Gynecology Cancer

Gynecology Cancer Treatment in MRC Nagar, Chennai

Gynecology cancer includes cancerous growth in the female reproductive organs. This is usually associated with different signs, symptoms, risk factors and preventive measures. Various treatments like surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are available to treat gynecology cancer. If you suffer from irregular menstruation, foul vaginal discharge and frequent abdominal pain, then you must consult a gynecologist near you.

What is gynecology cancer?

Cancer is a disease caused by uncontrollable abnormal cell division that destroys body tissues. When the cancerous cells grow in the different organs of the female reproductive system like the vagina, cervix, uterus, ovary and vulva, it is termed gynecology cancer. If you observe abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, itching, burning, change in color of the vulva or frequent urination, you must visit a gynecologist in Chennai.

What are the different types of gynecology cancer?

Depending upon the cancerous growth in the affected organ, gynecology cancer is classified into:

• Cervical cancer – It begins in the cervix that is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb) that opens into the vagina.
• Ovarian cancer – It begins in the ovaries that are located on either side of the uterus and responsible for ovulation and maturation of the egg. It is further classified into epithelial, germ cell and stromal cell ovarian cancer.
• Uterine or endometrial cancer – It begins in the uterus or womb, a pear-shaped organ inside which a baby grows. Cancer in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is called endometrial cancer.
• Vaginal cancer – It begins with the vagina or birth canal that is a hollow, muscular tube connecting the uterus to the outer genitalia.
• Vulvar cancer – It begins with the vulva that comprises the opening of the vagina, labia majora, labia minora and glands.

What are the causes of gynecology cancer?

There are different causes or risk factors that increase the chances of gynecology cancer:

Cervical cancer

• HIV or HPV
• Birth control pills
• Smoking
• Multiple sexual partners

Ovarian cancer

• Old age
• Genetic mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene
• Problem during pregnancy
• Endometriosis – a condition in which tissue from the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body

Uterine cancer

• Old age
• Obesity
• Consumption of estrogen without progesterone for hormone replacement therapy during menopause
• Family history
• Irregular menstruation

Vaginal and vulvar cancer 

• Infection of human papillomavirus or HIV
• Previously suffering from cervical, vulvar or vaginal precancer
• Smoking
• Chronic vulvar itching or burning

What are the symptoms of gynecology cancer?

There are various symptoms associated with different types of gynecology cancer:

Cervical cancer

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Pain in lower back and legs
• Vaginal odor

Ovarian cancer

• Pain in abdomen or pelvis
• Abdominal bloating
• Increase in size of the abdomen
• Feeling full quickly after eating and loss of appetite
• Frequent urination, constipation
• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss

Uterine cancer

• Vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause
• Bloody or watery discharge
• Abdominal pain for more than a couple of weeks
• Difficulty in urination
• Pain during sex

Vaginal cancer

• Vaginal bleeding during or after sex
• Abdominal pain
• Lump in vagina
• Bloody urine and pain in urination

Vulvar cancer

• Itching and warts in the vulva
• Pain during urination
• Presence of white and rough patches
• Open sore or ulcer releasing blood, pus or any kind of discharge

When do you need to see a doctor?

If you notice any of the above symptoms, then you must consult a gynecologist near you. A gynecologist in Chennai will perform various screening tests to diagnose the type of cancer.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, MRC Nagar, Chennai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How is gynecology cancer diagnosed?

• PAP smear test – This test helps diagnose cervical precancer
• HPV test – This diagnoses the presence of human papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer
• Colposcopy – Observation of cervix through a magnifying scope
• Rectovaginal pelvic exam
• Transvaginal ultrasound
• Blood test for CA 125 helps in the detection of endometrial ovarian cancer
• Radiographic studies by CT scan or MRI
• Endometrial biopsy

How is gynecology cancer treated?

It is necessary that after diagnosis of gynecological cancer, proper treatment must be chalked out. This involves surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy:

• Oophorectomy – Surgical removal of ovaries and fallopian tube
• Hysterectomy – Surgery to remove uterus and cervix
• Cervical conization – Removal of only cancerous cells inside cervix
• Vaginectomy – Removal of a part of vagina or complete vagina
• Vulvectomy – Partial or complete removal of vulva
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy – It reduces lymphedema, thus limiting the spread of cancer to different parts of the body
• Radiation therapy – It is used to kill cancerous cells using high-energy X-rays
• Chemotherapy – Involves certain drugs to kill cancerous cells in the body

How is gynecology cancer prevented?

• Vaccination for HPV infection
• Quit smoking
• Undergo regular cancer screening in case of family history
• Undergo sexual health checkup

Conclusion

Gynecology cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women. Don’t ignore symptoms like painful urination, itching and abnormal menstruation. Even after treatment of gynecology cancer, you must take preventive measures for quicker healing.

Source

https://www.foundationforwomenscancer.org/gynecologic-cancers/

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/index.htm

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/signs-symptoms-treatment-prevention-screening-test-gynaecological-cancer-women-cervical-vulval-vaginal-uterine-fallopian-tube-ovarian

https://cytecare.com/blog/gynecological-cancers-types-symptoms-and-treatment/