Signs And Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

Leg Swelling And Pain

Women who are suffering from later stages of cervical cancer may deal with significant leg pain and swelling in their legs. These warning signs are the result of the tumor in the cervix growing or metastasizing into the nearby lymph nodes and tissue. The tumor and lymph nodes, when left unchecked, compress tissues that may then put pressure on veins and arteries. This includes the femoral artery, which is the main one that allows oxygen-rich blood to flow into the feet and legs. If this artery is compressed, the legs cannot get the oxygen they need. The pain that occurs as a result of insufficient oxygen is linked to dying tissue in the legs.

Swelling occurs in the legs if a cervical tumor compresses the iliac vein. This vein is the one that returns oxygen-poor blood to the heart. When the blood cannot be pushed back up the legs and into the heart, it will pool in the legs, triggering swelling.

Get the full details on a classic cancer symptom and how it appears in cervical cancer next.