Cancer can occur in any part of the body, and when it occurs in the female reproductive tract, it is known as gynaecologic cancer. Gynaecological oncology is a field of medicine that is exclusive to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of the female reproductive organs. These include cancers of the cervix, vagina, uterus, ovary, vulva, etc. You can speak to the leading gynaecologist in Siliguri for gynaecologic cancers.
If you have symptoms like abdominal vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, pain in the stomach, pelvic pain, changes in the bathroom habits, rash, or skin changes in the vulva, see your gyne doctor early on. Clinical diagnosis can detect the underlying disease that causes you such discomfort. However, experiencing these symptoms doesn’t mean a gynecologic cancer for sure.
Among gynaecologic cancers, the most common ones include – ovarian cancer and ovarian cancer.
Here are the four most common gynaecologic cancers – Let’s explain:
Cervical Cancer
A malignancy that starts in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina, is known as cervical cancer. In India, an estimated 6%-29% of all cancers in women are cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer - Causes and Risk Factors
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection, the leading cause
- Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke
- Immune system deficiency due to HIV can increase susceptibility
- Chlamydia (a sexually transmitted disease)
- Diet, obesity, and family history
Symptoms
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge
- Vaginal bleeding after intercourse
- Pain during intercourse
- Pelvic pain
- Heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, and a woman’s risk of developing this gynecologic cancer in her lifetime is 1 in 87. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are the first-line care to treat ovarian cancer. As per data, almost 45 out of 100 women can survive more than 5 years with this disease. Visit the best gynaecologist in Siliguri for a comprehensive female reproductive health diagnosis.
Ovarian Cancer - Causes and Risk Factors
- Genetic factors (BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations)
- Family history of ovarian or breast cancer in mother or sister
- Age over 50 in general
- Women who have never been pregnant (reproductive history)
- Personal history
Symptoms
- Bloating or swelling
- Abdominal pain, pain in the pelvis
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained Dwight loss
- Abdominal fullness
- Frequent indigestion
- A lump in the abdomen
- Difficulty eating
- Increased frequency of urination
Uterine Cancer
Though uterine cancer is commonly known as endometrial cancer, it has another type – uterine sarcoma. While endometrial cancer affects the lining of the uterus, uterine sarcoma affects the muscle wall of the uterus. As per research, the 5-year survival rate for endometrial cancer is around 84%.
Uterine Cancer - Causes and Risk Factors
- Hormonal reasons, such as excess estrogen and low progesterone
- Mostly affects postmenopausal women
- Obesity leads to estrogen levels for a long time
- Uncontrolled diabetes
Symptoms
- Abnormal uterine bleeding after menopause
- Pelvic pain
- Vaginal spotting
- Abnormal white discharge
- Lower abdominal pain
- Long periods with heavy bleeding
- Pain during intercourse
- Weight loss
Vulvar Cancer
As per the report, the rate of new cases of this type of gynaecologic cancer was 2.6 per 1000,000 women per year. Vulvar cancer originates in the external female genitalia, a less common type of gynaecologic cancer.
Vulvar Cancer - Causes and Risk Factors
- HPV type 16
- More advanced age (over 70)
- Chronic skin issues, such as Lichen Sclerosus
- Active smoking and second-hand exposure to smoking
Symptoms
- Persistent itching or inflammation
- Pain or tenderness in the genital area
- Pain during intercourse
- A lump, skin ulcer, lesion, or thickening of the vulva skin
Early detection and treatment are vital to overcome or manage gynecologic cancers. If you have any signs mentioned in the blog, visit your gynaecologist or primary care physician early on. Moreover, these signs are not the only signs of gynecologic cancers. These may indicate other diseases as well. Therefore, immediate medical supervision and diagnosis are essential. Reach out to the top gynecologists in Siliguri city to better understand the treatment and recovery.