Gynecology Cancer

There are five major types:

• Cervical cancer
• Uterine (endometrial) cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulvar cancer

The risk may be higher when the patient:

• is at or beyond the age of menopause (50+)
• Has a family history of ovarian cancer or cancers of the uterus, colon or breast.
• Has never been pregnant or have had infertility problems.
• is obese.
• Has hypertension, diabetes, chronic vulvar irritation or late menopause
• Use the medication tamoxifen or use unopposed estrogen
• Do not undergo regular Pap screenings or have a history of abnormal pap smears
• Smoke
• Have had multiple sexual partners
• Had First intercourse before the age of sixteen
• Are infected with HIV or HPV

There is no definitive cause but the risk factors associated are as follows

• No history of having children
• Diabetes
• Human papillomavirus infection (hpv)
• Smoking
• Weak immune system
• HIV infection
• Menopause
• Family history of gynecological cancers
• Use of oral birth control or fertility drugs
• Estrogen therapy
• High fat diet
• Prior radiation to pelvic area

Symptoms vary depending on the organ that’s involved and should always be evaluated by the doctor. Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge is observed in Cervical, Ovarian, Uterine and Vaginal Cancer.  Feeling full too quickly or difficulty eating, bloating abdominal or back pain seen only in ovarian cancer. Pelvic pain or pressure complaints of uterine and ovarian cancer.  More frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation seen in ovarian and vaginal cancer. Itching, burning, pain, or tenderness of the vulva, changes in vulva color or skin, such as a rash, sores, or warts seen only in vulval cancer. Apart from these symptoms such as weight loss, change n bowel habits, constipation, bleeding between periods or after menopause.

A gynecologic oncologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers that are located on a woman's reproductive organs. 

Gynecologic cancer may be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Treatment depends on many factors, including whether the cancer has spread, and whether the patient is young enough to have children. 

A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a procedure to test cervix for any cells that are not normal for gynecological cancer in women. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb), which opens into the vagina.  It involves collecting cells from your cervix so that they can be looked at under the microscope to find cancer and pre-cancer. The main purpose of screening with the Pap test is to detect abnormal cells that may develop into cancer if left untreated. Abnormal cervical cells, if not found and treated, can lead to cervical cancer The Pap test can also find non-cancerous conditions, such as infections and inflammation. It can also find cancer cells. 

Leading a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent cancers. During and after menopause is no different. The following measures will help you reduce your risk of cancer:

• Take part in the cervical and breast screening programmes 
• Exercise
• Eat a healthy diet
• Do not smoke and avoid second-hand smoke
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Go for routine Pap tests. 
• Practice safe sex.
• HPV vaccination protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

Gynecologic cancer and its treatments can cause side effects. Side effects are problems that occur when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. 

Manage the side effects listed below:

• Anemia
• Appetite Loss
• Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia)
• Constipation
• Delirium
• Diarrhea
• Edema (Swelling)
• Fatigue
• Fertility Issues in Girls and Women
• Flu-Like Symptoms
• Hair Loss (Alopecia)
• Infection and Neutropenia
• Lymphedema
• Memory or Concentration Problems
• Mouth and Throat Problems
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Pain
• Skin and Nail Changes
• Sleep Problems and Insomnia
• Urinary and Bladder Problems

one needs to keep in mind that side effects vary from person to person, even among people receiving the same type of cancer treatment.

In addition to Pap smears, women who are 18 years of age or sexually active should consider a pelvic exam. Women close to menopause are considered high risk may want to consider an endometrial biopsy tissue sample. apart from this HPV typing test  is similar to a Pap test Certain types or strains of HPV, such as HPV16 and HPV18, are seen more often in women with cervical cancer and may help confirm a diagnosis, colposcopy to check the cervix for abnormal areas using a colposcope which magnifies the cells of the cervix and vagina similar to a microscope.

Uterine cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer. Ovarian causes the most deaths. Cervical is the most preventable and the only gynecologic cancer with a screening test and a vaccine.

Choosing the treatment that is right for can be hard. Talking to the oncologist about the treatment options available for the specific type and stage of cancer. 

of each treatment and their side effects. Side effects are how your body reacts to drugs or other treatments. The doctor lays out the pros and cons of the course of the treatment. The patient has an option of a second opinion( review of treatment advised with another specialist) or discuss with family about the same.