Early signs of cervical tumors: Don't ignore unusual bleeding, chronic back pain, vaginal warts

Symptoms of cervical tumour: Many women experience pelvic region and lower abdomen pain. The pain is different from menstrual cramps (Image: Canva)

Some diseases and conditions come without any noticeable symptoms, cervical tumours is one of them. Cervical tumours can tip-toe into your body. However, your body may give small clues and signs, and it’s important to recognise these warnings.

Understanding the early symptoms of cervical tumours is important, says Dr Kavitha Kovi, Head of Department, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster Women & Children Hospital, Bengaluru. “Tumours can mostly be classified into three major types: benign, premalignant and malignant. While benign and premalignant tumours are harmless and can be easily treated, malignant tumours are cancerous and need immediate treatment,” she says.

Cervical tumours are always cancerous, and there are no benign tumours on the cervical surface, warns Dr Kovi. “Women may develop nabothin cyst (a small, white, mucus-filled bump on the cervix), fibroids (non-cancerous growth made of muscles and fibrous tissue) or cervical polyps (a noncancerous growth in the cervix that's usually finger-like and benign), but there are no benign tumours on the cervix. Therefore, recognising the early signs of these cancerous growths and treating them as early as possible is important,” she adds.

Also read | Cervical cancer: How quitting smoking, healthy diet, regular check-ups can reduce risk

Dr Kovi shares some of the warning signs of cervical tumours:

• Unusual bleeding: One of the important signs of cervical tumour is unusual bleeding, especially after intercourse. Dr Kovi explains, “This may include bleeding after intercourse, bleeding between period, or heavier than usual menstrual bleeding. It is recommended to consult a doctor any time one undergoes abnormal changes in their bleeding patterns.”

• Abnormal vaginal discharge: One of the warning signs of cervical tumour is abnormal and foul smelling vaginal discharge. “The discharge may become watery, thick, or change in colour; yellow to brown. So times it can be accompanied by blood. If the condition persists even after medication, consult a doctor as this mau suggest cervical cancer,” says Dr Kovi.

Some signs in the later stages of developing cervical tumours

• Chronic back pain: In some cases, cervical tumours can press against nearby nerves, causing persistent lower back or leg that may extend to the legs. This pain can cause swelling, numbness, or difficulty in walking due to poor blood circulation.

• Stomach pain: Many women experience pelvic region and lower abdomen pain. This can be an early sign of cervical tumours. “The pain is different from menstrual cramps. It often begins as a mild discomfort and slowly develops into a persistent dull ache or sharp pain. If the pain worsens it’s advisable to visit a doctor," she says.

• Coital pain: Chronic pain during or after intercourse can also be a warning sign of cervical tumours. Women may experience this pain due to irritation, inflammation and pressure caused by the tumour on the surrounding tissues of the cervix.

• Vaginal warts: Many women develop vaginal warts. These may sometimes be mistaken for tumours and can cause anxiety. “The best way to differentiate between vaginal warts and cervical tumours is through HPV testing and medical examination. Any abnormal growth pain or discomfort in the cervical area should be in addressed immediately,” Dr Kovi  says.