Gynecologic cancers can be found in your reproductive tract, consisting of structures like the vagina, uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. You are at risk of gynecologic cancers Gilbert, if you smoke, are overweight, or have certain health conditions like diabetes or HIV infection, or AIDS.
Types of gynecologic cancers
The following are common types of gynecological cancers.
Cervical cancer
The cervix is the lowermost part of the uterus, which can grow cancerous cells usually caused by a certain strain of human papillomavirus (HPV). It exhibits symptoms such as pelvic pain, pain during sex, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Vaginal cancer
Although rare, vaginal cancer is usually caused by certain types of HPV. Common symptoms include foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, vaginal lump, pain when having sex or urinating, and frequent urination.
Uterine cancer
Uterine cancer begins when cancerous cells grow in your uterus lining. It causes symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods, and vaginal bleeding after menopause. You can be at risk of uterine cancer if you are overweight, obese, or started your periods at an early age.
Vulvar cancer
If you see a lump or sore on your vulva, let your gynecologist know so they can evaluate your health. Smoking and exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV) increase your cancer risk. You can have symptoms like abdominal bloating and pelvic pain.
Ovarian cancer
When abnormal or cancerous cells grow in your ovaries, you are said to have ovarian cancer. It is characterized by back pain and loss of appetite and weight, but only during the late stages. Ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose, especially in the initial stages.
Diagnosis and treatment options
Your specialist can use different techniques to diagnose gynecologic cancers, including pelvic exams and cell or tissue biopsies. Your treatment plan will depend on the cancer’s stage and how far the cancerous cells have spread from the primary site.
Common treatment methods include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Your specialist might combine the treatment methods for the best outcome. Although surgery is the most common treatment, you can undergo radiation or chemotherapy to kill the remaining cancer cells.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is a form of treatment involving X-rays to kill cancerous cells. For example, your specialist can use a device to send X-rays into your body, or they can insert a radioactive substance into your body to kill cancer.
Chemotherapy
This type of treatment uses oral medications or intravenous injections to deliver treatment. It can have side effects like changes to your body weight or cause nausea or hair loss.
Surgery
Surgery is the most common type of cancer treatment. It can involve the removal of the cancerous cells or the affected organ. For example, your specialist can recommend a hysterectomy if you have severe uterine cancer that might spread to other organs.
If you have any reproductive tract cancer, visit Arizona Center for Cancer Care for treatment. You will meet qualified, experienced, and compassionate specialists ready to offer personalized treatment after a thorough examination. Call or schedule an appointment online to receive exceptional care and improve your overall health.