Gynecological Cancer
Gynecological cancers encompass a group of malignancies that originate in the female reproductive system, including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva. These cancers can present with varied symptoms, often subtle in the early stages, making early detection and timely intervention crucial for effective treatment. Dr. Prateek Varshney , emphasizes the importance of awareness, regular screenings (like Pap smears and HPV tests), and advancements in surgical and medical oncology for improved patient outcomes. With evolving treatment modalities, a multidisciplinary approach remains key in managing gynecological cancers, ensuring better prognosis and quality of life for patients.
Types of Cancer
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. AAlmost 75% of these cancers develop in postmenopausal women, with less than 5% of cases seen in women under 40 years of age.
Symptoms of Uterine Cancer
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- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Increases vaginal discharge
- Postmenopausal bleeds
- Pelvic pain
Risk Factor of Uterine Cancer
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- Obesity
- Diabetes/hypertension
- Nulliparity (women who never had children)
- Late menopause (menopause after 55 years)
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Tamoxifen treatment for longer duration
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Family history of endometrial cancer or Lynch syndrome
Stages of Uterine Cancer
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- 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
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a malignant tumour of the cervix, the lowermost part of the uterus. India accounts for nearly one-third of newly diagnosed cervical cancer cases worldwide, with 70-90% 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
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- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Increased vaginal discharge.
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
Risk Factor of Cervical Cancer
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- Sexual intercourse at an early age
- Multiple sexual partners
- Nulliparity (women who never had children)
- Multiple childbirths
- Smoking and weakened immune system
- Persistent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Stages of Cervical Cancer
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- Stage I: Cancer has spread from the cervix lining into the deeper tissue but is still just found in the uterus.
- Stage II: Cancer has spread beyond the cervix to nearby areas, such as the vagina or tissue near the cervix, but it is still inside the pelvic area.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread outside the cervix and vagina.
- Stage IV: The cancer has spread to the lungs, liver, spleen, brain,and bone.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion and constipation
- Bloating
- Family history of cancer
- Personal history of cance
- Infertility
- No breastfeeding
- 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