Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

Oncologist Reveals 5 Subtle Cervical Cancer Signs That You May Miss

Wondering if abnormal <span>bleeding</span>, pelvic pain and leg swelling are signs of something fatal?

According to Dr Ninad <span>Katdare</span>, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Jaslok Hospital &amp; Research Centre, they may be symptoms of <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cervical-cancer">cervical cancer</a></span>. While many may expect drastic signs such as severe pain, heavy bleeding or obvious illness, identifying certain symptoms can help with early diagnosis and treatment.

Cervical <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span> develops in a women's cervix (uterus opening) due to abnormal cell growth, primarily caused by persistent <span>HPV</span> infection, a common infection that's passed through sexual contact. 

When exposed to HPV, the body's immune system typically prevents the virus from causing damage however, in a small percentage of people, the virus can survive for years and pave the way for some cervical cells to become cancerous. 

Treatment involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, with early detection significantly improving outcomes, though it remains a major cancer in low-income countries. Cervical cancer can also be prevented through vaccination and regular screening (Pap/HPV tests). 

<span>Dr Katdare</span> told <a href="https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/health-and-fitness/beyond-period-problems-subtle-symptoms-that-could-signal-cervical-cancer-9836201.html" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">News18</a>: "In its early stages, it is often more of a whisper than a shout. As a cancer surgeon who has treated hundreds of women with gynaecological cancers, I can say with confidence that recognising these subtle cues can lead to earlier diagnosis and significantly better outcomes."

He recommends looking out for these early signs: 

<h2>1. Intermenstrual Bleeding</h2>Intermenstrual bleeding occurs between regular menstrual periods, ranging from light spotting to heavier flow, often linked to hormonal shifts, ovulation or infections (cervicitis). However, according to Dr Katdare, this sign should not be ignored as it is one of the most common early warning signs of cervical cancer. 

<h2>2. Changes In Vaginal Discharge</h2>Vaginal discharge is a normal, natural fluid that cleans and protects the vagina and can vary in color (clear to white), consistency (watery to thick) and amount throughout the menstrual cycle. 

But Dr Katdare warns that any sudden or abnormal changes in discharge may be a symptom of the cancer.  “Because discharge issues are commonly linked to infections, many women self-medicate or delay seeking care," he said. “While infections are far more common, chronic or unusual discharge especially in older women requires thorough evaluation."

Discharge may become persistent, watery, foul-smelling, or tinged with blood or pink, brown, or rust-colored if you're suffering from this kind of cancer. 

Consistent pelvic pain particularly that occurs outside the menstrual cycle or during sexual intercourse should be a point of concern. According to Dr Katdare, "Pain during intercourse, or dyspareunia, is especially important. It should not be dismissed as ‘just dryness’ or an age-related change. In cervical cancer, this pain may result from inflammation or tumour growth involving the cervix and surrounding tissues."

<h2>4. Leg Swelling</h2>Unnatural and unexplained leg swelling of one leg, particularly if it occurs on one side may suggest that the cancer is progressing and spreading in the body. “This happens due to pressure on pelvic blood vessels," explained Dr. Katdare, “and should not be ignored."

<h2>5. Urinary And Bowel Symptoms </h2>As cervical cancer advances to higher stages, it can begin to affect nearby organs including the bladder and kidneys. Symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, or rectal discomfort may also begin to develop.

“These symptoms are often evaluated in isolation because they don’t seem related to the cervix," said Dr Katdare, “which can delay the correct diagnosis."

Ultimately the expert advised: "“Cervical cancer does not always announce itself loudly,. Sometimes, it leaves silent clues. The sooner you listen to them, the better the outcome. If something feels ‘off,’ trust that instinct and seek medical advice. Early action can make the difference between a curable disease and a life-altering diagnosis."

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Wondering if abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain and leg swelling are signs of something fatal?According to Dr Ninad Katdare, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, they may be symptoms of cervical cancer. While many may expect drastic signs such as severe pain, heavy bleeding or obvious illness, identifying certain symptoms can help with early diagnosis and treatment.Cervical cancer develops in a women's cervix (uterus opening) due to abnormal cell growth, primarily caused by persistent HPV infection, a common infection that's passed through sexual contact. When exposed to HPV, the body's immune system typically prevents the virus from causing damage however, in a small percentage of people, the virus can survive for years and pave the way for some cervical cells to become cancerous. Treatment involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, with early detection significantly improving outcomes, though it remains a major cancer in low-income countries. Cervical cancer can also be prevented through vaccination and regular screening (Pap/HPV tests). Dr Katdare told News18: "In its early stages, it is often more of a whisper than a shout. As a cancer surgeon who has treated hundreds of women with gynaecological cancers, I can say with confidence that recognising these subtle cues can lead to earlier diagnosis and significantly better outcomes."He recommends looking out for these early signs: 1. Intermenstrual BleedingIntermenstrual bleeding occurs between regular menstrual periods, ranging from light spotting to heavier flow, often linked to hormonal shifts, ovulation or infections (cervicitis). However, according to Dr Katdare, this sign should not be ignored as it is one of the most common early warning signs of cervical cancer. 2. Changes In Vaginal DischargeVaginal discharge is a normal, natural fluid that cleans and protects the vagina and can vary in color (clear to white), consistency (watery to thick) and amount throughout the menstrual cycle. But Dr Katdare warns that any sudden or abnormal changes in discharge may be a symptom of the cancer.  “Because discharge issues are commonly linked to infections, many women self-medicate or delay seeking care," he said. “While infections are far more common, chronic or unusual discharge especially in older women requires thorough evaluation."Discharge may become persistent, watery, foul-smelling, or tinged with blood or pink, brown, or rust-colored if you're suffering from this kind of cancer. 3. Persistent Pelvic Pain Consistent pelvic pain particularly that occurs outside the menstrual cycle or during sexual intercourse should be a point of concern. According to Dr Katdare, "Pain during intercourse, or dyspareunia, is especially important. It should not be dismissed as ‘just dryness’ or an age-related change. In cervical cancer, this pain may result from inflammation or tumour growth involving the cervix and surrounding tissues."4. Leg SwellingUnnatural and unexplained leg swelling of one leg, particularly if it occurs on one side may suggest that the cancer is progressing and spreading in the body. “This happens due to pressure on pelvic blood vessels," explained Dr. Katdare, “and should not be ignored."5. Urinary And Bowel Symptoms As cervical cancer advances to higher stages, it can begin to affect nearby organs including the bladder and kidneys. Symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, or rectal discomfort may also begin to develop.“These symptoms are often evaluated in isolation because they don’t seem related to the cervix," said Dr Katdare, “which can delay the correct diagnosis."Ultimately the expert advised: "“Cervical cancer does not always announce itself loudly,. Sometimes, it leaves silent clues. The sooner you listen to them, the better the outcome. If something feels ‘off,’ trust that instinct and seek medical advice. Early action can make the difference between a curable disease and a life-altering diagnosis."