Cervical Cancer - Prevention

Symptoms

Most women with dysplasia or pre-invasive cancer have no symptoms. Screening tests, therefore, are very important.

When the cancer becomes invasive, unusual bleeding can occur. Bleeding may stop and start again between regular periods, or there may be bleeding after menopause. Unexpected bleeding can also occur after intercourse or a pelvic exam. Periods sometimes last longer or are heavier than usual. Increased vaginal discharge may be noticeable as well. Pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse can occur.

These symptoms are not exclusive to cervical cancer. Sexually transmitted diseases, for instance, can cause similar symptoms.

Review Date: 10/21/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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