There are specific medical issues that affect women, and one of those areas is gynecologic cancers, which are cancers that impact the reproductive organs of a woman’s body. There are numerous ways in which these types of cancers could affect women, including their health/medical condition, ability to have children (fertility), emotional state/feelings and overall quality of life. The earlier a gynecologic cancer is detected and treated, the better the woman’s chance for survival (longer/healthier life).
The World Health Organisation indicates that cancers that affect a woman’s reproductive organs are one of the leading challenges facing women’s health globally. Fortunately, with the newest technology available, methods of performing surgeries in less invasive ways, new types of treatments, and better ways to identify cancerous cells at an early stage, gynecologic cancers are more easily treated if diagnosed early.
As an expert in women’s oncology (cancer), Dr Priyanka Batra is dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and providing support/assistance to women at every level of their experience with gynecologic cancer. This blog provides useful information on different types of gynecologic cancer, signs/symptoms, risk factors, and ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent gynecologic cancers in women.
What Are Gynecologic Cancers?
Gynaecological-specific malignancies arise within a female’s reproductive organs. They may originate within different parts of the reproductive system and can display varying degrees of severity, signs and symptoms, and treatment modalities. Examples of gynaecological cancers include:
- Cervical Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Uterine / Endometrial Cancer
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vulvar Cancer
What are the Types of Gynecologic Cancers?
- Cervical cancer occurs when cells grow out of control in the cervix (lower uterus connecting to the vagina). HPV (human papillomavirus) is also closely linked to developing cervical cancer.
- Ovarian cancer is often considered a “silent” form of cancer, as people do not typically present with signs and symptoms until their cancer has advanced; therefore, it becomes difficult to diagnose.
- Uterine cancer occurs most frequently in the endometrium (lining of the uterus), and is considered to be one of the most common types of gynecologic cancer.
- Vaginal cancer is extremely rare, but it does occur in vaginal tissue. Possible signs and symptoms of vaginal cancer include: Vaginal bleeding outside of the menstrual cycle/pelvic pain/painful intercourse/lump or mass within the vagina.
- Vulvar (external female genitalia) cancer develops from the skin tissues on the outside of the female reproductive system. Possible symptoms associated with developing Vulvar cancer include the following: Persistent itching/discolouration or other skin changes/pain, and tenderness in the affected area/lump or sore on the vulva that does not heal.
What are the Signs and Symptoms?
- Uncommon bleeding from the vagina.
- Pain in the abdomen and pelvis.
- Bloat that does not go away.
- Adjustments in how often the patient urinates, how often they go to the bathroom, and how often they have a bowel movement.
- Supposedly unexplained weight loss.
- Vaginal or skin irritation is identified by itching or an alteration in appearance.
- Persistent discomfort during sex.
What are the Treatment Options for Gynecologic Cancers?
- Treatment of Cancer typically begins with surgical intervention, including robotic-assisted or minimally invasive techniques to decrease recovery time.
- Chemotherapy uses pharmaceutical agents to destroy cancer cells and will most often be utilized pre or post-surgery.
- Radiation can be used to destroy cancer cells while being combined with surgery or chemotherapy.
- Some cancers may respond to treatment specifically directed at destroying cancer cells and simultaneously allow for as little damage to surrounding healthy tissue as possible.
- Specialised therapy can improve the immune response to make the patient better able to fight off the malignancy and improve their chances of survival.
Gynecologic cancers can occur in any female at various points in time. However, with knowledge of the symptoms and risk factors, women can get timely screening and assistance when treating cancer. This is extremely important since these factors, coupled with a patient’s early treatment, will help with the successful treatment of gynecologic cancers.
In order for a female patient to have a successful outcome when dealing with cervical cancer, ovarian cancer or uterine cancer with the assistance of a gynecologic oncology specialist, she must have an early diagnosis. Timely screening, along with seeing a qualified gynecologic doctor, will help provide the patient with the best care available.
If you are experiencing any unusual/recurrent symptoms or would like to have a conversation regarding your reproductive health, Dr Priyanka Batra is an expert in the field of gynaecological cancer and can help you with your questions while providing you with information regarding surgical and non-surgical options available for gynaecological cancer patients.