Cervical cancer: symptoms that require a medical consultation

 

In Argentina, more than 2000 women die from cervical cancer, the country has one of the highest incidence rates in the world. 

According to Indec, in Argentina 30% of women between the ages of 25 and 65 had not had a Pap smear (PAP) in the last two years. This study is considered the simplest to detect precancerous lesions in the cervix. It is a practice with a simple method to detect lesions in the cervix that should be performed annually between the ages of 21 and 65. 

 

 

The origin of this type of cancer resides in an abnormal growth of the cells of the cervix caused by some types of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV or HPV). This name encompasses a group of more than 200 viruses, of which more than 40 are transmitted by direct sexual contact. Among them there are about 12 that cause cancers.

As it is a sexually transmitted virus, it is estimated that 8 out of 10 women will have it at some point in their lives. Of that total, 5% will generate malformations in the cells that could turn into cancer. From the time the injury occurs until the cancer appears, between 10 and 20 years can pass, which is why the importance of performing annual gynecological controls and PAP for the early detection of the disease.

 

 

Alert symptoms

 

Cervical cancer is generally asymptomatic in the early stages. For this reason, professionals place so much emphasis on annual medical control and performing a pap smear and colposcopy to detect any injury.

However, when any of the following symptoms appear, it is recommended to visit the gynecologist:

-Pelvic pain.

-Pain or bleeding during or after sexual intercourse.

-Abnormal vaginal discharge.

-Unusual vaginal bleeding.