Gynecological Cancer
Gynecologic cancer is an uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells that originate from the reproductive organs. There are several types of gynecologic cancers which include cervical, gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD), primary peritoneal, ovarian, uterine/endometrial, vaginal and vulvar cancers.
Gynaecologic Oncology is a subspecialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology that focuses on diagnosing and treating women with cancers of the reproductive system. Cancers can occur in any part of the female reproductive system the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. These cancers are called gynaecologic cancers. Each woman with gynaecological cancer has unique medical and emotional needs.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is cancer that develops in the female organs that produce eggs & the ovaries. It is the third most common cancer seen in women in India after cervical and breast cancer. 85-90 per cent of women with ovarian cancer are over 40 years of age with the peak incidence between 55 and 65 years of age.
Signs & Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
- Bloating
- Nausea & Vomitting
- Indigestion and constipation
Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer
- Family history of cancer
- Personal history of cancer
- No Breastfeeding
- Infertility
Stages of Ovarian Cancer
- Stage I: Cancer is found in one or both ovaries
- Stage II:Cancer has spread to other parts of the pelvis
- Stage III:Cancer has spread to the abdomen
- Stage IV:Cancer is found outside the abdomen
Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial carcinoma, is the abnormal (malignant) growth of cells that comprise uterine tissue. Currently, we are seeing a rising incidence in endometrial carcinoma cases. Almost 75 per cent of these cancers develop in postmenopausal women, with < 5 per cent of cancers seen in women under 40 years of age.
Symptoms of Uterine Cancer
- Postmenopausal bleeds
- Increases vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain
- Postmenopausal bleeds
Stages of Uterine Cancer
- Stage I: Cancer is confined to the uterus, 70-80 per cent of uterine cancers are diagnosed in Stage I
- Stage II/III:Cancer has spread outside of the uterus. As it progresses, it may spread to the pelvic lymph nodes and other pelvic organs.
- Stage IV:Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and on to the lungs, liver, bones, brain, and vagina
Risk Factors of Uterine Cancer
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Family history and lynch syndrome
- Diabetes/hypertension
- Obesity
- Late menopause
- Nulliparity
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a malignant tumour of the cervix, the lowermost part of the uterus. India contributes almost one-third of new cases diagnosed worldwide, and unfortunately 70-90 per cent of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Cervical cancer is preventable, as there is an effective screening test available to detect precancerous changes that can be treated; thus, progression to cancer can be stopped.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
- Pelvic pain
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Bleeding after going through menopause
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Late menopause
- Nulliparity
Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer
- Multiple sexual partners
- Smoking and weakened immune system
- Sexual intercourse at an early age
- Multiple Child Births
