Types and symptoms and treatment of Gynecologic Cancers

Introduction

Gynaecologic cancers are malignancies that begin in women's reproductive organs and can have a significant impact on health and well-being. Learning about the types and early signs of gynaecologic cancer, as well as knowing about gynaecologic cancer treatment, may encourage a woman to seek medical care in a timely manner. This blog lays out important information about the types and symptoms of gynaecologic cancers and treatments in an easy-to-read and easy-to-understand format.

What Are Gynaecologic Cancers?

Gynaecologic cancers are cancers that develop in a woman’s reproductive organs, beginning in different areas: cervix, ovaries, uterus, vulva, vagina, or fallopian tubes. The earlier a gynaecologic cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chance for successful treatment and positive outcome results.

Types of Gynaecologic Cancer

Here are the main types of gynaecologic cancer:

The primary types of gynaecologic cancer are:

• Cervical Cancer: Cancer that begins in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that opens to the vagina. 
• Ovarian Cancer: Cancer that begins in the ovaries, the organs that produce eggs and hormones. 
• Uterine Cancer: Cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus, which is sometimes referred to as endometrial cancer. 
• Vulvar Cancer: Cancer that begins in the vulva, the external part of the female genitalia. 
• Vaginal Cancer: Cancer that occurs in the vaginal canal. 
• Fallopian Tube Cancer: A rare cancer that starts in the fallopian tubes, the tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus.

Recognizing Gynaecologic Cancer Symptoms

It is important to know how gynaecologic cancer may present in order to identify it early. Symptoms will vary according to cancer type: 

• For cervical cancer, look for abnormal bleeding unrelated to menstruation (eg, bleeding after sex or between periods), pelvic pain, and abnormal discharge. 
• For ovarian cancer, symptoms include abdominal swelling, a feeling of fullness, nausea, change in bowel habits, or frequent urination—any of which could indicate effects to your ovaries. 
• For endometrial cancer, a symptom is abnormal uterine bleeding (in particular, after menopause), pain or pressure in the pelvis. 
• For vulvar cancer, symptoms may include itchy, painful, or swollen vulvar area, or a mass on the vulva. 
• For vaginal cancer, symptoms may include vaginal bleeding unrelated to menstruation, pain with intercourse, or abnormal discharge. 
• For fallopian tube cancer, symptoms may include abdominal swelling, abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and a mass or pressure in the pelvis.

Early symptoms of gynaecologic cancers often mimic symptoms related to lesser conditions. If you experience symptoms that are persistent or unusual, you should seek help. 

Diagnosis and Importance of Early Detection

The early symptoms of gynecologic cancer can be subtle, so it is important to be aware of your body and changes it may be undergoing. Regular screening such as Pap smears to detect cervical cancer, pelvic examination, and testing (imaging or biopsy, blood markers) can detect and identify the stage of the cancer early, which improves the likelihood of successful treatment.

Treatment for Gynaecologic Cancer

The treatment for gynaecologic cancer depends on a patient's overall health and diagnosis, including the type and staging. Common therapies include:

• Surgery: Removal of tumour or affected organs, often the first step for many cancer types.
• Radiation Therapy: Using targeted radiation to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Administration of drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells.
• Hormonal Therapy: Primarily used to treat uterine cancers by regulating hormones that stimulate cancer growth.
• Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: Newer forms of treatment that either focus on understanding mechanisms to treat or enhance the immune system to destroy cancer cells.

Similar to surgical oncology, gynaecologic oncology treats cancer using a multidisciplinary approach with surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists working to create individualized treatments for every patient.

Uterine Cancer Treatment Specifics

For uterine cancers, surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) is often the recommended treatment. Other types of therapy such as radiation or chemotherapy may be helpful at certain stages. Hormonal therapy is often very useful for management of symptoms in endometrial cancer cases.

Supporting Patients During Treatment

Treatment for gynaecologic cancer can be physically demanding and emotionally exhausting. Supportive care, including interventions in support of nutrition, counselling, and pain management, is crucial to help patients maintain quality of life during and after treatment.

Conclusion

Understanding the types of gynaecologic cancer, knowing the symptoms of gynaecologic cancers, and recognizing the treatment for gynaecologic cancer can help women address this health issue with increased confidence and knowledge. Early diagnosis and early treatment can significantly improve outcomes. If you or a loved one experience any gynaecologic cancer early warning signs, you should see a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S)

Q1: What are the most common types of gynaecologic cancer?
A: The most common gynaecologic cancers are cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine (endometrial) cancer, vulvar cancer, and vaginal cancer.

Q2: What symptoms should lead me to see a doctor for gynaecologic cancer?
A: Unusual vaginal bleeding that is persistent, pelvic pain, bloating, unexplained weight loss or gain, or lumps in the genital area should lead you to see a healthcare provider.

Q3: How is gynaecologic cancer diagnosed?
A: Diagnosis involves physical examinations, imaging tests (ultrasound or MRI), and sometimes biopsies, and blood tests (tumour markers).

Q4: Can gynaecologic cancer be prevented?
A: Yes, while some gynaecologic cancers are not preventable and others are preventable, including cervical cancer. Some other means of prevention could include being vaccinated for HPV, practicing safe sex, and maintaining regular screening.

Q5: What are the treatments for ovarian cancer?
A: Ovarian cancer is generally treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy, although other medications specifically for ovarian cancer, such as targeted (precision) therapy, may be available in some cases. 

Q6: What causes gynaecologic cancers?
A: There may be multiple sources of gynaecologic cancer, including genetic (breast cancer gene), infection (HPV), hormonal changes and lifestyle (smoking/obesity).

Q7: Are there any tests to screen for gynaecologic cancers other than cervical cancer?
A: Pap smears are frequently used for cervical cancer screening, but there are no screening tests for ovarian cancer or uterine cancers. However, pelvic examinations and imaging can be performed to screen or diagnose gynaecologic cancers.

Q8: How effective is surgery for treating gynaecologic cancers?
A: Surgery can be very effective when used alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Surgery usually has a more positive outcome in the early stages of cancer because it allows for complete removal of the tumour; the earlier the cancer is staged, the longer the survival. 

Q9: Can gynaecologic cancer affect fertility?
A: Yes, some gynaecologic cancers affect fertility as does the treatment for gynaecologic cancers, so it is important to discuss options regarding fertility preservation with your provider before initiating treatment.

Q10: What lifestyle changes can help prevent gynaecologic cancer?
A: Lifestyle habits that assist in reducing gynaecologic cancer risk include maintaining a healthy weight, not using tobacco products, practicing safe sex, getting vaccinated against HPV, and having regular checkups with their medical provider.