Characteristics of Bleeding in Cervical Cancer

Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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The bleeding characteristics of cervical cancer should be considered based on the pathological type and stage of the disease. In the early stages, the bleeding may be contact-related, occurring after sexual intercourse or a gynecological examination, and may involve a small amount of fresh, light bleeding. As the disease progresses into the later stages, the tumor may cause irregular vaginal bleeding. The amount of this irregular bleeding varies, depending on the size of the lesion and the involvement of the blood vessels in the interstitial tissues. A larger lesion may naturally result in more bleeding. In advanced stages, major blood vessels may be affected, potentially leading to severe bleeding. Therefore, the characteristics of vaginal bleeding should be analyzed based on the specific circumstances. If the cancer is exophytic, bleeding tends to occur earlier and is usually more copious, whereas if it is endophytic, bleeding tends to occur later.

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How long does it take for cervical cancer to develop?

The causes of cervical cancer are now clear; it is caused by an infection with the HPV virus. Generally, this virus needs to be carried for more than two to three years before it can infect and develop into cervical cancer. There is a process of carcinogenesis where normal epithelial tissue transforms into cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. If the HPV infection is not treated and continues, it could lead to cervical cancer. Thus, the development process is relatively long, typically requiring two to three years. It is recommended that sexually active women undergo cervical cancer screening to check for any pathological changes in the cervix, including HPV, TCT, and colposcopy examinations.

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latent period of cervical cancer

The latency period for cervical cancer is generally five to ten years. The occurrence of cervical cancer is mainly due to exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the body. Typically, this virus persists and replicates within the body, leading to cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. From the initial virus infection to the development of cervical cancer, it usually takes a vast majority about five to ten years. Furthermore, different types of virus infections lead to varying probabilities of cervical cancer. In general, if the infection involves types 16 and 18 of the virus, the likelihood of developing cervical cancer is particularly high. Therefore, if one is infected with HPV types 16 and 18, it is crucial to undergo a cervical TCT test. If necessary, a cervical biopsy is generally performed under colposcopy, followed by treatment based on the examination results. Thus, to prevent cervical cancer, it is essential for women to undergo regular annual cervical cancer screening.

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Causes of Cervical Cancer

The causes of cervical cancer include: The first point is infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly persistent infection with high-risk types, which is the basic cause of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. The second point is that DNA from HPV is not detected in the tumor tissues of a minority of cases, especially among some older patients. Epidemiology shows that early childbirth and multiparity are closely related to the occurrence of cervical cancer. With an increasing number of childbirths, the risk of cervical cancer also increases. This correlation might be due to the trauma to the cervix during childbirth and changes to the endocrine and nutritional states during pregnancy.

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How long does it take for cervical cancer to develop?

Cervical cancer generally forms beginning with an infection of human papillomavirus (HPV), and it usually takes five to ten years to develop into cervical cancer. The vast majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by contact with HPV. If this virus continues to replicate in the body, it typically progresses to cervical cancer over a period of five to ten years. Therefore, cervical cancer screening is crucial for women. If regular check-ups are performed annually during this period, it is possible to halt the progression to cervical cancer and its precursors. Cervical cancer screening generally includes routine TCT (ThinPrep Cytologic Test) and HPV testing. These two tests can preliminarily screen for cervical cancer and precancerous conditions. If any abnormalities are detected, it is essential to undergo a colposcopic biopsy at a hospital, as biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis.

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What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

The most common symptom of cervical cancer is contact bleeding, which can manifest as bloody vaginal discharge and bleeding after sexual intercourse, as well as intermittent vaginal bleeding outside of menstrual periods. Additionally, it can present with malignant vaginal discharge, increased vaginal secretion accompanied by an unpleasant odor or foul smell, and sometimes purulent discharge. If the cervical cancer tumor spreads to adjacent organs, such as the bladder or kidneys, symptoms may include frequent urination, urinary urgency, back pain, and swelling of the lower limbs. In advanced stages, symptoms can also include anemia, fever, and weight loss.