What is it Risk Factors Symptoms Lab Tests Staging Treatment Sources

Symptoms
Precancerous changes in the cervix usually do not cause any symptoms. By the time a woman notices nonspecific symptoms, such as increased vaginal discharge and/or abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods or after intercourse, invasive cancer has usually developed and may have already spread to nearby tissues.

There are many conditions other than cancer that can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge. It is important to see your doctor for preventative screening and to determine the cause of any symptoms you may have.

On This Site

Tests: Pap smear, HPV
Conditions: Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Screening: Cervical cancer (ages 13-18), (ages 19-29), (ages 30-49), (ages 50 and up)
In the News: Should HPV Tests Replace Pap Smears? (2007), FDA Approves New Cervical Cancer Test (2003), New Developments Help Redefine Approach to Inconclusive Pap Smears (2002)

Elsewhere On The Web

Personal Pap Smear Scheduling Reminder
National Cancer Institute: What you need to know about cancer of the cervix
American Cancer Society: All About Cervical Cancer
National Cervical Cancer Coalition
American Academy of Family Physicians: Cancer Screening Guidelines
CancerLinks
Revised Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Require Reeducation of Women and Physicians
ASCCP: Consensus Guidelines