What are the symptoms of cervical squamous cell cancer?

Symptoms of cervical squamous cell carcinoma mainly include abnormal vaginal bleeding, increased vaginal discharge, painful intercourse, pelvic pain, and difficulty urinating. Cervical squamous cell carcinoma is a common type of cervical cancer and is usually related to human papillomavirus infection. It is recommended that patients seek medical examination in time.

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is one of the typical symptoms of cervical squamous cell carcinoma, which may appear as bleeding outside the menstrual cycle, bleeding after sexual intercourse, or bleeding after menopause. This type of bleeding is usually irregular, small but recurring, and may be related to tumor invasion of blood vessels. Patients need to undergo cervical cytology and human papillomavirus testing, and if necessary, colposcopy biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis.

2. Increased vaginal discharge

Increased vaginal discharge is often manifested as an increase in the amount of leucorrhea, which may be accompanied by a peculiar smell or blood streaks, and the color of the discharge may be yellow or brown. This symptom is related to tumor tissue necrosis and infection. Patients should pay attention to keeping the perineum clean, avoid using irritating lotions, and seek medical attention promptly for secretion examination and pathogen detection.

3. Pain during sexual intercourse

Dyspareunia usually occurs when the tumor invades the cervix and surrounding tissues, and may be accompanied by contact bleeding. The level of pain varies from person to person and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. In this case, it is necessary to avoid frequent sexual intercourse, use lubricants to reduce friction, and seek medical treatment promptly to evaluate the tumor stage.

4. Pelvic pain

Pelvic pain often occurs in the middle and late stages of the disease, manifesting as persistent dull or dull pain in the lower abdomen, which may radiate to the lower back. This pain is associated with tumor invasion of surrounding nerves or organs. Patients need to undergo pelvic ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the extent of the tumor and metastasis.

5. Difficulty urinating

Difficulty urinating usually occurs when a tumor compresses the urethra or invades the bladder. It may manifest as frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, or a feeling of incomplete urination. In severe cases, hematuria or urinary retention may occur. In this case, urological examination and cystoscopy are required to determine whether the tumor has invaded the urinary system.

The early symptoms of cervical squamous cell carcinoma may not be obvious, and regular cervical cancer screening is key to prevention and early detection. It is recommended that women of appropriate age undergo a cervical cytology examination every 1-3 years, and vaccination against human papillomavirus can effectively reduce the risk of the disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and avoiding multiple sexual partners, can help prevent the development of cervical cancer. If the above symptoms occur, you should seek medical treatment promptly to avoid delaying treatment.