Stage 3 Cervical Cancer: What Happens in This Advanced Stage?

Common Signs of Stage 3 Cervical Cancer

The signs and symptoms of stage 3 cervical cancer increase worse as the disease gets worse. One of the earliest indicators is bleeding from the vagina that isn't normal. Women can bleed after sex, between cycles, or after menopause. This bleeding is happening because the tumor is becoming bigger.

Pain is another important sign. Many women suffer pain in their lower abdomen, pelvic, or lower back. The discomfort might not be very bad at first, but it normally grows worse as the cancer progresses. Some women think it's just typical period pain, but you should never dismiss it if it happens a lot or is really unpleasant.

Another sign is an unexpected discharge. The discharge could be heavy, runny, smell terrible, or have blood in it. This is happening because the tumor is affecting the cervix and the tissues around it. If your discharge suddenly changes, you should see a doctor.

Some ladies hurt when they have sex. This happens because the tumor makes the tissues in the cervix hurt or swell. Stage 3 cervical cancer often causes pain during intercourse, which you should not overlook.

When the tumor spreads to nearby organs

At stage 3, the cancer could be putting pressure on the bladder or ureters. This can make it hard to pee, ache when you do, or make you feel like you can't entirely empty your bladder. If the ureters get obstructed, the kidneys may expand, which can make the lower back hurt a lot and swell.

The cancer may also push on the rectum, which might make it hard to go to the bathroom or cause pain when you do. Some women notice blood in their stool or feel pressure in their pelvis.

When cancer spreads to the pelvic wall, it may cause pain to moving about. Some women can't sit or walk comfortably because they are always in discomfort or pressure.

Fluid buildup and swelling in the legs

Stage 3 cervical cancer can impact lymph nodes, which help the body get rid of extra fluid. Fluid builds up in the legs when these nodes are blocked, making them feel heavy and puffy. This swelling is called lymphedema. It can hurt and make it hard to walk.

Fluid can also build up in the kidneys or stomach. Because of these changes, cancer is spreading in the area and needs to be treated immediately away.

Tiredness, weakness, and low energy

People with stage 3 cervical cancer are quite tired all the time. The body is putting forth a lot of effort to combat the sickness, which requires a lot of energy. Women may still feel fatigued even after getting some sleep. They could have problems doing things like walking, cooking, or standing for lengthy amounts of time.

Low blood counts can also be caused by bleeding or malignancy that affects the bone marrow. This can make you feel weak, dizzy, and fatigued all the time.

Pain in the hip or leg

The cancer may push on nerves in the hips and legs as it progresses. This might cause pain to migrate down from the pelvis. Some women claim it hurts like a shot or a burn. It could also make you feel numb or tingling.

When the tumor pushes on nerves, the discomfort can get really acute. You should notify your doctor about this kind of pain so they can help you get well.

Weight loss for no reason

At stage 3, a lot of people lose weight quickly. Your body utilizes more energy to fight cancer, which makes you less hungry. You might also feel sick, throw up, and have problems eating. Over time, this leads to weight loss and weakness that can be visible.

Changes in Your Mind and Emotions

Cervical cancer doesn't just harm the body. Many women are terrified, sad, worried, or angry. The stage might be stressful because you never know what will happen next. Some ladies feel like they are all alone or like they can't handle anything. It's normal to feel these shifts in your emotions. Talking to relatives or a counselor can be quite helpful.

You can also feel different when you're in pain, tired, or weak. It's vital to talk to your doctor about your mental health because being mentally strong is a key component of getting healthier.

Treatment for Stage 3 Cervical Cancer

The woman's age, health, and how far the disease has spread will all determine how she is treated. Most people get both chemotherapy and radiation therapy to treat their cancer. This treatment makes the tumor smaller, stops the cancer from spreading, and keeps symptoms under control.

The best strategies to treat stage 3 cervical cancer are with radiation and chemotherapy. In some circumstances, surgery might be possible.

With the correct care, a lot of women grow healthy and go on to have meaningful lives. Getting treatment as soon as feasible is the best strategy to deal with stage 3 cervical cancer.