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Cancer-Updates

Gynecologic Cancer

5 de noviembre de 2024

3 min de lectura

Gynecologic cancer is a term used to describe a group of cancers that affect the female reproductive system. There are five types of gynecologic cancers named after the body part where they start.

Uterine or endometrial cancer: It originates in the lining of the uterus called endometrium.
Ovarian cancer: It begins in the ovaries that produces eggs and hormones like progesterone and estrogen.
Cervical cancer: It begins in the cervix that connects the lower part of the uterus with the vagina.
Vaginal cancer: It originates in the vagina, the canal that leads from the cervix to the outside of the body.
Vulvar cancer: It begins in the vulva, the outer part of the female genital organ.
Fallopian tube cancer: It originates in the fallopian tube.

Gynecologic Cancer Risk Factors

The common risk factors of gynecologic cancer include:

Family history
Age
Lifestyle
Exposure to HPV or human papillomavirus
Having certain genetic mutations like BRCA mutations

Early detection through regular screening for gynecologic cancers can improve the chance of successful treatment and survival.

Gynecologic Cancer Symptoms

The symptoms of gynecologic cancer depend on the type of cancer, the organ where it originates, and the cancer stage. In the early stages, many gynecologic cancers do not show any symptoms.

Some common symptoms that can appear in most cases include:

Pain during intercourse
Abnormal bleeding or unusual vaginal discharge
Bloating
Frequent urination
Diarrhea and constipation
Pain, itching, soreness, or lesions in the vulva
Loss of appetite or feeling full without eating
Nausea and indigestion
Sudden unexplained weight loss

Other symptoms specific to the type of gynecologic cancer include:

Cervical cancer

While most early-stage cervical cancers do not have any symptoms, they may develop symptoms as the cancer progresses that include:

Unusual or abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
Pelvic pain
Discomfort during vaginal intercourse

Endometrial cancer

The symptoms include:

Pain during sex or urination
Pain, pressure, or lump in the lower abdomen
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Unexplained weight loss

Ovarian cancer

The symptoms include:

Vaginal bleeding
Abdominal discomfort
Indigestion, nausea, heartburn or gas
Diarrhea or constipation
Loss of appetite
Shortness of breath because of the buildup of fluid in the lungs
Unexplained weight loss

Vaginal cancer

The symptoms include:

A lump or growth
Pain during sex or intercourse
Frequent pelvic pain
Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
Constipation

Uterine cancer

The symptoms include:

Changes in the menstrual cycle
Bleeding between periods
Postmenopausal bleeding
Frequent pelvic pain
Pain during sex or urination
Frequent urination

Vulvar cancer

The symptoms include:

Changes in the vulva’s color or appearance
Constant itching or burning in the vulva
The vulva skin looks white or feeling rough
An open sore in the vulva that lasts for more than a month

Fallopian tube cancer

The symptoms include:

Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
Pelvic pain or pressure
A mass or lump in the pelvic area

Lowering the Risk of Developing a Gynecologic Cancer

Steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing gynecologic cancers include:

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious food and exercising regularly.
Finding out whether certain gynecologic cancers run in the family. Cancers like ovarian cancer have a connection to the BRCA gene that is inherited from either parent.
Attending routine gynecologic checkups like pap smears and HPV tests.
Getting HPV vaccines to reduce the risks of developing cervical and other cancers caused by HPV.
Avoiding all forms of tobacco.
Limiting alcohol consumption.

Gynecologic Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Inform your gynecologists or primary care physician if you experience any unusual symptoms for two weeks or more. Your doctor may conduct a pelvic exam to look for masses or irregularities in the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina and vulva.

Where cancer is suspected, your doctor may conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. They may recommend imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to determine the extent of the cancer.

Treatment for gynecologic cancers typically includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

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En esta página

Gynecologic Cancer Risk Factors

Gynecologic Cancer Symptoms

Fallopian tube cancer

Lowering the Risk of Developing a Gynecologic Cancer