Which symptom is most commonly associated with advanced cervical cancer?

Which symptom is most commonly associated with advanced cervical cancer?

• A. yellow vaginal discharge
• B. dyspareunia
• C. irregular bleeding
• D. lower abdominal pain

Answer: (C)

Irregular bleeding is a symptom frequently observed in advanced cervical cancer due to the disruption of normal cervical tissue and its vascular supply. As the cancer progresses, the tumor can invade surrounding tissues and blood vessels, leading to abnormal bleeding patterns, including bleeding between menstrual periods or post-intercourse bleeding. This symptom is significant as it often prompts further investigation, leading to an early diagnosis of cervical cancer when reported. In contrast, while yellow vaginal discharge, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), and lower abdominal pain can occur in various gynecological conditions, they are not as specifically associated with advanced cervical cancer as irregular bleeding. Yellow vaginal discharge could indicate an infection, dyspareunia might be related to vaginitis or pelvic issues, and lower abdominal pain can arise from multiple causes such as ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease, rather than being primarily connected to cervical cancer. Irregular bleeding stands out as a key indicator and symptom that can directly indicate the progression of cervical cancer.

Irregular bleeding is a symptom frequently observed in advanced cervical cancer due to the disruption of normal cervical tissue and its vascular supply. As the cancer progresses, the tumor can invade surrounding tissues and blood vessels, leading to abnormal bleeding patterns, including bleeding between menstrual periods or post-intercourse bleeding. This symptom is significant as it often prompts further investigation, leading to an early diagnosis of cervical cancer when reported.

In contrast, while yellow vaginal discharge, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), and lower abdominal pain can occur in various gynecological conditions, they are not as specifically associated with advanced cervical cancer as irregular bleeding. Yellow vaginal discharge could indicate an infection, dyspareunia might be related to vaginitis or pelvic issues, and lower abdominal pain can arise from multiple causes such as ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease, rather than being primarily connected to cervical cancer. Irregular bleeding stands out as a key indicator and symptom that can directly indicate the progression of cervical cancer.