What is Gynecological Cancer?
By: Alin ThomsTotal Views: 115, Word Count: 698,
Gynecological cancer is a cancer, which originates in the reproductive organs of the female. It includes the cancer of the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva. The risk of developing this cancer increases with the age or family history of cancer or inherited gene mutations. Generally, all women are at a risk for gynecological cancer. If this cancer is found at an early age, treatment during that period will be more effective.
Types of Gynecological Cancer:-
Following are some of the common types of gynecological cancer
Cervical Cancer:- Cervical cancer is a cancer, which affects the cervix, the opening into uterus or womb. It is among one of the deadliest cancer.
Vulvar Cancer:- Vulvar cancer is one of the rare types of cancer found in women. It is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the vulva and it is the outer part of a woman’s vagina.
Vaginal Cancer:- Again, it is also a rare kind of cancer found in women. It is a disease in which, the cancer cells are found in the tissue of the vagina. The vagina is the passeway through which fluids pass away from the body at the time of menstrual periods and through which the woman has a babies. It is also known as a birth canal, it connects the cervix and the vulva.
Uterine Cancer:- Uterine cancer is the cancer of the uterus or womb. There are two types of uterine cancer; the most common type among gynecological cancer is endometrial cancer.
Ovarian Cancer:- Ovarian cancer affects in the ovaries in the female reproductive system. It is considered as a deadliest since, it is often difficult to diagnose in the early stages.
Causes and Risk Factors of Gynecological Cancer:-
The causes and risk factors of the gynecological cancer vary depending on the different types, it includes.
- HPV infection
- HIV/AIDS infection
- DES exposure
- Smoking
The other factors which lead to gynecological cancer include age, race, family history, and some condition. Some of the women develop a disease despite of no risk factors for it.
Symptoms of Gynecological Cancer:-
Again, the symptoms of the gynecological cancer vary depending on the type of cancer. It may include.
- Abnormal vagina bleeding
- Vagina bleeding after or during sexual intercourse
- Pelvic pain
- Persistent abdominal swelling
- Weight gain or loss
- Persistent bowel changes like constipation or diarrhea
These above mentioned were the common symptoms for the gynecological cancer. However, there are specific symptoms for each type of gynecological cancer
Diagnosis Test of Gynecological Cancer
Diagnosis test of gynecological cancer depends on the type of cancer. Following are the different methods of diagnosis for the gynecological cancer.
- Pelvic exams
- Imaging tests
- Colposcopy exams
- Biopsies
Treatment of Gynecological Cancer:-
A treatment of gynecological cancer depends on the type of cancer, stage and the other general health factors. Following are the common methods of treating gynecological cancer, it includes.
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- And Surgery
Prevention of Gynecological Cancer:-
Prevention of this cancer depends on the type of gynecological cancer. Since, each specific cancer poses its own causes and risk factors. Following are the factors in which you can reduce the risk of gynecological cancer.
1. Reduce your HPV risk
2. Avoid smoking
3. Do a regular pap smear
Risk reduction is effective, but it does not provide a guarantee of prevention. Some of the women still develop a gynecologic cancer despite of avoiding the risk factor involved for cancer. Do consult your doctor right away, if you found any of the above symptoms.
About the Author
Dr.Alin Thoms is a well known cancer specialist ( oncologist) and has been in this field since from 1995. He uses radiotherapy or drugs to treat cancer. He has done B.A and B.M.B.ch from Oxford University. His special interests lies in - leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and chemotherapy and transplantation for these disorders. He is currently director of the North London Cancer Network.
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