Gynaecological Cancer
It refers to cancers that develop in the female reproductive system.
These cancers affect different organs within the pelvic area, including the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva.
Types of Gastrointestinal Cancer
1.Ovarian Cancer:
- Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: The most common type, originating in the surface layer of the ovary.
- Germ Cell Tumors: Arise from the cells that produce eggs; more common in younger women.
- Stromal Tumors: Develop from the connective tissue cells that hold the ovary together and produce hormones.
2.Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer:
- Endometrial Carcinoma: The most common type, developing in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
Uterine Sarcoma: A rarer type that forms in the muscle or other tissues of the uterus.
3.Cervical Cancer:
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The most common type, originating in the squamous cells that line the outer part of the cervix.
- Adenocarcinoma: Develops in the glandular cells of the cervix.
4. Vaginal Cancer:
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The most common type, affecting the lining of the vagina.
- Adenocarcinoma: Less common, arising from the glandular cells of the vaginal lining.
5. Vulvar Cancer:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The most common type, starting in the squamous cells of the vulva.
- Melanoma: A rarer type, affecting the pigment-producing cells in the vulva.
6. Fallopian Tube Cancer:
A rare cancer that occurs in the fallopian tubes, often associated with high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Risk Factors
- Age: Most gynecological cancers are more common in postmenopausal women, although younger women can also be affected.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: Strongly associated with cervical cancer and some vaginal and vulvar cancers.
- Family History and Genetics: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations increase the risk of ovarian and breast cancers. Lynch syndrome increases the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers.
- Hormonal Factors: Prolonged exposure to estrogen, either naturally or through hormone replacement therapy, increases the risk of endometrial cancer.
- Obesity: Linked to higher risks of endometrial and ovarian cancers.
- Reproductive History: Women who have not had children or had their first child after age 30 have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
- Smoking: Increases the risk of cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.
Immunosuppression: Weakened immune system (e.g., from HIV/AIDS) increases the risk of cervical cancer.
Symptoms
It varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, but may include:
- Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: This can be a symptom of endometrial, cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer, especially postmenopausal bleeding.
- Pelvic Pain or Discomfort: Persistent pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.
- Unusual Vaginal Discharge: That is watery, bloody, or foul-smelling.
- Pain During Intercourse: Can be a symptom of cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer.
- Changes in Urination or Bowel Habits: For advanced-stage cancers, such as ovarian cancer.
- Visible Lumps or Sores: In the vulva or unusual changes in the skin color or thickness.
- Bloating or Abdominal Swelling: Common in ovarian cancer.
Diagnosis
It typically involves:
- Pelvic Examination: To check for abnormal growths or changes in the reproductive organs.
- Pap Smear and HPV Testing: Screening tests for cervical cancer.
- Transvaginal Ultrasound: To visualize the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding structures.
- Endometrial Biopsy: Taking a sample of the uterine lining to check for cancer cells.
- Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans to detect tumors and assess the spread of cancer.
- Blood Tests: CA-125 is a marker often elevated in ovarian cancer.
- Colposcopy: A magnified visual inspection of the cervix, vagina, and vulva for abnormal areas.
- Biopsy: Taking a tissue sample from the suspected area for microscopic examination.
Treatment
It depends on the type, location, and stage of cancer, and may include:
Suregery Remains the mainstay of treatment for most of the Early diagnosed Gynecological Cancers.
Surgery
- Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy(LRH): Removal of the uterus, often performed for uterine and cervical cancers.
- Laparoscopic Bilateral Oophorectomy:* Removal of the ovaries, often performed in cases of ovarian cancer.
- Laparoscopic Salpingo-Oophorectomy:* Removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, especially in high-risk cases.
- Vulvectomy:* Removal of part or all of the vulva for vulvar cancer.
- Laparoscopic Bilateral Pelvic Lymph Node (BPLND) Dissection:* To check if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
Laparoscopic Omentectomy, Appendicectomy, Subdiphragmatic stripping, Peritonectomy in Advance Ovarian Cancer
Endoscopic Inguinal Block Dissection in Vulval or Vaginal Cancers
In Locally Advance Cases
- Anterior Exenteration: removal of bladder, vagina, cervix, and uterus in patients whom disease is limited to the cervix and anterior portion of upper vagina.
- Posterior Exenteration: removal of rectum, vagina, cervix, and uterus rarely performed for recurrent cervical cancer.
- Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.
- Chemotherapy: Systemic or localized drugs used to kill cancer cells, often used for ovarian, uterine, and advanced-stage cancers.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs that specifically target cancer cell growth mechanisms, such as PARP inhibitors for ovarian cancer.
- Immunotherapy: Boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer, used in certain cases of cervical cancer.
- Hormone Therapy: Used in certain types of endometrial and ovarian cancers that are hormone-sensitive.