What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on April 04, 2025
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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.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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What is cervical cancer?

Cervical erosion is one of the most common malignant gynecological tumors, belonging to a type of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer itself is a significant branch within this category, and both the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer are relatively high in our country. However, recent advances in medical science have led to a noticeable decline. Cervical cancer is associated with HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, as well as with early childbirth, multiple pregnancies, and smoking. The definitive diagnosis of cervical cancer relies on the examination of cervical and endocervical canal live tissues, colposcopic biopsy, or cervical scrape cytology. Typically, after CT, MRI, or other imaging studies, a mass may be detected. Possible symptoms of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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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.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Late-stage symptoms of cervical cancer

What are some symptoms of late-stage cervical cancer? First, there may be vaginal bleeding, characterized by irregular vaginal bleeding. The amount of bleeding varies depending on the size of the lesion and the invasion of interstitial blood vessels. In the late stages, as major blood vessels may be eroded, significant bleeding can occur. The second symptom is vaginal discharge, which is often increased and may be white or blood-stained. Third, late-stage symptoms may include secondary symptoms such as involvement of adjacent tissues and organs and affected nerves, leading to frequent urination, urgency, constipation, swelling and pain in the lower limbs. Cancer pressing on the ureters can cause obstruction of the ureters, hydronephrosis, and uremia. Late stages may also present with symptoms of systemic failure such as anemia and cachexia.

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Oncology
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Staging of cervical cancer

The clinical staging of cervical cancer mainly uses the FIGO system, which adopts the staging criteria of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). Staging should be performed before treatment, and once done it does not change after treatment. Since FIGO staging of cervical cancer primarily relies on pelvic examination, it emphasizes the necessity of this examination being conducted by two experienced gynecologic oncologists. If needed, a pelvic examination under anesthesia is performed to ensure the accuracy of the evaluation. So, how is the staging performed? It involves measuring the size of the cervical lesion, particularly the measurement of endophytic tumors, the infiltration of cervical tissue, and the status of pelvic lymph nodes, providing accurate information with the aid of radiological data, especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).