Signs and Symptoms

As a cancer of the cervix grows and invades the surrounding tissues it may form a tumour or lump on the cervix slide photograph. Most commonly the growth causes ulceration, which means breaking down of the epithelium and deeper tissues. As the tumour grows, the ulcer enlarges and grows away from its original site, leaving dead tissue at that site. This is known as necrotic tissue and often becomes infected.

Early symptoms of a cervical cancer are abnormal bleeding and a watery or mucous discharge. The bleeding may occur between periods or after intercourse. If there is secondary infection of the cancerous area then the discharge usually becomes thick and offensive.

If any of these symptoms occur then the cervix should be visualized with a speculum (as in a smear test) to exclude a tumour or ulcer. It should be emphasised that abnormal bleeding and vaginal discharge are extremely common symptoms and cervical cancer is a rare cause of these symptoms.

Cervical cancer is diagnosed by examination of a sample of the tumour (a biopsy) by a histopatholgist. The biopsy may be taken in the clinic by the examining gynaecologist or it may be taken as part of an examination under anaesthetic when the stage of the disease is determined.