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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Causes of cervical cancer

The causes of cervical cancer are particularly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The primary causes that can lead to precancerous lesions and cervical cancer itself, in a minority of cases, do not detect HPV DNA, especially in older patients. Epidemiological studies show that early childbirth and multiple childbirths are highly related to the incidence of cervical cancer; as the number of childbirths increases, the risk of cervical cancer also increases. Smoking can suppress the body's immune function and may promote cancer development. Men who have had penile cancer, prostate cancer, or previous cervical cancer are at high risk; therefore, women who have contact with high-risk men are also more susceptible to cervical cancer.

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Cervical cancer treatment

For the treatment of cervical cancer, it should be based on the patient's physical condition, nutritional status, pathological staging, and pathological type to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, rather than a general, single approach. The treatment principle for cervical cancer mainly involves surgery and radiotherapy, supported by a comprehensive treatment plan that includes chemotherapy. However, the treatment plan should be based on clinical staging, age, overall health, and consider the level of technology and equipment available to formulate a suitable treatment plan. It is important to focus on individualized treatment and the method of initial treatment. Therefore, each person is different, and treatments vary from person to person and disease to disease.

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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
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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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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.