Gynaecology Cancer

What is gynaecology cancer?

Gynaecological oncology focuses on the detection and management of malignancies of the female reproductive system, including those of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vulva.

The most prevalent kind of gynaecological malignancies are as follows:

  • List ImageCervical cancer - Cancer can develop in the cervix, the bottom part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer is brought on by the virus known as the human papillomavirus (HPV). Seventy per cent of Dr Motilall's patients have cervical cancer.
  • List ImageFallopian tube cancer - Fallopian tubes, which help transfer eggs from ovaries to the uterus, are where this cancer
  • List ImageOvarian cancer - Ovarian cancer develops in the female reproductive organs, the ovaries.
  • List ImageUterine (endometrial) cancer is cancer that develops in the endometrium, the uterine lining.
  • List ImageVulvar cancer is cancer that starts in the vulva, the female genitalia's exterior part.

Women need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of these cancers so they can seek immediate medical assistance if necessary. These tumours can have a variety of causes, risk factors, and therapies.

What causes gynaecological cancer?

Gynaecological cancers precise causes are not always known, although several factors can make a woman more likely to get one of these cancers, including:

  • List ImageAge Generally, a woman's risk of gynaecological cancer
  • List ImageFamily history Gynaecological malignancies may be more likely to strike women whose families have a history of the disease.
  • List ImageHormonal factors - The use of hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy are two hormonal factors that may raise a woman's chance of getting various gynaecological malignancies.
  • List ImageHuman Papillomavirus (HPV) infection An HPV infection has been linked to cervical cancer and other gynaecological cancer
  • List ImageInherited genetic mutations The chance of getting gynaecological cancers can rise in women with specific genetic abnormalities, such as those in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
  • List ImageReproductive history Gynaecological malignancies are more likely to affect women who have never given birth or had their first child after turning thirty.
  • List ImageSmoking Gynaecological cancers, particularly cervical cancer, are more likely to develop among smokers.

It is crucial to remember that a woman does not necessarily have gynaecological cancer if she possesses one or more risk factors. Some women who get gynaecological cancers have no identified risk factors, and many women with these risk factors never develop the disease.

What are the symptoms of gynaecological cancer?

Depending on the classification and stage of the disease, the symptoms of gynaecological cancer might vary, but some typical symptoms include the following:

  • List ImageAbnormal discharge This can indicate vaginal or cervical cancer.
  • List ImageAbnormal vaginal bleeding Bleeding after intercourse, during a period, or after menopause falls under this category.
  • List ImageBloating or swelling in the abdomen This might indicate ovarian cancer.
  • List ImagePain during sex This could potentially signal uterine or cervical cancer.
  • List ImagePelvic pain The lower back or abdomen may experience mild aching or severe pain.
  • List ImageList ImageUrinary symptoms - This could involve incontinence, painful or scorching urination, or frequent urination.

Although other noncancerous illnesses can also cause these symptoms, you should contact Dr Motilall if they are uncommon or persistent.

Gynaecological cancer treatments

Some common treatments for gynaecological cancers include:

  • List ImageChemotherapy This entails using medications to kill cancer Chemotherapy can be administered orally or intravenously, before, following, or in conjunction with radiation therapy.
  • List ImageImmunotherapy The patient's immune system is used in this therapy to combat cancer This treatment for gynaecological cancers is still under investigation and is not yet generally accessible.
  • List ImageRadiation therapy To do this, high-energy beams—like X-rays—kill cancer Externally or internally administered, it is possible to utilise radiation therapy alone or in combination with other medical techniques.
  • List ImageSurgery The malignant tissue, such as the uterus or the ovaries, may need to be removed entirely or partially. In some cases, a hysterectomy—the removal of the uterus—may be necessary.
  • List ImageTargeted therapy This therapy focuses on particular proteins or genetic alterations that fuel the development of cancer

It is significant to remember that the treatment strategy for gynaecological cancers will be specific to the patient and may include a combination of these and other therapies.