What are the symptoms of cervical cancer in postmenopausal women

Common symptoms of cervical cancer in postmenopausal women include abnormal vaginal bleeding, increased vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, etc. Postmenopausal women who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention in a timely manner, as early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prognosis.

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding

If a postmenopausal woman experiences vaginal bleeding, she should be highly alert to the possibility of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer may cause irregular bleeding, especially after sexual intercourse or after a gynecological examination. The amount of bleeding may be light, but it will continue. After menopause, the estrogen level in women's bodies decreases and the endometrium becomes thinner. Normally, there should be no bleeding, so any bleeding may be an abnormal signal.

2. Increased vaginal discharge

Patients with cervical cancer often have increased vaginal discharge, which may be watery, bloody, or have a strange smell. Cervical cancer may cause abnormal secretions of cervical glands, and the discharge may contain necrotic tissue or blood. If postmenopausal women find that their discharge increases abnormally or is accompanied by a strange smell, they should seek medical attention immediately.

3. Pelvic pain

In the late stage of cervical cancer, it may invade surrounding tissues and cause pelvic pain. The pain may be located in the lower abdomen, waist or sacrum, and in severe cases it may affect daily activities. When cervical cancer spreads to the pelvic lymph nodes or adjacent organs, it may cause persistent pain or pressure. If postmenopausal women experience unexplained pelvic pain, they should be alert to the possibility of cervical cancer.

4. Urinary system symptoms

Cervical cancer may invade the bladder or ureter, causing symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, difficulty urinating, or hematuria. When cervical cancer lesions compress the urethra or bladder, it may cause abnormal urination. If postmenopausal women experience urinary system symptoms, they need to be comprehensively judged in combination with other manifestations and seek medical attention in a timely manner.

5. Weight loss and fatigue

Patients with advanced cervical cancer may experience systemic symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue. Cancer cells consume nutrients in the body, leading to weight loss and decreased physical strength. If postmenopausal women experience unexplained weight loss or persistent fatigue, they should be alert to the possibility of malignant tumors.

Symptoms of cervical cancer in postmenopausal women may be similar to other gynecological diseases, but any abnormal manifestations should be taken seriously. Early cervical cancer may have no obvious symptoms. Regular gynecological examinations and cervical screening are the key to preventing and detecting cervical cancer early. Postmenopausal women should have a gynecological examination once a year, including cervical smears and HPV tests. If abnormal symptoms occur, seek medical attention in time and undergo detailed examinations, such as colposcopy and cervical biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis. Early detection and treatment of cervical cancer has a better prognosis and the patient's quality of life can also be guaranteed.