Complications of cervical cancer can occur or arise as a result of treatment or because of the stage of cervical cancer that has entered an advanced stage. In fact, cervical cancer treatment also risks causing some side effects and complications. Here are some complications of cervical cancer that may occur.
Complications of cervical cancer due to treatment
1. Early menopause
Early menopause can occur if the uterus and ovaries are removed through surgery, or it could be because the uterus and ovaries are damaged while undergoing treatment with radiotherapy. Some symptoms that can arise due to this condition are:
- Dry vagina.
- Menstruation stops or is irregular.
- Loss of sexual desire.
- Hot sensation and sweating.
- Excessive sweating, even at night.
Loss of ability to hold urine, so that it can cause accidental urination when coughing or sneezing; this condition is known as urinary incontinence.
Thinning of bones that can cause osteoporosis or brittle bones.
These symptoms can be reduced by taking drugs that stimulate the production of estrogen and progesterone. This treatment is called hormone replacement therapy.
2. The occurrence of narrowing of the vagina
Treatment with radiotherapy for cervical cancer often causes your vagina to become narrow. This condition can make sex feel very painful and difficult.
Treatment can be done by applying a hormone cream to the vagina to increase moisture in the vagina so that sex can be easier. Vaginal dilators can also be used to treat them. This is a tampon-shaped device made of plastic, which makes vaginal tissue elastic and sexual intercourse feels more comfortable. It is recommended to use a vaginal dilator for five to 10 minutes at any time regularly for six months to one year.
Many women feel embarrassed to talk about this tool. But this method of handling is well known for vaginal narrowing problems. You can ask your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of this tool.
3. The appearance of lymphedema
Lymphedema is a swelling that generally appears on the hands or feet because the lymphatic system is blocked. The lymphatic system is an important part of the immune system and the body's circulatory system. The lymphatic system may not function normally if the lymph nodes are removed from your pelvis.
One of the functions of the lymphatic system is removing excess fluid from the body's tissues. Disorders in this process can cause fluid buildup in the body's tissues, which causes swelling.
In people with cervical cancer, lymphedema usually occurs in the legs. To reduce the swelling that occurs, you can do exercises and special massage techniques. Bandages or special bandages can also help to overcome them.
Complications of cervical cancer due to advanced stages
1. Pain due to the spread of cancer
Severe pain will arise when the cancer has spread to your nerves, bones, or muscles. However, some painkillers can usually be used to control this pain. If pain relief doesn't help much, ask your doctor about drugs that might have a stronger effect. Short-term radiotherapy is also effective for controlling pain.
2. Kidney failure
The kidneys function to remove waste material from the body. This waste is discharged through urine through a channel called the ureter. Kidney function can be monitored through a simple blood test called serum creatinine level.
In some cases of advanced cervical cancer, cancer can suppress the ureter. This causes obstruction of the flow of urine to get out of the kidney. The collection of urine in the kidney is known as hydronephrosis. This condition can cause the kidneys to swell and stretch. Severe hydronephrosis can damage the kidneys and lose all their functions. This condition is called kidney failure.
3. Blood clots
Like other cancers, cervical cancer can make blood become stickier or thicker and tend to form clots. The risk of blood clots increases after undergoing chemotherapy and postoperative rest. The appearance of a large tumor can suppress blood vessels in the pelvis. This is what slows the return of blood flow and ultimately results in clots in the legs.
The condition can have a fatal impact if a blood clot from a blood vessel in the leg moves into the lungs and blocks the blood supply to the lungs. This condition is called pulmonary embolism. This blood clot in the leg can be treated with a combination of blood thinning drugs, such as heparin or warfarin. Wrapping a stocking or cloth in a sanitary napkin can also help facilitate blood circulation throughout the body.
4. Excessive bleeding
Excessive bleeding can occur if the cancer spreads to the vagina, intestine, or bladder. Bleeding can appear in the rectum or in the vagina. Bleeding can also occur when urinating.
Small bleeding can be treated with a drug called tranexamic acid. This drug can help blood to clot so that it can stop the bleeding that occurs. Radiotherapy is also effective in stopping bleeding due to cancer.
5. Fistula
Fistulas include rare complications, only about one in 50 cases of advanced cervical cancer. A fistula is the formation of a connection or abnormal channel between two parts of the body. In cases of cervical cancer, a fistula can form between the bladder and vagina. This can result in continuous discharge of urine from the vagina. Sometimes, a fistula can occur between the vagina and rectum.
Surgery is usually needed to repair the fistula. However, this is often impossible for women with advanced cervical cancer, because their condition is already very weak.
6. Abnormal vaginal discharge
Abnormal vaginal discharge can be a strange and unpleasant smell due to advanced cervical cancer. Leucorrhoea that comes out can arise due to several causes, such as damage to tissue cells, damage to the bladder or intestine so that there is a leak, or because of bacterial infection in the vaginal organs.
To overcome this, you can use an antibacterial gel containing metronidazole. You can also use clothes that contain charcoal (carbon). Carbon is a very effective chemical compound to absorb unpleasant odors.
To prevent the occurrence of cervical cancer so that complications do not occur as mentioned earlier, prevention can be done, including early detection through regular screening and HPV vaccination.
The HPV vaccine makes the body form antibodies to the HPV virus, so the incoming virus will die and not cause cervical cancer. Preventing it means you can also avoid some of the possible complications of cervical cancer that will arise.