This kind of cancer is any kind of cancer that begins in the reproductive organs of a woman. Cancers are always named for the region of the body or the organ of the body where they start. Cancers can begin to grow in any part of a woman’s pelvis, in between the hip bones, or in any part of the area below the stomach. There are various types of gynaecological cancer, all related to different structures in this region of the body.
The symptoms of gynaecological cancer can vary depending upon the location where they make their appearance.
Cervical cancer is cancer that begins at the narrow end of the uterus. This kind of cancer causes bleeding after sex or vaginal bleeding after menopause. Patients might also experience bleeding between periods or heavier and longer periods than normal. Vaginal discharge that smells strongly or contains blood can also be common with this kind of cancer.
This kind of cancer begins in one or both ovaries. It can also begin in the fallopian tubes or the peritoneum. Ovarian cancer causes fatigue, back pain, constipation, pain during sex, upset stomach, changes in the regularity and severity of periods, and abdominal or belly swelling. Weight loss might also be a sign of this kind of cancer.
This cancer starts in the uterus. Unusual vaginal spotting or bleeding is common with this kind of cancer as well as unusual vaginal discharge. Heavy or prolonged periods are common as well.
Vaginal cancer begins in the vaginal region or the vagina itself. When someone has vaginal cancer, they might experience bleeding during sex or bleeding in between periods. They could also have painful intercourse or a lump in the vagina or vaginal region. Pain in the pelvic area is a common symptom, and pain during urination might be present. Some women also experience constipation or digestive upset.
Vulvar cancer begins on the outer part of the female genital organs. This kind of cancer usually causes itching, bleeding, or burning in the vulvar region that does not go away. Changes to the colour of the skin of the vulva might also be present, making the tissue redder or whiter than usual. Rashes or what appear to be warts might also be present. Sores, lumps, or ulcers might also show up on the vulva.
This kind of cancer might be influenced by a variety of risk factors. In most cases, the exact cause of these conditions is not entirely clear at this time. The common risk factors for Gynaecological Cancer are:
The diagnosis of this type of cancer can vary depending on the location of the cancer. However, most doctors will locate the cancer through the use of imaging like MRI or ultrasound. They might also locate a tumour through external or internal palpation. Once the tumour has been identified, blood tests will be done to see if there are indications of cancer in the body.
After this, a biopsy of the tissue will be ordered to see if the tissue is cancerous. In some cases, colposcopy is done to take a sample of the abnormal tissue in the cervix of vaginal regions. Endoscopy might also need to be done to remove a tissue sample from organs that are not accessible through the vagina.
PET scans are typically also done, which requires that the patient be injected with a small amount of dye. This dye will stain cancerous tissues and highlight them for imaging.
Prevention of many cancers can be almost impossible. However, you can reduce your risk by avoiding smoking, by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and by practicing safe sex. Some people can also get vaccinated to protect themselves against HPV infection. Prevention of recurring cancer is usually more practical, and cancer patients who made it into remission will be carefully monitored and treated to help them maintain their cancer-free status.
Treatment of these cancers can vary depending on the severity of the cancer, the size of the tumour, and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Surgery might be done to remove the tumour and tissues near the tumour that might contain cancerous cells.
Radiation therapy is commonly part of the treatment plan, which sends cancer-destroying beams of radiation into the tumour. Chemotherapy administers anti-cancer drugs by mouth or through infusion or direct injection. These substances can kill the cancer cells in the body.
In some cases, immunotherapy can be done to pinpoint weak cancer cells and kill them with the help of the body’s immune system. A combination of all of these treatments might be needed to successfully bring these types of cancers into remission.