early symptoms of cervical cancer

Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on February 22, 2025
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Cervical cancer in its early stages often has no obvious symptoms or signs. It is usually discovered when abnormal vaginal discharge, which may have an unpleasant odor or bloodstains, prompts a hospital visit. Upon examination, cervical cancer can be diagnosed. Another typical symptom may be light bleeding after sexual intercourse, which can also lead to discovery upon medical examination. Therefore, the best approach to detecting cervical cancer is to regularly undergo cervical cancer screenings to identify and treat any early changes, improving treatment outcomes.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
1min 16sec home-news-image

Causes of cervical cancer

The causes of cervical cancer are closely related to several factors. Firstly, infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is highly related and is the fundamental cause of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Secondly, although HPV DNA is not detected in the tumor tissues of a minority of cases, particularly among older patients, epidemiological surveys indicate that early childbirth and multiple childbearing are closely related to the incidence of cervical cancer. Thirdly, it has been found that the incidence of cervical cancer in women is related to contact with high-risk men, such as those with penile cancer, prostate cancer, or those whose ex-wives had cervical cancer. Fourthly, smoking has a certain relationship with the incidence of cervical cancer as it can inhibit the body's immune function. Alcohol consumption, irregular diet, and lifestyle also have certain relationships with the incidence of cervical cancer.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
42sec home-news-image

early symptoms of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer in its early stages often has no obvious symptoms or signs. It is usually discovered when abnormal vaginal discharge, which may have an unpleasant odor or bloodstains, prompts a hospital visit. Upon examination, cervical cancer can be diagnosed. Another typical symptom may be light bleeding after sexual intercourse, which can also lead to discovery upon medical examination. Therefore, the best approach to detecting cervical cancer is to regularly undergo cervical cancer screenings to identify and treat any early changes, improving treatment outcomes.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
1min 16sec home-news-image

How to prevent cervical cancer

How to prevent cervical cancer: Firstly, it is very important to prevent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). So, how can one prevent HPV infection? First, in choosing sexual partners, one should select a healthy male, generally a steady one, and avoid relationships with men who have penile cancer, prostate cancer, or whose ex-wife had cervical cancer, as these men are considered high-risk, and the women they come into contact with are also at increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Secondly, we should pay attention to personal hygiene. Thirdly, one should enhance their physical constitution to prevent viral infections and to maintain cleanliness. Fourthly, attention should be given to prevention of other contributing factors, such as early childbirth. Therefore, it is necessary to choose an appropriate age for childbirth. Multiple births are also related to cervical cancer, so if pregnant, one should avoid miscarriage and multiple dilation and curettage procedures. Fifthly, adhere to a healthy and reasonable diet, and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Cervical cancer screening

For the examination of cervical cancer, it should be based on medical history and clinical manifestations, especially for people with contact vaginal bleeding, a detailed general examination and gynecological examination should be conducted, and an examination of cervical biopsy tissue is needed for diagnosis. What specific examinations are there? There are cervical scrape cytology tests, iodine tests, colposcopy, examination of cervical and cervical canal tissue, as well as post-surgical cervical conization, and examination of postoperative specimens. Therefore, there are indeed many examinations, including some radiological assessments such as enhanced CT, PADCT, MRI, and other such tests.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
1min 2sec home-news-image

Characteristics of Bleeding in Cervical Cancer

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.