GYNECOLOGIC CANCER
Gynecologic cancer is an abnormal growth and spread of cells that originate from the reproductive organs.
- In other words, cancer that originates in a woman’s reproductive organs is called gynecologic cancers.
- There are several forms of gynecologic cancer including cervical, vagina, tubal, vulvar, uterine /endometrial, ovarian and peritoneal cancers. As a group, they are referred to as gynecologic cancer.
- Some of this cancers have been referred to as ‘silent killers’ because women are not always aware of the signs and symptoms not until it is too late.
- Each gynecologic cancer is unique with different signs, symptoms and risk factors.
- All women are at risk for gynecologic cancer, an incidence rate increases with age.
- More than 90,000 women are diagnosed with gynecologic cancers each year.
- Diet and exercise can lower the risk of some of these cancers.
TYPES OF GYNECOLOGIC CANCER WITH SYMPTOMS
UTERINE/ENDOMETRIAL CANCER
This is the most common type of gynecologic cancer. Endometrial cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissue of the endometrium. Some risk factor for uterine cancer includes diabetes, hypertension, obesity, use of tamoxifen for breast cancer, taking estrogen alone without progesterone and later age of menopause.
SYMPTOMS
- Unusual vaginal bleeding, this is the most common warning sign for endometrial cancer.
- Pain in the pelvis
- A watery white discharge from the vagina
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- New onset of a heavy menstrual period
- Bleeding between periods+
CERVICAL CANCER
Abnormal changes in the squamous and glandular cells can result in cervical cancer. The squamous and the glandular cells are the two main types of cell found in the cervix. Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of death by cancer in women. Most cervical cancers are caused by an infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
SYMPTOMS
- Vaginal odor
- Pain
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Vaginal discharge
- Bleeding after sex
VULVAR CANCER
Vulvar cancer is a malignant growth that forms in the vulva, or the external genital organs of a woman, especially the outer lips of the vagina. This form of cancer is common in older women and can be curable if detected at an early stage.
SYMPTOMS
- Persistent itching
- Bleeding and discharge not associated with menstruation
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
- A white area that feels rough
- An open sore or ulcer that lasts more than a month
OVARIAN CANCER
Ovarian cancer is a type of gynecologic cancer that starts in the ovaries. The three types of ovarian cancer are determined by the type of cell where cancer begins,
Epithelial ovarian cancer begin in the thin layer of the tissue that covers the outside of the ovaries.it is the most common type of ovarian cancer
Germ cell cancer begins in the egg-producing cell
Stromal cell cancer begins in the tissue that contains the hormone-producing cell
SYMPTOMS
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Abdominal bloating or swelling
A frequent need to urinate
VAGINAL CANCER
Vaginal cancer commonly occurs in the cells lining the surface of the vaginal. It is the rarest form of gynecologist cancer affecting women between 60 years and above. It is associated with the human papillomavirus and can be prevented by vaccinating women and young children before they become sexually active.
SYMPTOMS
Pain during sexual intercourse
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Abnormal vaginal discharge
DIAGNOSIS
Some gynecologic cancer especially cervical cancer can be diagnosed by Pap smear or during a pelvic exam, while others such as uterine, ovarian are diagnosed by a biopsy, blood tests may verify the presence of cancerous cells.
If cancer has metastasized, X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans may confirm the presence of cancer.
TREATMENT
A gynecologist oncologist will work with you to create a treatment plan. Gynecologic cancers are treated in several ways depending on the type, and how far it has spread.
Treatment includes chemotherapy, surgery, and radiations.