In the early stages, cervical cancer does not cause pain or any other symptoms. Therefore, it is important that women regularly undergo gynecological examinations and Pap tests to detect cancer. Detecting cancer at an early stage means that you still have the chances to cure the disease. However, the best cancer doctor in Kolkata is there to guide you throughout your treatment procedure.
The first recognizable symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, for example after sexual intercourse, between menstruation or after menopause
- Your period may be heavier and longer than usual.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Vaginal discharge and odor.
- Pelvic pain
If the cancer had spread to nearby tissues, you might have symptoms like:
- Difficulty urinating, pain when urinating or blood in the urine
- Back pain or swelling of the legs
- Diarrhea, pain or bleeding from the rectum during defecation
- Fatigue, weight loss
- Loss of appetite and nausea
- Abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting and constipation
When to consult a cancer doctor?
You should consult the best oncologist in Kolkata when you have unusual vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge or any other symptoms of cervical cancer. You should have a complete gynecological examination, including a pap test.
NOTE: Any post-menopausal bleeding should call for your doctor’s attention immediately. It may be as simple as vaginal dryness or benign uterine polyps, but vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of cervical and uterine cancer.
Diagnosing it on time and treating it accordingly
It’s scary to know that you have cervical cancer. But if you have been diagnosed with the condition, know that it is very treatable if your doctor detects it soon.
It is also one of the cancers that can be prevented in women due to the availability of screening and vaccination.
While regular screening is the most important thing you can do to detect the spread of cancer, you need to know more to detect your symptoms early. Consulting with a cancer doctor is the only way to know more about your disease.
Go for cancer screening procedures
The most important step in finding cervical cancer is regular examination. Tests can detect changes in cervical cells before they become cancerous.
The Pap test detects abnormal cells in the cervix that are starting to turn into cancer. Your gynecologist will perform a Pap test during your routine pelvic exam.
You have to lie down on the examination table and your doctor will use a small brush to swab some cells from the cervix. The cells are sent to a laboratory where they are checked for the presence of cancer.
“Most women between the ages of 21 and 65 must be tested for cervical cancer every 3 years using the Pap test.” – says the best cancer specialist in Kolkata. Keep in mind the early symptoms mentioned above and consult a specialist right away.
