Cervical cancer originates in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. It represents a serious health concern, making early detection and appropriate medical intervention highly significant. The progression of this disease can lead to severe health consequences if left unaddressed.
The Beginning Stages of Untreated Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer often begins with abnormal cell changes on the surface of the cervix, frequently caused by persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). These changes, known as precancerous lesions or dysplasia, can take many years to develop into invasive cancer, typically 15-20 years after the initial HPV infection. If the HPV infection persists, it can lead to cell changes that may become cancerous.
In its earliest stages, when the cancer is confined to the cervix, individuals often experience no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur in these early invasive stages, they can be subtle and non-specific. These may include unusual vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after sexual intercourse, between menstrual periods, or after menopause. Some individuals might also notice unusual vaginal discharge that could be watery, bloody, or have an unpleasant odor, or experience pain during sex.
Local Progression and Expanding Symptoms
As untreated cervical cancer grows, it extends beyond the cervix and begins to invade nearby structures within the pelvic area. This local progression can involve the cancerous cells spreading into the vagina, uterus, bladder, and rectum.
This invasion leads to a range of new and worsening symptoms. Individuals may experience persistent pelvic pain, which can be a dull ache or more severe. If the bladder is affected, painful urination and the presence of blood in the urine can occur. Invasion of the rectum may result in painful bowel movements or blood in the stool. Furthermore, pressure on pelvic nerves or lymphatic vessels can lead to swelling in one or both legs, a condition known as lymphedema.
Spread to Distant Organs
When cervical cancer cells break away from the primary tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, they can form new tumors in distant parts of the body, a process known as metastasis. Common sites for cervical cancer to metastasize include the lungs, liver, bones, and more distant lymph nodes, such as those in the chest or above the collarbone.
The symptoms that emerge from distant spread depend on the specific organ affected. If the cancer has spread to the lungs, an individual might develop a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or even cough up blood. Liver metastasis can lead to symptoms like discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), itchy skin, or a swollen abdomen due to fluid buildup. When cancer spreads to the bones, it commonly causes bone pain, often worsening at night, and bones may become weaker and more susceptible to fractures. Spread to distant lymph nodes can cause them to feel hard or swollen.
Severe Health Consequences and Outcomes
The unchecked progression of widespread cervical cancer leads to severe health consequences and significantly impacts quality of life. Chronic pain often becomes a prominent symptom, requiring increasing pain management as tumors grow and press on nerves or organs. Extreme fatigue and significant, unexplained weight loss are also common.
Serious complications can arise, including kidney failure if tumors obstruct ureters, and intestinal obstruction if cancer invades or compresses the bowel, leading to severe constipation, bloating, and vomiting. Fistulas, abnormal connections between organs, can form, such as between the bladder and vagina or the bowel and vagina, resulting in uncontrolled leakage of urine or stool. Severe bleeding from the vagina, rectum, or bladder can also occur as the cancer erodes blood vessels. Ultimately, untreated advanced cervical cancer is often fatal due to organ failure, severe infections, or other life-threatening complications. The five-year relative survival rate for cervical cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body is approximately 19%.