What happens in the later stages of cervical cancer

In the later stages of cervical cancer, irregular vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, lower limb edema, urinary tract obstruction and cachexia may occur. The progression of cervical cancer is closely related to the degree of tumor spread, and late-stage patients are often accompanied by damage to multiple organ functions.

1. Irregular vaginal bleeding

Tumor invasion of blood vessels can lead to contact bleeding or spontaneous bleeding, and the blood may be dark red with necrotic tissue. Vaginal packing is required to stop bleeding, and if necessary, use tranexamic acid tablets, Yunnan Baiyao capsules and other drugs for auxiliary treatment. Severe bleeding requires emergency blood transfusion support.

2. Pelvic pain

Cancer cells infiltrating the pelvic nerves or compressing surrounding tissues can cause persistent dull pain that may radiate to the lumbosacral region. Oxycodone hydrochloride sustained-release tablets, fentanyl transdermal patches and other powerful analgesics can be used together with local radiotherapy to relieve compression symptoms.

3. Edema of lower limbs

When lymph node metastasis leads to obstruction of lymphatic drainage, pitting edema will occur on one or both sides of the lower limbs. Wear medical elastic stockings, limit sodium intake, and use diuretics such as furosemide tablets and spironolactone tablets to improve symptoms if necessary.

4. Urinary tract obstruction

Tumor compression of the ureter can cause hydronephrosis, which is manifested by oliguria, waist distension and pain, and abnormal renal function. A double J tube or percutaneous nephrostomy is required to drain urine. In severe cases, ureteral stent implantation is required to maintain urinary function.

5. Cachexia

Tumor wasting results in extreme wasting, anemia, and hypoalbuminemia. Nutrition needs to be supplemented through enteral nutrition powder and compound amino acid injection, and human albumin infusion is required to improve plasma osmotic pressure when necessary. Pain control and psychological counseling are crucial to improving quality of life.

Patients with advanced cervical cancer should regularly monitor blood routine, liver and kidney function and other indicators, and keep the perineum clean to prevent infection. Choose high-protein, high-calorie, easily digestible foods, such as fish paste, egg drop porridge, etc. Family members need to assist the patient with lower limb massage to promote lymphatic drainage and avoid pressure ulcers caused by long-term bed rest. If new symptoms such as fever and difficulty breathing occur, you need to seek medical attention immediately.