Symptoms

Women with cervical cancer may experience the following symptoms. Sometimes, women with cervical cancer do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not cancer.

Most women do not have any signs or symptoms of a precancer or early stage cervical cancer. Symptoms usually do not appear until the cancer has spread to other tissues and organs.

Any of the following could be signs or symptoms of cervical dysplasia or cancer:

• Blood spots or light bleeding between or following periods
  
  
• Menstrual bleeding that is longer and heavier than usual
  
  
• Bleeding after intercourse, douching, or a pelvic examination
  
  
• Pain during sexual intercourse
  
  
• Bleeding after menopause
  
  
• Increased vaginal discharge

Any of these six symptoms should be reported to the doctor. If these symptoms appear, it is important to talk with your doctor about them even if they appear to be symptoms of other, less serious conditions. The earlier precancerous cells or cancer is found and treated, the better the chance that the cancer can be prevented or cured.