland Gore, MD, MPH, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in breast surgical oncology in Atlanta. She completed her general surgery residency at Rush University Medical Center and John H. Stroger Cook County Hospital in Chicago. She went on to complete her breast surgical oncology fellowship at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Gore previously served on the board of directors for Every Woman Works, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower women and help them transition into independence and stability from common setbacks. Gore served as the chairwoman of the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign in Atlanta for three years (2019 to 2021). She is currently the co-director of Nth Dimensions’ Strategic Mentoring Program and the alumni board chair of the Summer Health Professions Educational Program (SHPEP), which is a collaborative effort by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Association of American Medical Colleges, and the American Dental Education Association.

Gore is a highly sought after speaker, consultant, and lecturer on breast cancer and breast health, as well as women’s empowerment topics.
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Julie Lynn Marks

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Julie Marks is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience covering health, lifestyle, and science topics. In addition to writing for Everyday Health, her work has been featured in WebMD, SELF, Healthline, A&E, Psych Central, Verywell Health, and more. Her goal is to compose helpful articles that readers can easily understand and use to improve their well-being. She is passionate about healthy living and delivering important medical information through her writing.

Prior to her freelance career, Marks was a supervising producer of medical programming for Ivanhoe Broadcast News. She is a Telly award winner and Freddie award finalist. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, traveling, and cheering on the UCF Knights.

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Resources
  1. Cervical Cancer. Mayo Clinic. September 2, 2023.
  2. Cervical Cancer. Cleveland Clinic. August 8, 2024.
  3. Cervical Cancer Symptoms. National Cancer Institute. October 13, 2022.
  4. What Is Cervical Cancer? American Cancer Society. August 23, 2023.
  5. What Is Cervical Cancer? National Cancer Institute. June 15, 2023.