Cancerous cells growing in the cervix, that is, the part of the uterus that connects to the vaginal tract leads to cervical cancer. As it manifests little to no symptoms in the initial stages, it can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms become prominent during the later stages, when it might be more difficult to successfully treat the symptoms. One of the main causes of cervical cancer is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Types of cervical cancer
There are two types of cervical cancers, namely, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma develops from the exocervix or the outer part of the cervix. When the cancerous growth develops from the glandular cells or the column-shaped mucus-producing cells that form the lining of the cervical canal, it is known as cervical adenocarcinoma.

Early signs and symptoms of cervical cancer
The following symptoms of the disease can be easily mistaken for a urinary tract infection, which is why cervical cancer remains undiagnosed in most women and progresses to the advanced stages. Here are a few early warning signs and symptoms of cervical cancer that women must be aware of:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding
  If women experience unusual bleeding after sexual intercourse and/or unusual and excessive spotting in-between periods or after menopause, it’s best to get an opinion from a professional about the possible causes.
• Vaginal discharge
  If one notices an unusual vaginal discharge that has a noticeably different odor, it’s advisable to get an opinion from a healthcare professional at the earliest.
• Frequent and painful urination
  If women experience pain or discomfort during urination and/or are finding themselves urinating more often than usual, it’s best to consult a doctor for an expert opinion about the possible reasons and rule out any chronic illnesses like cervical cancer as possible causes.
• Pain in the pelvis
  If one is experiencing persistent pain in the pelvic area, consulting a doctor can help determine the cause. Pelvic pain is one of the frequently overlooked early warning signs and symptoms of cervical cancer.
• Weight loss
  If a woman experiences sudden and extreme weight loss without any visible external stimulus, a healthcare professional’s opinion must be taken to address it.
• Fatigue and leg pain
  If a woman is experiencing excessive tiredness and fatigue, accompanied by severe pain in the leg, it’s advisable to consult a doctor. Pain in the leg may be associated with swelling, which is an early warning sign and symptom of cervical cancer.

The diagnosis of cervical cancer involves a Pap test or Pap smear, and the treatment methods vary depending on the stage of the disease. A simple and effective way to prevent cervical cancer is to take the HPV vaccine, which provides protection against the virus that is known to induce this form of cancer.