Recognizing the characteristics of cervical cancer is important to do because this disease is a dangerous disease for women. This is because the data released in 2018 stated that more than half of cervical cancer patients died.
Every woman is at risk for cervical cancer. However, those of you who have a weak immune system, frequently change sexual partners, and take birth control pills in the long term, tend to be more at risk.
Therefore, it is important to recognize the characteristics of cervical cancer so that this disease can be detected as early as possible.
Cervical Cancer Characteristics
Cervical cancer or cervical cancer is a cancer that attacks the cervix and is caused by: human papillomavirus or HPV. At the beginning, cervical cancer often does not cause symptoms, so it is often only detected after entering an advanced stage.
However, several things can be part of the characteristics of cervical cancer, such as:
1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding
When women have cervical cancer, the most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Bleeding experienced can be more or less than normal menstruation.
In addition, bleeding can also occur between menstrual periods, occurs in women who have passed menopause, or during sexual intercourse.
2. Unusual vaginal discharge
Another characteristic of cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal discharge. Mucus in vaginal discharge will change color, have an unpleasant odor or odor, and change the texture and consistency of vaginal discharge.
However, this unusual vaginal discharge can also be caused by other diseases, so you are advised to consult a doctor when experiencing it.
3. Pain during intercourse
At an advanced stage, the signs that appear can be more diverse, one of which is pelvic pain during intercourse. This pain causes discomfort during intercourse.
If you feel this complaint, immediately consult a doctor to determine the cause. The reason, apart from being associated with cervical cancer, this complaint can also be triggered by other diseases, such as endometriosis or fibroids.
4. The frequency of urination increases
Pain when urinating and unable to resist the urge to urinate are also symptoms or characteristics of cervical cancer.
This condition is usually caused by cancer cells that grow around the cervix, then spread to the bladder. However, these symptoms can also appear due to a urinary tract infection (UTI), so you need to see a doctor to be sure.
5. Tired easily
Another characteristic that will appear when you have cervical cancer is easily tired. This condition occurs due to abnormal bleeding in the vagina, so that over time the body experiences a shortage of red blood cells (anemia) which causes fatigue. The feeling of fatigue that is felt will usually last all the time and does not go away even though you have had enough rest.
6. Swelling in one of the limbs
When cervical cancer enters an advanced stage, it will usually cause various complications. One of them is swelling in the legs. This condition can occur when cancer cells press on blood vessels in the pelvis, thereby blocking blood circulation to the legs. As a result, there is accumulation of fluid that makes the legs become swollen.
7. Loss of appetite
The next hallmark of cervical cancer is a decrease or loss of appetite. This is because the spread of cancer cells can make the body's metabolism change so that it affects your appetite. In addition, drastic weight loss with no known cause, also needs to be suspected as a symptom of cancer.
8. Constipation
If cervical cancer has spread to the large intestine, it will potentially cause constipation or constipation. This condition can occur when cervical cancer has entered an advanced stage.
9. Blood in the urine (hematuria)
If you are urinating and see blood mixed with urine, immediately consult a doctor. It could be a sign that you have cervical cancer.
10. Passing urine or faeces from the vagina
Cervical cancer can also affect vaginal function. When it has entered an advanced stage, cervical cancer can cause urine leakage or stool discharge from the vagina. This can occur due to the formation of a fistula between the vagina and urinary tract, or an anal fistula between the vagina and anus, so that urine and feces can pass through the vagina.
The various characteristics of cervical cancer above can also be caused by other diseases or conditions in your body. For women who are sexually active, it is advisable to have a Pap smear at least every three to five years, or follow the doctor's advice.
Early detection of cervical cancer is important because the earlier the cancer is detected, the higher the hope of recovering from cervical cancer. In addition, HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention is also important for you to get. If you have any of the above symptoms, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.