Cause

Cervical cancer is caused by severe abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. Most precancerous or cancerous cell changes occur in the cervix at the transformation zone, because these cells normally undergo constant change. During this natural process of change, some cervical cells can become abnormal if you are infected with high-risk types of HPV.

Other factors may play a role in causing cervical cancer, such as having more than one sex partner or smoking cigarettes. For more information on risk, see What Increases Your Risk.

Symptoms

Abnormal cervical cell changes rarely cause symptoms. If cervical cell changes progress to cancer, symptoms may include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge that may have mucus and be tinged with blood.
• A significant unexplained change in your menstrual cycle.
• Bleeding when something comes in contact with the cervix, such as during sex or when you insert a diaphragm.
• Pain during sex.

The symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include:

• Anemia because of abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Ongoing pelvic, leg, or back pain.
• Urinary problems because of blockage of a kidney or ureter.
• Leakage of urine or stool into the vagina. This can happen when an abnormal opening (fistula) has developed between the vagina and the bladder or rectum.
• Weight loss.