Cervical Cancer: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer generally produces no symptoms in its earliest stages. There are also frequently no symptoms of cervical dysplasia, the precancerous condition that develops into cervical cancer, or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which causes most cases of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer.

When symptoms of cervical cancer occur, they may indicate that the cancer has progressed to more advanced stages. Symptoms include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding that occurs after sex, after menopause, or between menstrual periods

• Foul-smelling, bloody, or unusual vaginal discharge

• Lower back pain

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• Pelvic pain

• Periods that are longer or heavier than usual