What are the quick signs of cervical cancer?

Quick Signs of Cervical Cancer

The most common early warning signs of cervical cancer are post-coital bleeding (bleeding after intercourse), intermenstrual bleeding (bleeding between periods), and post-menopausal bleeding, though these symptoms are non-specific and often not recognized by patients in early stages. 1

Primary Presenting Symptoms

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

• Post-coital bleeding is a classic presentation, though the probability of cervical cancer in women with this symptom is relatively low (1 in 2,400 for women aged 45-54, decreasing to 1 in 44,000 for women aged 20-24) 1
• Intermenstrual bleeding and intermittent spotting are common early symptoms 1
• Post-menopausal bleeding should raise suspicion for cervical cancer among other gynecological conditions 1

Other Early Symptoms

• Watery vaginal discharge may accompany early-stage disease 1
• Early symptoms are frequently not recognized by the patient, making clinical vigilance essential 1

Advanced Disease Presentations

Visible Cervical Changes

• Ulcerating or fungating lesions visible on examination indicate advanced disease requiring urgent referral 1
• Papillary tumors on gross examination are more commonly adenocarcinomas 2

Late-Stage Symptoms

• Bladder or rectal symptoms may indicate extension of disease (FIGO stage IV) 1

Critical Clinical Pitfalls

Common Diagnostic Challenges

• These bleeding symptoms are common and non-specific, occurring with many benign conditions including Chlamydia trachomatis infection—test for Chlamydia and treat if appropriate 1
• Unscheduled cervical smears outside the screening program are not recommended and should not delay proper evaluation 1, 3
• Early-stage cervical cancer may be completely asymptomatic, emphasizing the importance of screening programs 1

Adenocarcinoma-Specific Concerns

• Cervical cytologic screening methods are less effective for detecting adenocarcinoma compared to squamous cell carcinoma, as adenocarcinoma affects harder-to-sample areas of the endocervical canal 1, 3, 2

Immediate Action Required

If malignancy is suspected on examination (visible ulcerating or fungating lesion), urgent referral for further investigation is mandatory. 1

Appropriate Workup When Symptoms Present

• Visualization of the cervix is appropriate when abnormal vaginal bleeding is reported 4
• Cervical biopsy with pathologic review is essential for diagnosis when cancer is suspected 1, 3
• History and physical examination should focus specifically on the pattern and timing of abnormal bleeding 1, 3