Common types of Gynaec Cancers

Cervical Cancer
Among the various types of gynecological cancers, Cervical cancer stands out as one of the most prevalent in India and is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It develops in a woman’s cervix and can spread to other parts of the body as it progresses to advanced stages. Fortunately, prevention is possible through HPV vaccination. It is ideally administered between the ages of 9 to 14 years, and this vaccine provides crucial protection. Cervical cancer is spread with skin-to-skin contact during intercourse or by one’s finger, tampon, menstrual cup, or vibrator. However, it is curable if diagnosed at early stages.
The symptoms might not be very clear at the early stage but an annual Pap smear test is advisable in women after a certain age to diagnose pre-cancer changes even before the cancer has occured.

The common symptoms of PCOS are:
Vaginal discharge that is watery, bloody, or foul-smelling
Irregular bleeding in between periods or after menopause
Bleeding after intercourse
Vaginal discomfort
Weight loss
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Persistent pain in the back, legs or pelvis
Swelling in legs
Gynec-onco specialist will ensure a proper diagnosis and will guide the patient if surgery or radiotherapy or chemotherapy is advisable.

Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer has two types Endometrial cancer and Uterine sarcoma (very rare). Endometrial cancer begins in the uterus lining and are seen in >90% of the cases.

There are two strong symptoms of Endometrial cancer:
Post-Menopausal Bleeding: Any amount of bleeding after menopause is abnormal.
Heavy, frequent, and irregular menstruation during the cycle
Pelvic pain
The common diagnosis includes:
Sonography
Endometrial Biopsy
The usual treatment is surgery which can be open, minimally invasive laparoscopically, or robotics. The gynecologist decides whether chemotherapy or radiation is required, and its extent.

Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer doesn’t get detected quickly and does not have any early signs. It often shows very late symptoms. It’s a very nonspecific kind of cancer and is more known as a silent disease. It is a growth of cells that form in the ovaries.
Diagnosis can be done by imaging (screening ultrasound followed by MRI or CT Scan). Tumor markers like CA-125 are blood tests that help in screening for ovarian cysts or masses and help determine the risk for ovarian cancer.
The main treatment is surgery and chemotherapy. If there is stage 3 or more, chemotherapy is advised before surgery to control the disease burden first. If the disease burden is not so high, surgery can be offered before.
There is also advanced treatment available for the same known as HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy). This is chemotherapy in the abdomen to eliminate the cancer cells. This helps to delay the recurrence of cancer.

Vulvar Cancer
It’s a cancer that starts in the tissue of the vulva. It commonly forms a lump on the vulva which often causes itching.

Trophoblastic Tumour
It is group of rare disease where the trophoblast cells grow in the uterus after pregnancy or abortion. It’s a specialized branch and can be treated with chemotherapy and is curable. Mostly surgeries are also not required for the same. And can be treated with special care.