How long can a woman have cervical cancer without knowing?

Cervical cancer develops very slowly. It can take years or even decades for the abnormal changes in the cervix to become invasive cancer cells. Cervical cancer might develop faster in people with weaker immune systems, but it will still likely take at least 5 years.


Can you have cervical cancer for years and not know?

Cancer of the cervix often has no symptoms in its early stages. If you do have symptoms, the most common is unusual vaginal bleeding, which can occur after sex, in between periods or after the menopause.

Can you have cervical cancer for 10 years and not know?

Early cervical cancer doesn't normally cause symptoms, so you probably won't realize you have it. That's why it's so important to get regular screening tests. As cervical cancer progresses, signs and symptoms may include: unusual vaginal discharge.


How long do cervical cancer symptoms take to develop?

In fact, once cells in the cervix begin to undergo abnormal changes, it can take several years for the cells to grow into invasive cervical cancer. Many women experience precancerous changes in the cervix in their 20s and 30s, though the average woman with cervical cancer is diagnosed in her 50s.

What are the late signs of cervical cancer?

Signs and symptoms of more-advanced cervical cancer include: Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause. Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor.


Cervical Cancer Signs & Symptoms (& Why They Occur)



What are the 7 warning signs of cervical cancer?

Early Warning Signs of Cervical Cancer
  • Vaginal bleeding (either after intercourse, between periods or post-menopause)
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge (heavy or with a foul odor)
  • Pain during intercourse.
  • Pelvic pain.
  • Lower back pain.
  • Pain and swelling in legs.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Decreased appetite.


What can be mistaken for cervical cancer?

Vaginal amebiasis may mimic symptoms and imaging findings of cervical cancer (1,2). Physicians must be aware of this rare disease, and a tissue biopsy is essential to make an accurate diagnosis.

What are the 5 warning signs of cervical cancer?

An unusual discharge from the vagina which may contain some blood and/or occur between your periods or after menopause. Pain during sex.
...
Those warning signs are:
  • Itching or burning sensations in the vagina.
  • Low back or abdominal pain.
  • Unexplained fatigue.
  • Frequent or urgent urination.
  • Abdominal bloating.


What symptoms did you have before being diagnosed with cervical cancer?

The most common symptoms of cervical cancer include:
  • vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, including after the menopause, after sex, or between regular periods.
  • changes to vaginal discharge.
  • pain or discomfort during sex.
  • unexplained pain in your lower back or between your hip bones (pelvis).


Do Pap smears detect cervical cancer?

A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women. A Pap smear involves collecting cells from your cervix — the lower, narrow end of your uterus that's at the top of your vagina. Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure.

Whats the longest you can live with cervical cancer?

Survival for all stages of cervical cancer

more than 60 out of every 100 (more than 60%) will survive their cancer for 5 years or more after diagnosis. more than 50 women out of every 100 (more than 50%) will survive their cancer for 10 years or more after diagnosis.


What is the average age to get cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44 with the average age at diagnosis being 50 . It rarely develops in women younger than 20. Many older women do not realize that the risk of developing cervical cancer is still present as they age.

Does cervical cancer spread fast?

It is usually a slow-growing cancer and if caught early can be successfully treated. Routine Pap smears can detect early changes in the cells of the cervix allowing cervical cancer to be diagnosed early.

How long does it take HPV to turn into cancer?

Research has found that it can take 10 to 20 years, or even longer, for HPV-infected cervical cells to develop into a cancerous tumor. Among women whose cervical cells are infected with high-risk HPV, several factors increase the chance that the infection will be long lasting and lead to precancerous cervical cells.


What is the first stage of cervical cancer?

Stage I cervical cancer

Stage IA1 and IA2 cervical cancer. A very small amount of cancer that can only be seen under a microscope is found in the tissues of the cervix. In stage IA1, the cancer is not more than 3 millimeters deep. In stage IA2, the cancer is more than 3 but not more than 5 millimeters deep.

Can cervical cancer show up in a year?

It takes 15 to 20 years for cervical cancer to develop in women with normal immune systems. It can take only 5 to 10 years in women with weakened immune systems, such as those with untreated HIV infection.

Can a gynecologist see cervical cancer?

Your primary doctor or gynecologist often can do the tests needed to diagnose pre-cancers and cancers and may also be able to treat a pre-cancer. If there is a diagnosis of invasive cancer, your doctor should refer you to a gynecologic oncologist, a doctor who specializes in cancers of women's reproductive systems.


What are the two main ways to diagnose cervical cancer?

A Pap test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix, including cancer cells and cells that show changes that increase the risk of cervical cancer. HPV DNA test. The HPV DNA test involves testing cells collected from the cervix for infection with any of the types of HPV that are most likely to lead to cervical cancer.

Where does cervical cancer usually start?

Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb). The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time.

Who is most likely to get cervical cancer?

Who is more likely to get cervical cancer
  • you're under 45 – cervical cancer is more common in younger people.
  • you have a weakened immune system, like if you have HIV or AIDS.
  • you have given birth to multiple children or had children at an early age (under 17 years old)


Can cervical cancer happen suddenly?

Cervical cancer symptoms are not likely to come on suddenly, but usually persist once they do appear.

What stage of cervical cancer do symptoms show?

Stage 2 cancer spreads to the parametrium and past the uterus to the upper vagina. Because the tumor is growing into nearby tissue, noticeable symptoms are more likely to occur at this stage.

Do you feel unwell with cervical cancer?

Advanced cervical cancer means that a cancer that began in the cervix has spread to another part of the body. Symptoms depend on where the cancer is in the body. They might include: tiredness and feeling unwell.


What does cervical cancer odor smell like?

cervical cancer is now potentially a preventable disease! Cervical cancer causes a smelly blood stained vaginal discharge. Every gynaecologist would recognise the rotten meat smell which can only mean one of two things.

What is the most significant symptoms for cervical cancer should it occur?

If early cell changes develop into cervical cancer, the most common signs include: vaginal bleeding between periods. menstrual bleeding that is longer or heavier than usual. pain during intercourse.