Types of Gynecological Cancer

Gynecologic cancer is the name given to a cancer that originates in a woman's reproductive organs. There are six main types of gynecological cancer which affect different reproductive organs of a woman- cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar and the very rare, fallopian tube cancer.

Each of these begin in distinct places within a woman's pelvis. The pelvis is the area between the hip bones and below the stomach. Although grouped together, one must remember that each gynecologic cancer is unique. They have different symptoms, different risks and different strategies for prevention. All women are potentially at risk for these cancers; however, this risk does increase with age. As is the case with all cancers, treatment is most effective if they are detected in early stages. Thus, it is recommended that upon discovering or suspecting any symptoms, patients should visit CARE Hospitals, the best cancer hospital in Hyderabad. The different types along with their initial symptoms are listed below for further information.

1.Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. The human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease, plays a major role in causing cervical cancer. In a small percentage of people, the immune system is unable to fight this virus and it survives for years. This contributes to the process of some cervical cells turning into cancer cells.

Unfortunately, early-stage cervical cancer usually produces no symptoms. At a more-advanced stage there could be abnormal vaginal bleeding after intercourse, bloody vaginal discharge that has a foul odor or pain during intercourse. The risk can be reduced by having screening tests and vaccinating against HPV.

2.Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries. Female bodies have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs for fertilization and also produce hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Unfortunately, ovarian cancer most often remains undetected until it has spread deep within the pelvis as well as abdomen. And at this late stage, it is extremely difficult to treat. The methods of surgery and chemotherapy are used to treat ovarian cancer. Like cervical cancer, ovarian cancer also rarely causes any symptoms at an early stage. Moreover, advanced-stage ovarian cancercause few and nonspecific symptoms that are often mistaken for common conditions. These include, abdominal bloating, feeling full faster than usual, weight loss, discomfort in the pelvis, constipation and increasing frequency in urination.

In case you have a family history of ovarian cancer contact your doctor who may refer you to genetic counselor to discuss testing for risk.

3.Uterine Cancer

Uterine or endometrial cancer begins in the uterus, the organ where fetal development occurs. It begins in the layer of cells which form the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, from where it derives its name. 

Endometrial cancer can often be detected at early stages because of its tendency to produces abnormal vaginal bleeding. If endometrial cancer is discovered early, surgical removal of the uterus surgically often cures the cancer at an early stage.

The signs and symptoms of uterine cancer include vaginal bleeding (even after menopause),

bleeding in between periods and pelvic pain.

4.Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer occurs in the muscular tube connecting the uterus to the outer genitals. It occurs in the cells that line the surface of your vagina, often called the birth canal. While other cancers often spread to the vagina, primary vaginal cancer is relatively rare.

Diagnosing vaginal cancer at an early stage has the best chance for a cure. If the vaginal cancer t spreads beyond the vagina is becomes much more difficult to treat.

At an early stage, vaginal cancer may not cause any signs and symptoms. However, as it progresses to later stages, vaginal cancer may cause signs and symptoms such as

•Abnormal vaginal bleeding, for example at time post-intercourse or post-menopause

•Watery and/or bloody vaginal discharge

•A lump or mass in the vagina

•Pain while urinating

•Frequent urge for urination

•Constipation or other bowel changes

•Pain in the pelvis

5.Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer occurs on the vulva which is the outer surface of the female genitalia. It is the area of skin surrounding the urethra and vagina and includes the clitoris and labia. This form of cancer usually occurs as a lump or sore on the vulva and most often it causes intense itching. Vulvar cancer is most often diagnosed in older adults as compared to younger women.

Vulvar cancer treatment involves surgery. This surgery aims to remove the cancer as well as a small amount healthy tissue surrounding the cancer. Sometimes it may also require removing the entire vulva. The extensiveness of the surgery depends on how early the cancer is detected.

Some signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer often include an itch in the genital area that doesn't go away, pain and tenderness in the vulva, bleeding (apart from menstruation), changes in skin such as color or thickness and lump, warts or ulcers in the area. Upon contracting such symptoms, contact the doctor as soon as possible.

6.Fallopian Tube Cancer

Fallopian tube cancer occurs in the tubes which connect ovaries to the uterus. Every month, an ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tube. This egg can either get fertilized by sperm or get removed from the body during menstruation. This cancer is very rare- only around 1% of all gynecological cancers are fallopian cancer.

Some women don't perceive any signs or symptoms of this cancer, but the possible symptoms are:

•Abnormal bleeding from the vagina apart from your menstrual period, especially after menopause

•Discharge from the vagina either white, clear, or pink in color

•Any pain, pressure, lumps or swelling in the lower belly

These symptoms may not necessarily mean you have contracted this cancer, but it is always safe to inform your doctor of the same.

These are the types of gynecological cancer. Women need to be extremely aware of these symptoms in order to remain safe and recognize any disease before it is too late.