“Advanced cervical cancer can cause leg pain from the growth of the tumor possibly compressing nearby nerves,” says Mylaine Riobe, MD.
Leg pain plus swelling is highly suspect for cervical cancer. The nerves in the pelvic region are being crowded out by the cancer, causing pain in the leg.
“Consistent Pap smear screening should avoid this diagnosis in most cases,” says Dr. Riobe, founder of Riobe Institute of Integrative Medicine.
Dr. Riobe, who’s board certified in ob/gyn and integrative medicine, is the author of “The Answer to Cancer.”
“The causes of cervical cancer such as human papilloma virus infection usually co-exist with other factors, especially nutrient deficits,” says Dr. Riobe.
“These nutrient deficits contribute to the growth of the tumor due to the weakness of the immune system.
“These same nutrient deficits and resulting inflammation can also cause pain due to poor circulation and inflammation.”
Details About Leg Pain Caused by Cervical Cancer
The avenue through which cervical cancer can lead to a swollen (lymphedema) and painful leg is when the disease causes the cervix to swell and push against nearby blood vessels.
The cervix then blocks the blood flow from the bottom of the legs, causing swelling and pain.
The skin of the swollen leg will not be purple or reddish, a feature sometimes seen with venous insufficiency and blood clots.
However, pain in the leg from cervical cancer won’t always be accompanied by the swelling of lymphedema (also called edema) – when the tumor is pressing on pelvic nerves.
A swollen leg plus other symptoms such as unexplained vaginal blood or foul smelling vaginal discharge, a bloated feeling and/or suppressed appetite is highly suspect for the disease.
In fact, the triad of leg pain, pelvic pain and back pain is particularly alarming.
The leg pain from cervical cancer is persistent. It’s not something that will be there one day and then gone for several days, then back again and so on.
This persistent feature, however, can also have benign causes.
Dr. Riobe has helped thousands of patients overcome difficult illnesses by addressing root causes, not just masking symptoms. The Riobe Method focuses on the prevention of disease, not the prevention of death from disease. She has over 15 years’ experience using integrative techniques to treat diverse patients.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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