Signs of cervical cancer women do not ignore

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was consulted with Specialist Doctor I To Kim Sang - Internal Oncologist - Oncology Center - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
According to GLOBOCAN in 2020, Vietnam has more than 4000 women diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than 2000 deaths from the disease. Symptoms of cervical cancer are easy to confuse with other gynecological diseases. Let's learn the early signs of this disease to stay alert, detect it early and treat it effectively.

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding

One of the warning signs of cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding and this is also the most common symptom. Vaginal bleeding is usually divided into two types: cyclical (also known as menstrual) and non-cyclical. All cases of vaginal bleeding unrelated to menstruation are abnormal. However, not all menstrual-related vaginal bleeding is normal. If there are abnormalities in the quantity or nature of menstrual bleeding during menstruation, it is also considered as abnormal vaginal bleeding.
When experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding, you should visit a medical facility. At that time, the doctor will do a gynecological examination to find the source of the bleeding and determine the cause.

2. Abnormal vaginal discharge

In case the vaginal discharge is abnormal, has a strange color (yellow, green like pus or blood) and has an unpleasant smell... it is most likely a sign of cervical cancer.
However, other conditions in the "private area" such as appendicitis can also cause abnormal vaginal discharge. Therefore, you must see a gynecologist to determine the exact cause.

3. Pain or bleeding after sex

You may have pain and little bleeding after sex. However, if frequent, heavy bleeding or pain after sex occurs, it could be an underlying health problem. You should get tested soon when you see these signs.

4. Change the habit of urinating

Frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, discomfort when urinating may make you think of urinary-related diseases such as cystitis, urinary tract infection ... without thinking of cervical cancer. also have this symptom. Therefore, if you notice that this symptom persists and gets worse, it is imperative that you see your doctor right away.

5. Lower abdominal pain

Along with abnormal vaginal bleeding, oncologists say lower abdominal pain is also one of the most suspicious signs of cervical cancer, especially if there is pain that is not related to cervical cancer. menstrual period. In advanced cervical cancer, when the cervical tumor compresses surrounding structures, it can cause the patient to have a "tragic triad" including lower abdominal pain, urinary retention and leg edema. .

6. Anemia, unexplained weight loss

Anemia can occur with any cancer due to chronic inflammation, decreased production of erythropoietin and decreased iron metabolism; Especially for cervical cancer, anemia may be more severe when accompanied by prolonged vaginal bleeding. Anemia often makes people feel tired and depleted of energy. In addition, unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite are also common symptoms of cancer patients.
Cervical cancer is a curable disease, with a 92% success rate if detected at an early stage. Even, the rate can reach nearly 100% if detected in the precancerous stage. However, the majority of cases are diagnosed at a late stage, which cannot be cured. Therefore, if you have any of the above suspicious signs, you should visit a medical facility as soon as possible.
In addition, even if there are no suspicious signs, you should also have regular cervical cancer screening tests and HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer effectively.

When cervical cancer screening at Vinmec, customers can apply the ThinPrep Pap Test for early detection of cervical cancer, a method approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Used since May 1996. This new method is currently being used widely in the US and Europe. ThinPrep Pap Test has changed the traditional Pap smear method, through membrane controlled cell transfer technology, increasing the sensitivity and specificity in detecting precancerous cells. , especially adenocarcinoma cells, a type of cancer cell that is difficult to detect. At the same time, it is possible to perform an HPV test to identify women infected with high-risk HPV groups that cause cervical cancer.

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