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- Cervical cancer: Early cervical cancer generally produces no signs or symptoms. Early signs may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially irregular heavy bleeding, bleeding after menopause, bleeding or spotting between periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse, pelvic (lower abdominal) pain, pain or pressure on the bladder or rectum, unexplained bladder irritation, and unexplained vaginal discharge (particularly when it is thick or foul-smelling). As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include vaginal bleeding following intercourse, between periods, or after menopause; watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and foul smelling; and pelvic pain or pain during intercourse.
- It is extremely important for women to have routine Pap tests to detect early, precancerous cellular changes. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women have a yearly Pap test starting at the age of 18 or the age they become sexually active. Some clinicians think that if the results are normal for three consecutive tests, then Pap tests can be performed every two to three years rather than annually. Older women should continue to have Pap tests because a large percentage of deaths from cervical cancer occur in women aged 65 and older.
- Endometrial cancer: Endometrial cancer often develops over a period of years. Abnormal vaginal bleeding may be one of the first signs of endometrial cancer. Most cases of endometrial cancer develop in postmenopausal women whose periods have stopped. However, a small percentage of cases affects women younger than 40.
- Signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer may include prolonged periods or bleeding between periods; more frequent vaginal bleeding or spotting during the years leading up to menopause (termed perimenopause); any bleeding after the time of menopause; a pink, watery, or white discharge from the vagina; pelvic pain, especially late in the disease; pain during intercourse; and weight loss.
- Rarely does endometrial cancer reach an advanced stage before any signs and symptoms are present.
- Ovarian cancer: Symptoms of ovarian cancer may mimic those of many other more common conditions, including digestive and bladder disorders. Symptoms include sensation of abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating, urinary urgency, and pelvic discomfort or pain. These symptoms during ovarian cancer do not tend to subside. Additional signs and symptoms that women with ovarian cancer may experience include persistent indigestion, gas or nausea, unexplained changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation, changes in bladder habits, including a frequent need to urinate, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss or gain, increased abdominal girth or clothes fitting tighter around the waist, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), lack of energy, and low back pain.
- Vaginal cancer:
Signs and symptoms of vaginal cancer include: vaginal bleeding after menopause; vaginal bleeding after intercourse; abnormal vaginal discharge; a mass in the vagina that can be felt; pain during sex; pain when urinating; constipation; and constant pain in the pelvis.
- Vulvar cancer:
Signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer include: vulvar itching that does not improve; a change in skin color around the vulva; a change in the feel of the skin around the vulva; and wart-like bump/bumps, cauliflower-like growths, or ulcers/sores on the vulva or clitoral area - the lump or sore can be red, gray, or white.
- Other symptoms include: pain when urinating; burning or bleeding and discharge not related to the menstrual cycle; enlarged glands in the groin; a new mole on the vulva or a change in a mole that has been present for years; and an abnormal mole.
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