10 Warning Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancer You Need to Watch For

1. Vulva skin changes

The vulva is an external part of your reproductive system. The changes of skin on your vulva can be due to some common skin disorders like folliculitis, contact dermatitis, Bartholin gland cysts, or lichen. These conditions can cause changes like bumps, spots, sores, rough patches, or a darkening of the skin. Another health issue that can cause vulva skin changes is cancer.

Vulva cancer is an extremely rare health condition that affects about 3 percent of women. It occurs on the outer layer of the genitals and commonly looks like a lump or sore on the vulva. If you have noticed vulva changes, report them to your gynecologist. The doctor can examine the affected area and suggest a biopsy.

2. Vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharges are normal most of the time. You can experience them at certain periods of your cycle like ovulation. They can smell slightly and be clear or have a milky color. These discharges aren’t a cause for concern and don’t indicate health problems.

You need to warrant a visit to your gynecologist if you experience dark or bloody vaginal discharge that has an unpleasant odor. While unpleasant odor almost always indicates infection, any abnormal discharges need to be checked by a doctor to rule out the risk of cancer or other serious gynecological conditions.

3. Frequent urination

Urinary tract infection, pregnancy, or high intake of liquids can cause you to feel the need to urinate more frequently. But if you have noticed you visiting the bedroom more frequently than before without an explanation, it can be due to extra pressure on your bladder.

One of the conditions that may cause extra pressure on your bladder is ovarian cancer. Frequent urination is an early symptom of ovarian cancer that is often ignored by women. If you suddenly start urinating more frequently and have abdominal pressure, discuss this symptom with your gynecologist.

4. Itching or pain during urination

Certain types of sexually transmitted diseases and urinary tract infections can cause vaginal itching and discomfort during urinating. These conditions are also usually accompanied by abnormal discharges that have an unpleasant odor.

Another cause of painful urination is vulva cancer. It affects the outer layer of your genitals and can symptoms similar to STDs. Check your vulva for any abnormal bumps or sores. If you have noticed some changes in the vulva appearance, request an appointment with your gynecologist to get it checked.

5. Spotting between periods, after sex, or menopause

There are several conditions that can trigger bleeding after sex, menopause, or between periods. Some of the common causes include hormonal imbalance, uterine fibroids, severe stress, and side effects of medications. Spotting is one of the common symptoms of cervical polyps.

But this symptom can also indicate uterine, ovarian, or vaginal cancer. If you have bleeding or spotting for unexplained reasons, you need to talk with your gynecologist about this symptom. If spotting appears after menopause, you should visit your doctor immediately.

6. Changes in menstruation

Over the many years of menstruation, you probably know what is normal for you. You know when your period comes, for how long it should last, and how heavy it might be. If you notice sudden unexplained changes in your menstruation like heavy bleeding or severe pain, it can be early symptoms of gynecological cancer.

Endometrial cancer often causes heavy periods and severe bleeding. If you have noticed your periods become heavier than usual, discuss it with your gynecologist to make sure this isn’t a sign of cancer.

7. Fatigue

There are a wide variety of things that can cause fatigue. Occasional fatigue can appear because of poor sleep, stressed events in your life, or after a sweat-dripping workout. But if you feel extremely tired without a clear cause, this can signal serious health problems.

Fatigue is a common sign of different types of cancer including reproductive system cancer. The tumors increase your body’s need for energy, weaken your muscles, and may damage other crucial organs leaving you fatigued. Reproductive system cancer can also alter your body's hormones, which is another factor contributing to fatigue.

8. Pelvic, abdomen, or back pain

You may feel abdominal pain from time to time. But if you experience persistent abdominal pain that radiates to your back, it should be discussed with your doctor. Gas, indigestion, pressure, or cramps can be responsible for this pain. But causes aren’t always so harmless.

One of the causes of pain that appears in your abdomen and radiates to the back is gynecological cancer. If you have pain that lasts more than several weeks, report it to your doctor.

9. Leg swelling

Having leg swelling once a while doesn’t indicate serious health problems. It can appear because of eating too much salty food, sitting for too long, or wearing uncomfortable shoes. But if your legs are constantly swollen without an explanation, it can be an early symptom of cervical cancer.

When you have cervical cancer, it can put pressure on or spread to the lymph nodes in your cervix. This can cause your body part(particularly your legs) to swell due to a buildup of fluid. The swelling usually occurs just in one leg. If you have leg swelling that comes with other symptoms like pain, bloating, or vaginal discharge you should discuss it with your gynecological specialist.

10. Bloating

Many women experience bloating because of PMS. You may notice that your abdomen becomes bigger or looks swollen. It usually disappears when your period ends.

If you have persistent bloating that causes discomfort or makes you feel full after a few bites of your lunch, consult your doctor. The pressure or swelling of the abdomen can be a warning sign of ovarian cancer.

The bottom line

It is important to note that these symptoms don’t always indicate reproductive system cancer. They can be related to other less serious gynecological conditions that aren’t associated with cancer. If you have one or several of these symptoms, talk about them to your gynecologist. The doctor can suggest special tests to find the root cause of your symptoms and prescribe a treatment.