Each year over 10,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, a type of cancer that affects the female reproductive tract, explains the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that women who smoke, skip their yearly Pap smear or have certain types of sexually transmitted diseases, such as HPV or HIV, are at an increased risk of developing this form of cancer. Women who develop any of the side effects of cervical cancer should seek further evaluation and care from a medical professional.
No Initial Side Effects
Initially, women with cervical cancer may not develop side effects, according to the medical professionals at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. This absence of symptoms can delay diagnosis and treatment, which is why it is important for women to receive a Pap test at least once each year. A Pap test, also called a Pap smear, can detect precancerous cells within a woman's cervix even if she doesn't display cervical cancer side effects.
Increased Urination
The bladder is a small organ that holds urine and sits immediately in front of and slightly beneath a woman's uterus. Cancerous cells along the cervix, the small passageway leading into the uterus, can irritate and inflame surrounding organs, including the bladder. As a result, women with cervical cancer can experience bladder irritation or increased urination as a side effect of this condition, explains PDRHealth, a medical information resource associated with the Physicians' Desktop Reference. Women who experience increased urination should seek additional care from a physician because this side effect of cervical cancer can also be a sign of other medical issues, such as a urinary tract infection.
Lower Abdominal Pain
The cervix is located beneath the uterus, within the lower portion of a woman's abdomen or pelvic region. When cancer cells begin to grow in this region of the female reproductive tract, affected women can experience sensations of lower abdominal pain as a side effect, reports PDRHealth. Abdominal pain severity can range from mild to severe and may occur constantly or intermittently. Women who develop this side effect of cervical cancer should contact a doctor for further evaluation.
Irregular or Unusual Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge
Women who have cervical cancer can experience unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge as a side effect of this form of cancer, explains UpToDate, a peer-reviewed medical information website for patients. Irregular vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex can also be a sign of cervical cancer. Certain women may experience unusually heavy menstrual periods or excessive, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, according to PDRHealth. These side effects of cervical cancer should be immediately discussed with a doctor if they occur.
References
- University of California, San Francisco: Cervical Cancer - Signs and Symptoms
- MD Anderson Cancer Center: Cervical Cancer
- UpToDate: Patient Information: Cervical Cancer Treatment; Early Stage Cancer
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cervical Cancer Risk Factors
- PDRHealth: Cervical Cancer - Symptoms
