5 Types of Gynecologic Cancer

Medically reviewed by Dr. Blair McNamara

Gynecological cancer is defined as any type of cancer that begins within the reproductive organs of a woman or a person assigned female at birth.

In 2024, it is estimated that there will be 116,930 new casesas well as 33,850 deaths from gynecological cancers in the US.

5 types of gynecological cancer

1. Uterine cancer

  • It begins in the woman’s uterus.
  • The most common type of uterine cancer It is called endometrial cancer because it begins in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus.
  • More common in postmenopausal women.

Ways to reduce the risk of uterine cancer

Symptoms of uterine cancer

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Bleeding after menopause
  • Pain or pressure in the pelvic area.

Treatment optionsfor uterine cancer

  • Surgery
  • Radiation
  • Chemotherapy
  • Clinical trials

See: How endometrial cancer is diagnosed >>

2. Ovarian cancer

  • Develop In the ovaries or in cells at the far end of the fallopian tubes.
  • The probability that a woman will develop this cancer during her lifetime is 1 in 78
  • More common in women aged 63 years or older.

Ways to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer

  • Use birth control pills (oral contraceptives)
  • Get genetic testing and possibly take action if you have a family history

Getting your tubes tied or having a hysterectomy Reduces the risk of ovarian cancerBut these procedures are generally recommended only for medical reasons and not solely to prevent cancer.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

  • Bloating, abdominal swelling, or weight loss.
  • Feeling the urge to urinate or having to urinate frequently
  • Abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Feeling of rapid satiety and difficulty eating.
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Period changes
  • Constipation
  • Stomachache

Treatment options for ovarian cancer

  • Surgery
  • Radiation
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormonal therapy
  • Targeted drug therapy

3. Cervical cancer

Ways to reduce the risk of cervical cancer

  • Get vaccinated against HPV
  • Use of condoms
  • Do not smoke
  • Get screened regularly, starting at 21 years — Cervical cancer screening tests can help detect precancerous or cancerous cells early, when cancer is most treatable and curable.

Read: HPV vaccine prevents cancer >>

Cervical cancer symptoms

  • The early stages often have No symptomsThat’s why evaluations are important
  • Symptoms in later stages may include:
    • abnormal vaginal discharge
    • abnormal bleeding
    • bleeding or pain during sexual intercourse

Treatment options for cervical cancer

For precancer (also called cervical dysplasia)

  • Laser ablation: A high-energy beam of light is used to vaporize the abnormal tissue.
  • Cryotherapy: Abnormal cells are frozen.
  • Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): Abnormal tissue is removed using a wire loop.
  • Cone biopsy (also called cold knife conization): A cone-shaped portion of the cervix (the bottom part and part of the center) is removed.

For cancer

  • Surgery
  • Radiation
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted drug therapy
  • Immunotherapy

4. Vaginal cancer

  • It starts in the vagina
  • A rare form of cancer, responsible for 1% to 2% of cancers in the female genital tract
  • It occurs mainly in older women. average age of diagnosis He is 67 years old
  • Up to 90% of vaginal cancers and precancers are related to HPV

Ways to reduce riskof vaginal cancer

Symptoms of vaginal cancer

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding, often after sexual intercourse.
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Painful sexual intercourse
  • Sensation of a lump or mass in the vagina
  • Advanced stage symptoms may include pain when urinating, leg swelling, back pain, pelvic or lower body pain, and constipation.

Treatment options for vaginal cancer

For precancer

  • Laser ablation: A high-energy beam of light is used to vaporize the abnormal tissue.
  • Topical therapy: Medications such as the chemotherapy drug fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod cream may be placed on the affected areas.

For invasive vaginal cancer

  • Radiotherapy
  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy

5. Vulvar cancer

Ways to reduce the risk of vulvar cancer

  • Get vaccinated against HPV
  • Use of condoms
  • Do not smoke
  • Keep up with regular pelvic checks.
  • Perform regular vulvar self-exams: Hold a mirror in front of your vulva and look for skin changes, such as white, irritated, or red areas, as well as new sores, growths, or bumps.

Symptoms of vulvar cancer

  • An area of ​​the vulva that looks abnormal (lighter or darker skin than normal, red or pink skin)
  • A red, pink, or white bump or lump that may have a wart-like surface or feel rough and thick.
  • Itching
  • Thickening of the vulvar skin
  • Burning or pain
  • Abnormal bleeding or discharge
  • An open sore that usually lasts more than a month.

Treatment options for vulvar cancer

  • Therapy with topical creams, including chemotherapy drugs fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod
  • Surgery
  • Radiation
  • Chemotherapy

Articles from your site

Related articles on the Web

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

Tools4BLS
Logo
Register New Account
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare
0
Shopping cart