Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer doesn't always cause signs and symptoms, but it's important to know what to watch for and when to talk to your doctor.

Does cervical cancer always cause symptoms?

Women with early cervical cancers and precancers usually have no symptoms. Symptoms often do not begin until the cancer grows larger and into nearby tissue. For the best chances for treatment to be successful, don't wait for symptoms and signs of cervical cancer to appear. Have regular screening tests for cervical cancer.

Common symptoms of cervical cancer

The most common cervical cancer symptoms are:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after vaginal sex, after menopause, after douching, between periods, or having (menstrual) periods that are longer or heavier than usual.
• An unusual discharge from the vagina.  The discharge may contain some blood and occur between your periods or after menopause.
• Pain during sex
• Pain in the pelvic region

Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer

If the cervical cancer is more advanced, signs and symptoms can include:

• Swelling of the legs
• Problems urinating or having a bowel movement
• Blood in the urine

What to do if you have symptoms

These signs and symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than cervical cancer. Still, if you have any of these cervical cancer symptoms, see a health care professional right away. Ignoring symptoms may let the cancer grow to a more advanced stage and lower your chance for successful treatment.