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 between the two cell types is known as the transformation zone, where the precancerous changes that lead to the development of cervical cancer often occur.

Most cervical tumors 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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What are the early warning signs of cervical cancer?

Often referred to as a “silent cancer,” cervical cancer has no early warning signs. Even so, precancerous and cancerous cells in the cervix can often be detected in a routine screening test, such as a Pap smear. Therefore, many cervical cancers can be prevented or treated effectively and cured.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

After abnormal cells in the cervix bind together, form tumors and spread to surrounding tissues, certain cervical cancer symptoms may become noticeable and, if so, should be promptly discussed with a physician.

What does cervical cancer look like?

The first visible signs of cervical cancer are often subtle and can include:

Vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods
Vaginal bleeding during or after sexual intercourse
Vaginal bleeding during or after a pelvic examination
Vaginal bleeding after menopause
Menstrual periods that are heavier or last longer than usual
Unusual vaginal discharge, which may be thick, watery or blood-tinged

During a pelvic examination, cervical cancer may appear as an abnormal growth or lesion on the surface of the cervix. The lesion may be flat, raised or ulcerated, and can vary in color from white to red. As the cancer progresses, the cervix may become swollen and bleed easily upon contact. Advanced-stage cervical cancer may produce a large mass that obstructs the cervical canal or invades nearby tissues. Typically, a physician will perform a Pap smear and biopsy to diagnose these visual changes.

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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 caused by cancer.

Abdominal swelling

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).

Low back and pelvic pain

Cervical cancer can sometimes cause a dull backache or vague sensations of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis. 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.

Leg pain and swelling

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 cause an infection. The infection may produce a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, which might contain pieces of tissue or necrotic material. Some people describe the smell of an ulcerating cervical tumor as similar to that of rotting meat.

If you have received a cervical cancer diagnosis or test results indicative of cervical cancer, the experts at Moffitt can help. You can submit a new patient appointment request - no referral needed.

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What are the 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.

That said, older women should be aware that menopause symptoms can sometimes mimic cervical cancer symptoms. Therefore, it is important to learn about the symptoms of both conditions—particularly their similarities and differences—and promptly discuss any “red flags” with a physician.

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 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.

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Moffitt's goal is to attain the best possible outcomes, ensuring the highest quality of life for our patients. On average, Moffitt's cervical cancer treatment survival rates exceed 1.5 times the national average.

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