Expert Offers Insight on Sneaky Signs of Cervical Cancer

Dr. Teresa Diaz-Montes is a gynecologic surgeon who provides expertise in gynecologic cancers as well as minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Teresa P. Diaz-Montes, M.D., MPH, FACOG, serves as the Associate Director of The Lya Segall Ovarian Cancer Institute. She also is a noted expert and gynecologic oncologist with The Gynecologic Oncology Center at Mercy, a leading Center in Baltimore for the treatment of cancers of the female reproductive tract. Recently, Dr. Diaz-Montes responded to a Bustle.com news query regarding “sneaky symptoms” of cervical cancer. Here are her responses…

In general, why do some signs of cervical cancer so commonly go unnoticed?

Some signs of cervical cancer can be confused with menstrual problems.  Cervical cancer usually affects women still having menstrual periods so it can be easily confused.  Some of those signs could be abnormal bleeding, postcoital bleeding, vaginal discharge.  Other signs could be confused with other medical conditions like back pain, leg swelling.  

What are a few sneaky signs of cervical cancer that everyone should know?

Postcoital bleeding or bleeding after having sex: Cancer bleeds very easily upon touch, so any heavy bleeding experienced after sex that is persistent should be evaluated.

Foul smelling discharge: when cervical cancer is far advanced, women can experience a distinctive odor that does not goes away easily.  This should be evaluated immediately.

Leg swelling: swelling of the legs could be a sign of several medical conditions, but when combined with vaginal bleeding, foul smelling discharge and pelvic pain, could be a sign of advanced cervical cancer.  This merits immediate evaluation.

--Teresa P. Diaz-Montes, M.D., MPH, FACOG

Board Certified in Gynecologic Oncology, Dr. Teresa Diaz-Montes provides diagnosis and treatment for gynecologic cancers including ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer. Her primary clinical interests include ovarian cancer treatments, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, including robotic surgery, and patient safety and quality. Additional areas of interest include cervical cancer, fallopian tube cancer, fertility-sparing surgery and uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers.

Teresa P. Diaz-Montes, M.D., MPH, FACOG, serves as the Associate Director of The Lya Segall Ovarian Cancer Institute. She also is a noted expert and gynecologic oncologist with The Gynecologic Oncology Center at Mercy, a leading Center in Baltimore for the treatment of cancers of the female reproductive tract. Dr. Teresa Diaz-Montes provides diagnosis and treatment for gynecologic cancers including ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. Board Certified in Gynecologic Oncology, Dr. Teresa Diaz-Montes provides treatment for a diverse range of gynecologic cancers. Her primary clinical interests include ovarian cancer treatments, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, including robotic surgery, and patient safety and quality. Additional areas of interest include cervical cancer, fallopian tube cancer, fertility-sparing surgery and uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Bringing a friendly approach to the treatment of her patients, Dr. Diaz-Montes takes the necessary time to listen to the needs of her patients and address their concerns. As a recipient of the Patient's Choice award, her approachable, caring bedside manner has been formally recognized by her patients. Dr. Teresa Diaz-Montes is known for her knowledge and dedication to finding advanced treatments for gynecologic cancers. Her expert opinion is often sought by media outlets and she has been featured in notable publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. She was also featured by The Sun Magazine as "One of 50 Women to Watch" for her dedication to innovative treatments for ovarian cancer. Dr. Diaz-Montes has extensive experience in research and resident teaching activities. She has conducted various clinical trials to advance the care of gynecologic cancers, particularly ovarian cancer. She and colleagues in The Institute for Cancer Care at Mercy are conducting the first clinical study in the United States regarding the treatment of ovarian cancer with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, also known as HIPEC. Dr. Diaz-Montes, an author and international lecturer, has numerous clinical publications related to women’s cancer treatment to her credit. Awards and Honors Top Doctor in Gynecologic Oncology, Baltimore magazine Top Doctor in Gynecologic Oncology, Castle Connolly Medical Ltd.