Gynae Cancers

Gynae Cancers

Cancers that arise in the women’s reproductive organs are called as gynaecological cancers. These include cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulvar and tubal cancers.

Cervical cancer starts lower narrow end of the uterus called as the cervix

Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries. These are almond shaped reproductive organs located on the either side of the uterus, where the eggs are stored.

Uterine cancer also known as endometrial cancer begins in the cells that form the lining of the uterus. Uterus is a pear shapes organ where the baby grows during pregnancy.

Vaginal cancer starts in the vagina that is a tube that connects the uterus to the outer genitals.

Vulvar cancer occurs in the outer parts of the female genitals.

Tubal cancer is the cancer of fallopian tubes which connect the ovaries to the uterus.

All women are at risk of getting gynaecological cancers and get more prone with age. Early detection and treatment is more effective.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms for all the gynaecological cancers vary. However some common symptoms are:

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Frequent and painful urination
  • Poor bladder control
  • Chronic constipation
  • Abdominal or back pain
  • Itching or burning and tenderness of the vulva
  • Changes in the skin colour, texture, rashes or sores on the vulva
  • Weight loss
  • Feeling or visible lump or mass in outer genitals
  • Lump of swelling in the lower belly
  • Post menopause bleeding
  • Painful sex
  • Loss of appetite

Most of these fibroids are undetected; however these may be incidentally discovered during a pelvic or gynecologic exam or during prenatal care.

Causes of Gynaecological cancers

There are several factors that increase the risk of gynaecological cancers.  Some common causes of gynaecological cancers are:

  • Family history
  • Diabetes
  • Never having children
  • Starting menstruating at early age (12years)
  • Delayed menopause (55 years)
  • Obesity
  • HIV or weak immune system
  • Excessive use of oral birth control or fertility drugs
  • Previous history of breast or other cancers
  • Prior radiation in the pelvic area
  • Estrogen therapy
  • Older age
  • STIs such as human papillomavirus (HPV)

When to seek medical help

Get in touch with your doctor if you experience any of the signs and symptoms that are persistent.

Gynaecological cancers and Fertility

Having gynaecological cancer can affect fertility to a large extent. There are numerous fertility preservation options available for women with gynaecological cancers. Embryo, egg and ovarian tissue freezing technologies are available for women who have cancers and are in reproductive age. Post freezing successful auto-transplantation is done.  For women who have hormone sensitive cancers ovarian stimulation protocols are also available. Providing fertility preservations approaches has become an indispensible part of cancer survivorship.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis is imperative in treatment of gynaecological cancers. Regular check- ups help in timely detection and treatment of such cancers. The doctor will look for tumours, or mass of abnormal cells in or on the reproductive organs. Basic tests like the Pap test, ultrasound, CT scan or MRI are used to determine the severity of cancer. Additional tests done are:

Colposcopy: examining the cervix and vagina with a magnifying lens

Dilation & Curettage (D&C): procedure in which tissues of the cervical canal and uterus lining are scraped and sent for lab testing

Biopsy:  extracting samples during these procedures

Laparoscopy: a small incision is made and a thin lighted tube is inserted in the lower abdomen to obtain images.

Blood test: blood tests are done to check the CA-125 levels (Cancer antigen)

Treatment plans are tailored as per the kind and extent of severity of the cancer. Surgically the infected tissue is removed. Chemotherapy is used in which specific medicines are given to shrink or kill the cancer. High energy radiations are given to destroy the cancer. Cure for cancer includes treating the body as well as the mind.

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