The Top Warning Signs And Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Bleeding Following A Pelvic Exam

Individuals affected by cervical cancer commonly experience vaginal bleeding following a pelvic exam and other activities. The cervix is a neck of tissue similar in shape to a cylinder that attaches the uterus to the vagina. The cervix is mostly made up of fibromuscular tissue. Cervical cancer is any cancer that develops in or on the cervix itself. Cancer can grow around the cervix perimeter, part of which is located inside of the vagina. This cancer often ulcerates, causing the cervix edges in the canal to become chapped or cracked, dry, and irritated. Just like any other ulcerated part of an individual's mucous membranes, any disruption to the ulcerated area can rip open the dried cracks and result in bleeding. This issue means anything inserted into the vagina that touches the cervix can make it bleed easily. Bleeding may occur following the insertion of tampon, sexual intercourse, a pelvic exam, or a pelvic ultrasound. Even vigorous physical activity or exercise can cause a disturbance to the ulcerated surface of the cervix inside of the vagina and result in bleeding.

Learn more about the major symptoms of cervical cancer now.

Swollen Legs And Leg Pain

Swollen legs and leg pain may be a symptom that occurs in individuals affected by cervical cancer. This symptom occurs when the cervical tumor grows large enough or metastasizes into the nearby tissues or lymph nodes. Because cancer by definition is an uncontrollable mass of replicating non-functional cells, it only becomes larger when it is left untreated. The tumor and lymph nodes can compress nearby tissues that may squeeze several nearby veins and arteries. The femoral artery is the main artery that delivers oxygenated blood to the legs and feet. If this artery becomes pinched or compressed due to encroaching cervical cancer, the tissues in the leg will not receive adequate amounts of oxygen. When the oxygen supply is cut off from the cells, the individual will feel the pain that is associated with dying tissues from oxygen deprivation. Cervical cancer can also cause the compression or squeezing of the iliac vein or main vein that returns oxygen-poor blood to the heart from the legs and feet. When this vein becomes compressed, the blood is unable to be pushed back up to the heart by the valves inside of the veins. The pool can pool up in the ankles and legs, causing them to swell.

Continue reading to discover not only a common symptom of cervical cancer but also a leading cause of it.