Pelvic cancer is an umbrella term that encompasses any cancer related to the organs and structures in the pelvis. Pelvic cancer can affect men and women, and some of the cancers that can develop in both genders include cancer of the bladder, anal cancer, cancer of the cartilage, bone cancer and rectal cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Cancer
The signs and symptoms of pelvic cancer are dependent on the type of cancer and the organ or structure affected.
Some of the signs and symptoms of different kinds of pelvic cancer are highlighted below.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
When the cervix is affected by cancer, it is referred to as cervical cancer.
In the early stages, this cancer does not have any symptoms, which develop in the later stages and include the following:
- Bleeding occurring after sexual intercourse, after menopause or in between the menstrual periods
- Foul smelling discharge from the vagina which can be bloody
- Pain in the lower back
- Pain in the pelvic region
- Heavier than normal menstrual periods that also tend to last longer
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Ovaries are structures that produce the eggs and also secrete certain female hormones. A woman can get cancer in one or both the ovaries. No symptoms are present in the early stages of ovarian cancer. Most symptoms develop later on and include:
- Bloating of the abdomen
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Having an urge to urinate frequently
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling full after consuming a small amount of food
- Nausea
- Pain in the pelvic region
Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer
When the lining of the uterus gets malignant, it is known as endometrial cancer. Signs and symptoms of this kind of pelvic cancer include the following:
- Heavy and abnormal bleeding after entering menopause
- Heavy bleeding in between menstrual periods
- Heavy bleeding during menstrual periods
- Pain and cramps in the pelvic region
- Having a sensation of fullness in the pelvic region
- Watery and pink colored discharge from the vagina that is malodorous