Gynaecologic Malignancies

Gynecology is the field of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of the female reproductive system and the diseases affecting it. It is a Medical science that studies the physical, anatomical, physiological, and mental characteristics of women and their disorders. Uterus, fallopian tube, ovaries, and external genitalia are the organs which are a part of the Reproductive system.

Cancer is caused when the cells grow out of control. Gynecological cancer is a kind of cancer that begins in the female reproductive system. These cancers happen in different areas within a woman’s pelvis (the area below the stomach and in between the hip bones). It affects the tissues and the above-mentioned organs of the reproductive system. Cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial (uterus) cancer are the most common types of Gynecologic Malignancies whereas vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, gestational trophoblastic tumors, and fallopian tube cancer are the less common types of gynecological cancers. If these cancers are detected earlier, the treatment can be more effective.

Types of Gynecologic Cancers:

Cervical cancer – The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus where cervical cancer takes place. It is the most common type of malignancy. Most cervical cancers are caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV). It generally occurs between the ages of 40 to 55.

Ovarian cancer – Ovary, being a part of the female reproductive system, has a function of producing an ovum. Another function of the ovary is to secrete hormones that play an essential role in the menstrual cycle and fertility. Abnormal cells in the ovary initiate to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way, thereby forming a tumor, which is known as ovarian cancer. There are two main types of ovarian cancer:

1. Epithelial tumors which comprise of 90% of ovarian cancers. Usually found in women aged over 40

2. Non-epithelial tumors. These are more common in young women 

Uterine cancer - The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped organ in the female pelvis which is also referred to as the womb. Fertilization of an ovary (egg), implantation of the resulting embryo, and development of a baby take place in the womb. Thus cancer occurring in the uterus is known as uterine cancer or womb cancer. Two types of cancers develop from the tissues of the uterus. 

1. Cancer that forms from the lining of the uterus is known as Endometrial cancer

2. Cancer that origins from the muscles or support tissue of the uterus is known as the Uterine sarcoma  

Vaginal cancer - The vagina acts as the entry for the sperms which then cause fertilization.

Vaginal cancer takes place in the vagina. It is a hollow, tube-like channel at the bottom of the uterus and the outside of the body. Vaginal cancers are of two types: 

1. Squamous cell cancer - It is common in women between the ages of 60 and 80

2. Adenocarcinoma - These are more common in young women under 30 years old 

Vulvar cancer - The external genital organs are called vulva or pudendum collectively. When the cells of the vulva grow in an uncontrolled way by becoming abnormal, vulvar cancer takes place. Vulvar cancers are of various types. Mostly, around 90% of them are squamous cell carcinoma. Its origin’s in the flat squamous skin cells. Vulval melanoma, adenocarcinoma, and verrucous carcinoma are some less common cancers.