Gynecologic Cancers are cancers that begin in a woman’s reproductive organs. There are 5 types of gynecologic cancers:

• Cervical Cancer is the cancer originating in the cervix, the narrow end of the cervix
• Ovarian Cancer begins in the ovaries located on either side of uterus
• Uterine Cancer begins in the uterus, also known as the womb
• Vulvar Cancer originated in the vulva, the outer part of the genital organs
• Vaginal Cancer is the cancer that begins in the vagina

Each gynecologic cancer is unique with different signs & symptoms and different treatment approaches. Most of the cancers in early stages are treated with surgery. Advanced stages may be treated with Radiotherapy or chemotherapy, with surgery forming a part of treatment.

Cervical cancer

Early stage cancers are treated with surgery. Surgery is usually in the form of Radical hysterectomy i.e., Removal of the uterus with its surrounding tissues along with a pelvic lymphadenectomy i.e., removal of lymph nodes which drain the uterus.

This surgery can be done by a conventional open surgery or by a laparoscopic (key hole) surgery.

Endometrial cancer :

Surgery forms the main stay of treatment for endometrial cancers. Surgery would include a Hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries, pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes and Omental biopsy. Laparoscopic surgery is the gold standard for endometrial cancer

Ovarian cancer :

Early stage cancers are treated with primary surgery. But majority of the patients usually present with spread to the lymph nodes or to the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen). These patients are usually treated with a combination of chemotherapy and surgery.

Patients with recurrent ovarian cancers with disease in the peritoneum can be treated with Cytoreductive surgery(CRS) + HIPEC

What are the risk factors of Gynecologic Cancers?

• Family History
• Obesity
• Age
• HPV

What are the potential signs & symptoms of Gynecologic Cancers

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

• Abnormal Bleeding
• Bleeding after menopause
• Bleeding during intercourse
• Longer than normal menstrual bleeding
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Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

• Abdominal Bloating
• Loss of Appetite
• Indigestion & Nausea
• Frequent urination
• Abnormal bleeding
•  

Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer

• Postmenopausal bleeding
• Pain or mass in the pelvic region
• Difficulty urinating
• Abnormal bleeding
•  

Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer

• Abnormal Bleeding
• Difficulty Urinating
• Pain during intercourse
• Pelvic pain
•  

Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer

• Constant itching
• Change in color of your Vulva
• Bleeding or discharge
• Palpable mass or sore

How to prevent Gynecologic Cancers?

It is important for every woman to undergo frequent screening and take recommended vaccines to prevent gynecologic cancers

Pap tests

For women in the age group of 21 to 29, Pap tests are recommended every once in three years

For Women who are 30 and above, Pap tests are recommended along with HPV tests once every five years

Healthy Eating & Lifestyle

Obesity is a crucial risk factor for endometrial cancer. Thus maintaining a healthy diet and an active lifestyle is crucial in preventing gynecologic cancers

Genetic Testing

It is advisable for women with family history of endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer or premenopausal breast cancer to visit a genetic counsellor.

HPV Vaccine

HPV is a critical tool to prevent cervical cancer.

Best Treatment for Gynecologic Cancer:

Dr. Ravi Chander handled multiple surgeries with varying severities like laparoscopic GI & gynaec-onco surgeries. Dr. Ravichander is a renowned surgical oncologist in Hyderabad. He is one of the best Oncologist Surgeon for Gynecologic Cancers in Hyderabad.