woman sensing signs and symptoms of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer develops in the cells that line the cervix, a cylinder-shaped connective tissue situated between a woman’s vagina and uterus. The cervix has two parts: the exocervix, which is located at the top of the vagina and covered in squamous cells, and the endocervix, which is located at the bottom of the uterus and covered in epithelial cells. The connection of the two cell types is known as the transformation zone, which is where the precancerous changes that lead to the development of cervical cancer often occur.

Most cervical cancers develop gradually after healthy cells in the transformation zone undergo harmful changes. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. Certain strains of HPV can trigger cellular DNA changes in the cervix that lead to the development of a tumor. However, not all precancerous cells in the cervix progress into cervical cancer.

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Joanne, Cervical Cancer Survivor

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What are the early warning signs of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer does not have early warning signs. In most cases, noticeable symptoms such as unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge occur only after the tumor has advanced and invaded nearby tissues. However, precancerous and cancerous cells in the cervix can be detected early through routine s creening. As a result, cervical cancer can often be prevented or cured.

Woman with back pain

How can cervical cancer be detected early?

Early detection is key to the effective treatment of cervical cancer, and regular screening is the best tool for this purpose. The most frequently used screening test for cervical cancer is a Pap smear, which is highly effective for detecting precancerous and cancerous cells in the cervix, often before noticeable symptoms occur. Therefore, Pap smears are recommended for many women between the ages of 21 and 65 and are usually performed at regular intervals determined by a physician. Additionally, because most cervical cancers are caused by an HPV infection, HPV testing plays an important role in early detection and may be recommended for some women along with regular Pap smears.

What does cervical cancer feel like?

The cervix is shaped like a tiny donut, and it is possible to feel it by gently inserting one or two fingers about 3 to 5 inches into the vagina. A healthy cervix should feel smooth and firm—like the cartilage at the tip of the nose—with a slight indentation in the center. A possible warning sign of cervical cancer is a rough or bumpy cervix, which should be discussed with a physician. Most bumps on the cervix are benign (noncancerous) growths, such as polyps or cysts. For instance, nabothian cysts are common, harmless bumps that can form when skin cells trap mucus inside the glands in the cervix. Only a physician can determine whether a bump or another cervical abnormality is causedby cancer.

An early-stage cervical tumor cannot be felt from outside the body by pressing on the stomach. However, advanced cervical cancer that has spread to the liver may cause abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup (ascites).

Cervical cancer can sometimes cause a dull backache or vague sensations of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis. However, any discomfort associated with an early-stage tumor may be mild or even unnoticeable. As the cancer progresses and spreads to nearby tissues and organs, more pronounced pain may develop, particularly during urination and sexual intercourse. Over time, the pelvic pain may become continuous.

As a cervical tumor grows, it may begin to press on sensitive nerves in the pelvic wall, which can cause leg pain and swelling. Leg swelling on its own can have many causes unrelated to cancer, but if it is accompanied by persistent leg pain—which may be dull or sharp—it could be a warning sign of cervical cancer.

What does cervical cancer smell like?

While some vaginal odor is normal, a strong, persistent smell could be a sign of a health issue, such as a bacterial infection or, in rare cases, cancer. A cancerous tumor needs a steady supply of oxygen to survive and grow. If a cervical tumor does not receive enough oxygen, some cancerous cells may die off and infect the tumor. The infection can produce a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, which may contain pieces of tissue or necrotic material. Some people describe the smell of an ulcerating cervical tumor as similar to that of rotting meat.

What are the first symptoms of cervical cancer?

In its earliest and most treatable stages, cervical cancer may not produce noticeable symptoms. Instead, an abnormal Pap test result may be the first warning sign that precancerous or cancerous changes have occurred in the cervix. Usually, these changes progress very slowly over several years.

After abnormal cells in the cervix bind together, form tumors and spread to surrounding tissues, cervical cancer symptoms may begin to become apparent. The first signs might include:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding, which may occur between menstrual periods or after menopause
Abnormal vaginal discharge, which may be thick, odorous and/or tinged with blood
Menstrual periods that are heavier or longer-lasting than usual
Vaginal bleeding or pain during sexual intercourse
Vaginal bleeding during a pelvic examination
Pain in the lower back or pelvic region
Pain during urination
Urinary urgency or frequency
Leg swelling

Symptoms of cervical cancer after menopause

In general, the risk of developing any type of cancer increases with age. As such, a woman who has gone through menopause—which occurs when her ovaries stop releasing eggs— has a greater chance of developing cancer simply because she is older. However, among women in the United States, the average age at the time of a cervical cancer diagnosis is 50. Therefore, researchers believe the overall risk of cervical cancer may decline after menopause.

With that said, older women need to be aware that some of the symptoms of menopause can mimic the symptoms of cervical cancer. For this reason, all post-menopausal women should learn about the similarities and differences in symptoms and promptly discuss any “red flag” with a physician instead of simply attributing it to menopause.

Because early-stage cervical cancer usually does not produce noticeable symptoms, cervical cancer screening is important for women of all ages. When symptoms do occur, one of the most common signs is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Therefore, bleeding after menopause—especially if many months or years have passed since the woman’s last menstrual period—is a warning sign of cervical cancer that should never be ignored.

How to know if you have cervical cancer

Only a physician can definitely diagnose or rule out cervical cancer. Many cervical cancer symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and uterine fibroids. Therefore, it is important to promptly discuss any unusual changes with a medical professional. In addition to avoiding a misdiagnosis, this approach can help ensure the best possible outcome> and quality of life.

Benefit from nationally recognized expertise at Moffitt Cancer Center

If you would like to discuss your cervical cancer symptoms with a specialist in the gynecological clinic at Moffitt, you can request an appointment by calling 1-888-663-3488 or submitting a new patient registration form online. We can also suggest an appropriate cervical cancer screening program for you based on several unique factors, including your age, medical history and risk profile.

At Moffitt, you are a top priority of a cancer center that delivers nationally-ranked care in new and transformative ways. You do not need a referral to request an appointment with a member of our team.