Cervical cancer is a dangerous disease that attacks women. To avoid the dangers of cervical cancer, it is very important for you to know the characteristics of cervical cancer early.
Cancer of the cervix or cervical cancer is a cancer that attacks the cervix in the female reproductive organs, and is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV. This condition is generally realized when it has entered an advanced stage. Therefore, in addition to carrying out routine checks, you need to observe various characteristics of cervical cancer, so that it can be recognized early and treated as soon as possible.
Characteristics of Cervical Cancer
Although cervical cancer is often difficult to recognize early, but we need to know some characteristics of cervical cancer in general to be aware of. The following characteristics of cervical cancer you need to know:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
When women experience cervical cancer, the symptoms that usually appear are abnormal bleeding in the vagina. This bleeding can occur more or less than usual menstruation, can occur between menstrual periods, or in menopausal women. Vaginal bleeding can also occur during sexual intercourse.
Experiencing unusual vaginal discharge
Other characteristics of cervical cancer are abnormal vaginal discharge. Mucus in leucorrhoea will experience discoloration, has an unpleasant aroma or smell, and changes in texture and consistency of vaginal fluid. This unusual vaginal discharge can also be caused by other diseases, because it should be consulted by a doctor to determine the cause.
Pain when having sex
Cervical cancer that has entered an advanced stage, will bring up a more diverse sign. One of them is pelvic pain during intercourse. The pain that arises makes you feel uncomfortable when having sex. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience pelvic pain during intercourse, to ascertain whether this condition is a sign of cervical cancer or due to other diseases, such as endometriosis or fibroids.
The frequency of urination increases
Women seem to have to be careful if they feel pain when urinating and cannot resist the urge to go to the bathroom, because this could be a feature of cervical cancer. This condition is usually caused by cancer cells that grow around the cervix, then spread to the bladder. However, these symptoms can also arise due to urinary tract infections (UTI), so you need to see a doctor to make sure.
Easily tired
Another feature that will arise if you suffer from cervical cancer is easily tired. This condition occurs due to abnormal bleeding in the vagina, so that over time the body experiences a shortage of red blood cells (anemia), which makes the body become tired quickly. Fatigue will usually last at any time and not disappear even if you have had enough rest.
Swelling in one leg
When cervical cancer enters an advanced stage, it usually causes various complications. One of them is swelling of the legs. This condition can occur when cancer cells suppress blood vessels in the pelvis, thus inhibiting circulation to the legs. As a result, there is accumulation of fluid that makes the limbs become swollen.
Loss of appetite
Women affected by cervical cancer will experience a decrease or even loss of appetite. This is due to the spread of cancer cells that make it difficult for the body to receive food intake. In addition, drastic weight loss that is not known to cause, also needs to be suspected as a symptom of cancer.
Experience constipation
If cervical cancer has spread to the large intestine, it can potentially cause constipation or constipation. This condition can occur when cervical cancer has entered an advanced stage.
Blood spots in the urine (hematuria)
If you are urinating and see urine mixed with blood, immediately consult a doctor. It could be that it is one of your signs of cervical cancer.
Exit urine or fases from the vagina
Cervical cancer can also affect vaginal function. When it has entered an advanced stage, cancer of the service can cause leakage of urine or discharge of feces from the vagina. This can occur due to the formation of a fistula between the vagina and urinary tract, or an anal fistula between the vagina and anus, so that urine and phases can pass through the vagina.
Various characteristics of cervical cancer above can also be caused by illness or other conditions in your body. For women who have been sexually active, it is recommended to do a pap smear at least once every three to five years, or follow the doctor's advice.
Early detection of cervical cancer is important because the earlier the cancer is detected, the higher the chance of recovering from cervical cancer. In addition, HPV vaccination for prevention of cervical cancer is also important for you to get. If there are signs of symptoms above, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.