What are the symptoms of late stage cervical cancer?

Symptoms such as irregular vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, lower limb edema, and cachexia may occur in the late stages of cervical cancer. Late-stage cervical cancer is usually caused by human papillomavirus infection, long-term chronic inflammatory stimulation, low immune function and other factors, and may be accompanied by pathological changes such as pelvic lymph node metastasis and distant organ metastasis. It is recommended that patients seek medical treatment promptly and undergo radiotherapy, chemotherapy or targeted therapy under the guidance of a doctor, while also paying attention to nutritional support and pain management.

1. Irregular vaginal bleeding

Patients with advanced cervical cancer often experience non-menstrual vaginal bleeding or contact bleeding. The amount of bleeding may be large or small, which may be related to tumor invasion of blood vessels or tissue necrosis. At this time, strenuous activities need to be avoided. It is recommended to use Yunnan Baiyao capsules and other hemostatic drugs, but they must be used under the guidance of a doctor. If the amount of bleeding is large, interventional embolization may be required.

2. Lower abdominal pain

When the tumor infiltrates the pelvic nerves or is combined with pelvic infection, it can cause persistent dull pain or cramping, which may radiate to the lumbosacral region. You can use analgesics such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules as directed by your doctor, along with hot compresses to relieve symptoms. Severe pain may require opioids such as oxycodone hydrochloride extended-release tablets for control.

3. Difficulty urinating

When tumors compress the ureter or bladder, they can cause frequent urination, urgency, painful urination and even urinary retention. In severe cases, hydronephrosis may occur. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the urinary system is required, and an indwelling urinary catheter is placed if necessary. Tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release capsules and other drugs that can improve urinary symptoms can be used in combination.

4. Edema of lower limbs

Pelvic lymph node metastasis, venous compression or hypoalbuminemia can cause pitting edema of the lower extremities, usually starting at the ankles and spreading upward. It is necessary to limit sodium intake, elevate the lower limbs, and in severe cases, human albumin needs to be supplemented. Wearable medical compression stockings to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

5. Cachexia

Late-stage tumor consumption leads to systemic failure symptoms such as progressive weight loss, fatigue, and anemia, which may be related to the large release of tumor necrosis factor. It is necessary to strengthen nutritional support, choose a high-protein liquid diet, and if necessary, supplement nutritional preparations such as fat emulsion amino acid glucose injection intravenously.

Patients with advanced cervical cancer should keep their perineum clean and wear loose cotton underwear to avoid friction. In terms of diet, you can choose fish, steamed eggs and other easily digestible high-protein foods, and eat small and frequent meals. Carry out appropriate bedside activities to prevent deep vein thrombosis, but avoid overexertion. Family members need to closely observe the patient's pain level, eating habits, and mental state changes, and regularly review blood routine and liver and kidney functions. Psychological counseling is equally important, and anxiety can be relieved through music therapy, gentle massage, etc.