Medically reviewed by Dr. Blair McNamara
Gynecological cancer is defined as any type of cancer that begins within the reproductive organs of a woman or a person assigned female at birth.
In 2024, it is estimated that there will be 116,930 new casesas well as 33,850 deaths from gynecological cancers in the US.
5 types of gynecological cancer
1. Uterine cancer
- It begins in the woman’s uterus.
- The most common type of uterine cancer It is called endometrial cancer because it begins in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus.
- More common in postmenopausal women.
Ways to reduce the risk of uterine cancer
Symptoms of uterine cancer
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Bleeding after menopause
- Pain or pressure in the pelvic area.
Treatment optionsfor uterine cancer
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Clinical trials
See: How endometrial cancer is diagnosed >>
2. Ovarian cancer
- Develop In the ovaries or in cells at the far end of the fallopian tubes.
- The probability that a woman will develop this cancer during her lifetime is 1 in 78
- More common in women aged 63 years or older.
Ways to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer
- Use birth control pills (oral contraceptives)
- Get genetic testing and possibly take action if you have a family history
Getting your tubes tied or having a hysterectomy Reduces the risk of ovarian cancerBut these procedures are generally recommended only for medical reasons and not solely to prevent cancer.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
- Bloating, abdominal swelling, or weight loss.
- Feeling the urge to urinate or having to urinate frequently
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Feeling of rapid satiety and difficulty eating.
- Extreme fatigue
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Period changes
- Constipation
- Stomachache
Treatment options for ovarian cancer
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Hormonal therapy
- Targeted drug therapy
3. Cervical cancer
Ways to reduce the risk of cervical cancer
- Get vaccinated against HPV
- Use of condoms
- Do not smoke
- Get screened regularly, starting at 21 years — Cervical cancer screening tests can help detect precancerous or cancerous cells early, when cancer is most treatable and curable.
Read: HPV vaccine prevents cancer >>
Cervical cancer symptoms
- The early stages often have No symptomsThat’s why evaluations are important
- Symptoms in later stages may include:
- abnormal vaginal discharge
- abnormal bleeding
- bleeding or pain during sexual intercourse
Treatment options for cervical cancer
For precancer (also called cervical dysplasia)
- Laser ablation: A high-energy beam of light is used to vaporize the abnormal tissue.
- Cryotherapy: Abnormal cells are frozen.
- Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): Abnormal tissue is removed using a wire loop.
- Cone biopsy (also called cold knife conization): A cone-shaped portion of the cervix (the bottom part and part of the center) is removed.
For cancer
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted drug therapy
- Immunotherapy
4. Vaginal cancer
- It starts in the vagina
- A rare form of cancer, responsible for 1% to 2% of cancers in the female genital tract
- It occurs mainly in older women. average age of diagnosis He is 67 years old
- Up to 90% of vaginal cancers and precancers are related to HPV
Ways to reduce riskof vaginal cancer
Symptoms of vaginal cancer
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, often after sexual intercourse.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Sensation of a lump or mass in the vagina
- Advanced stage symptoms may include pain when urinating, leg swelling, back pain, pelvic or lower body pain, and constipation.
Treatment options for vaginal cancer
For precancer
- Laser ablation: A high-energy beam of light is used to vaporize the abnormal tissue.
- Topical therapy: Medications such as the chemotherapy drug fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod cream may be placed on the affected areas.
For invasive vaginal cancer
- Radiotherapy
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
5. Vulvar cancer
Ways to reduce the risk of vulvar cancer
- Get vaccinated against HPV
- Use of condoms
- Do not smoke
- Keep up with regular pelvic checks.
- Perform regular vulvar self-exams: Hold a mirror in front of your vulva and look for skin changes, such as white, irritated, or red areas, as well as new sores, growths, or bumps.
Symptoms of vulvar cancer
- An area of the vulva that looks abnormal (lighter or darker skin than normal, red or pink skin)
- A red, pink, or white bump or lump that may have a wart-like surface or feel rough and thick.
- Itching
- Thickening of the vulvar skin
- Burning or pain
- Abnormal bleeding or discharge
- An open sore that usually lasts more than a month.
Treatment options for vulvar cancer
- Therapy with topical creams, including chemotherapy drugs fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
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