Gynecological Cancer

Gynaecological Cancer Treatment in Chembur, Mumbai

Cancerous growth in women’s reproductive organs and genitals are termed gynecological cancers. It includes cancer of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, vagina, vulva and fallopian tubes. Fallopian tube cancer is rare, unlike the other forms of gynecological cancers.

What do we need to know about gynecological cancer?

Gynecological cancers are growing at an alarming rate among Indian women. Studies show that one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every four minutes in India. Cervical cancer too is on the rise across the country.

To know more or seek treatment for breast cancer, you can visit a breast surgery hospital in Mumbai. Or you can consult a breast surgery doctor in Mumbai. 

What are the types of surgeries for gynecological cancer?

At advanced stages of cancer, surgical excision of the cancerous growth can perhaps be the best treatment approach. Usually, the surgery is followed by treatments with radiation or chemotherapy to ensure complete removal of the cancer growth.

Different approaches to gynecological surgeries for cancer include:

• Cryosurgery - cancer cells are frozen with a probe placed in the vagina.
• Laser surgery - uses high-energy laser beams to burn off the abnormal cells.
• Conization - removes conical sections from the cervix with a surgical instrument

In case of advanced cancer, multiple structures and organs can get affected. The surgical procedures will vary based on the extent and staging of cancer. 

Following are the treatment options available through surgeries in such cases:

• Staging surgery - involves removal of tissue samples from various organs and structures to determine the extent of the cancer spread.
• Debulking surgery - involves removal of as much tumor mass as possible to prepare for chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
• Total hysterectomy - involves removal of the entire uterus, including the cervix.
• Radical hysterectomy - involves removal of the uterus, cervix and part of the vagina, the ovaries, fallopian tubes or nearby lymph nodes.
• Salpingo-oophorectomy - involves removal of the ovaries and the fallopian tubes (it can be only on one side or on both of them).
• Omentectomy - involves removal of the omentum (a fat pad within the abdominal cavity).
• Lymph node removal - involves removing all or a portion of lymph nodes.

What are the symptoms of gynecological cancers?

While some screening tests are available to detect gynecological cancers, you should be aware of the visible signs and symptoms of such cancer. Symptoms can vary with types of cancers. Nevertheless, watch out for the following:

• Bleeding from vagina in between periods or after sex
• Long and heavy periods
• Vaginal bleeding post-menopause
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Pain during peeing
• Change in bowel and bladder movements - an increase in frequency and urgency
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Loss of appetite
• Indigestion
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss
• Feeling of tiredness

When should you visit a doctor?

If you notice any such changes in your body, consult your doctor immediately. You are the best person to know your body and if you feel some difference, take that information straight to a medical professional. 

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai. 

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How are cancers of the female reproductive system detected?

Cancer cells grow notoriously fast and progress to severe stages, sometimes even before the symptoms occur. Early detection of cancerous growth can help with prompt treatment, minimizing the extent and severity of cancer. 

Routine screening tests can detect cancer and precancerous (ones that can develop into cancerous cells) cells. A pap smear test can check for any abnormalities in the cells from your vagina. It can also help detect the HPV infection, known to result in cervical cancer.

Following suspicions of any gynecological cancers, your doctor will recommend some of these tests and procedure:

• Transvaginal ultrasound - your doctor will insert the ultrasound head through the vaginal opening to examine any abnormalities within. 
• Endometrial biopsy - the doctor will insert a small tube called scope and take a small sample of the uterine wall for further examinations. 
• Dilation and curettage - if the biopsy results are inconclusive, the doctors will perform this procedure to scrap the tissues from your uterine lining.

Conclusion

If you have symptoms of any type of gynecological cancer, make an appointment with your doctor at the earliest. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can improve your outcome and life expectancy.