Cervical cancer is the second most common malignant tumor in women after breast cancer. Cervical cancer has the highest incidence rate among gynecological and reproductive system tumors, accounting for more than half. So, how to achieve early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment of cervical cancer.

Beware of cervical cancer with these vaginal symptoms

1. Vaginal bleeding

This situation mostly occurs after getting married or after a gynecological examination. Later symptoms include irregular vaginal bleeding. The main signs of this type of disease are: early delivery, multiple births, early marriage, and multiple partners. These are all risk factors for cervical cancer.

2. Increased vaginal discharge

Clinically, about 75%-85% of cervical cancer patients have varying degrees of increased vaginal discharge. Most symptoms include an increase in leucorrhea, which is often accompanied by changes in odor and color. Under normal circumstances, the character and amount of leucorrhea are determined by the rise and fall of ovarian function.

In women of childbearing age, leucorrhea changes cyclically; in postmenopausal women, leucorrhea is minimal. In patients with cervical cancer, due to the stimulation of cancer lesions, the secretory function of the cervical glands increases, producing mucus-like leucorrhea. Therefore, patients of childbearing age no longer have cyclic changes in the character and amount of leucorrhea. Postmenopausal patients are uncharacteristically, and the amount of leucorrhea increases. , and sticky, sometimes bloody. Abnormal leucorrhea, including an increase in quantity and changes in nature, is an early symptom of cervical cancer.

3. Pain symptoms

Due to the accumulation of cancer, bleeding and discharge, it stimulates irregular uterine contractions and causes paroxysmal pain, accounting for about 10 to 46% of cases. Most of these symptoms occur in the late stages. If the cancer tissue penetrates the serosa or erodes the parametrial connective tissue, bladder, rectum, or compresses other tissues, it can also cause pain, which is often stubborn and progressively aggravated; and it often radiates from the lumbosacral region and lower abdomen to the thighs and knees.

Examination and diagnosis of cervical cancer

1. Gynecological examination: The doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the vagina, and uses the other hand to feel the size and shape of the uterus through the lower abdomen, the position of the uterus and ovaries, and whether there are any abnormal masses. a means of inspection. If a lump is felt, the doctor or nurse may also insert a finger into the rectum to feel for the lump or abnormal area.

2. Colposcopy: Used to examine abnormal areas of the vagina and cervix. A curette or brush can be used to obtain tissue samples, which are then examined under a microscope for signs of cancer.

3. Cervical Diagnosis and Curettage: Use a curette to collect cervical cells or tissues under colposcopy, and then examine them under a microscope.

4. Biopsy (pathological diagnosis): If abnormal cells are suspected or abnormal tissue is found, cervical biopsy tissue is obtained under colposcopy, or cervical curettage, or cervical conization is performed, and the specimen is obtained and observed under a microscope. Pathologist examines for signs of cancer.

5. Imaging examination: Transvaginal color ultrasound and CT/MRI can help determine the scope of cancer and the degree of invasion.