early symptoms of cervical cancer

Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on February 22, 2025
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Cervical cancer in its early stages often has no obvious symptoms or signs. It is usually discovered when abnormal vaginal discharge, which may have an unpleasant odor or bloodstains, prompts a hospital visit. Upon examination, cervical cancer can be diagnosed. Another typical symptom may be light bleeding after sexual intercourse, which can also lead to discovery upon medical examination. Therefore, the best approach to detecting cervical cancer is to regularly undergo cervical cancer screenings to identify and treat any early changes, improving treatment outcomes.

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Why would someone get cervical cancer?

Why does cervical cancer occur? There are several reasons for cervical cancer: The first is infection with the human papillomavirus, also known as HPV infection, which is the fundamental cause of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Secondly, there are other factors; in a few cases, HPV DNA is not detected in the tumor tissue, especially among elderly patients, and it is related to early childbirth and multiple pregnancies. The third point is that cervical cancer incidence is associated with high-risk males, including those who have had penile cancer, prostate cancer, or are high-risk individuals for cervical cancer. Women who are in contact with these high-risk men are more likely to develop cervical cancer. Lastly, irregular diet and lifestyle, along with smoking and drinking, can suppress the body's immune function, potentially promoting cancer.

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Treatment of Cervical Cancer

The treatment principle of cervical cancer primarily focuses on surgical and radiotherapy, supplemented by chemotherapy and other comprehensive treatment plans. Therefore, it should be based on clinical staging and the specific condition of the patient, such as age and physical health, combined with the overall situation, as well as considering the level of technology and equipment conditions to develop a suitable treatment plan. Nowadays, emphasis is placed on personalized treatment and initial treatment. Cervical cancer treatment primarily involves surgery, including extensive hysterectomy and extensive cervical excision, where choosing the appropriate surgical method is key. Post-surgery, radiotherapy can be combined, and for those unsuitable for surgery, preoperative radiotherapy is an option. Additionally, preoperative or postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy can also be considered.

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Is cervical polyp cervical cancer?

Cervical polyps are not cervical cancer. Most cervical polyps are caused by chronic inflammation of the cervix, whereas cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. After removing a cervical polyp and conducting a pathological examination, if it is benign, it is considered cured. However, cervical cancer is a malignant tumor that requires surgery. If high-risk factors are present after surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are necessary. Therefore, these two diseases are different and vary in severity.

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How is cervical cancer treated?

Cervical cancer is one of the malignant gynecological tumors. The treatment approach should be based on a comprehensive assessment of the disease stage, the hospital's facilities, and the patient's condition, among other factors, to develop an integrated treatment plan. The principle of cervical cancer treatment primarily involves surgery and radiotherapy, supplemented by chemotherapy as an integrated treatment plan. The treatment should consider clinical staging, age, general condition, and the overall level of technology and equipment to develop an appropriate treatment method. It is important to focus on personalized treatment and the initial treatment.

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Cervical Cancer Staging Criteria

For the staging of cervical cancer, the staging criteria of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) are now adopted. Staging should be done before treatment, and since the FIGO staging of the cervix mainly relies on the examination of the pelvis, it is emphasized that the pelvic examination must be performed by two senior gynecologic oncologists. The staging primarily involves assessing the size of the cervical lesion, particularly the measurement of endophytic tumors, parametrial tissue infiltration, and the status of pelvic lymph nodes. However, these stages mainly rely on radiological examinations, primarily magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to provide objective data for staging.