Gynecologic Cancers of Women's Reproductive Organs Include:
Ovarian, Uterine/Endometrial, Cervical, Fallopian, Vulva, Vagina, Peritoneal
What is Ovarian Cancer?
Ovarian cancer originates in the ovaries. The ovaries, located on each side of the uterus, are the pair of reproductive organs that produce eggs and are the main source of the primary female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer is a tumor in/of the ovaries and is defined in four stages with a A, B or C designation. Stage 1A being the earliest stage. Stage 4 the latest stage involving other organs. The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown but research being conducted now is wondering if there is more than one type of ovarian cancer (Stage 1A being encapsulated, Stage 3 spread to the abdominal cells which are similar to ovarian cells), and if ovarian cancer actually begins in the ovaries, fallopian tubes or elsewhere.
Ovarian cancer occurs more frequently in women over 50, who have never had children, have family history of ovarian, breast, prostate or colon cancers, are women of Jewish descent.
Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:
Women with ovarian cancer are more likely than other women to consistently experience:
But may also include:
These symptoms are associated with a variety of health concerns, many
of which are not serious. However, any woman who experiences any combination
of these symptoms for more than three weeks should contact her family doctor
and consider having the following tests:
* a bimanual rectovaginal examination
* a transvaginal ultrasound
* a CA-125 blood test
The number of women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer is approximately 1 in 65.
Ovarian Cancer is not rare!
Cervical Cancer
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, the place where a baby grows
during pregnancy. Cervical cancer is caused by several types of a virus
called human papillomaviruses (HPV). The virus spreads through sexual contact.
Most women's bodies are able to fight HPV infection. But sometimes the virus
leads to cancer. You're at higher risk if you smoke, have many children,
use birth control pills for a long time, or have HIV infection.
Cervical Cancer may not cause any symptoms at first, but later, you may
have pelvic pain or bleeding from the vagina. It usually takes several years
for normal cells in the cervix to turn into cancer cells. Your health care
provider can find abnormal cells by doing a Pap test - examining cells from
the cervix under a microscope. By getting regular Pap tests and pelvic exams
you can find and treat changing cells before they turn into cancer.
A vaccine for girls and young women protects against the four types of HPV
that cause most cervical cancers.
-National Cancer Institute-
Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
The uterus, or womb, is an important female reproductive organ. It is the
place where a baby grows when a women is pregnant. There are different types
of uterine cancer. The most common type starts in the endometrium, the lining
of the uterus. This type of cancer is sometimes called endometrial cancer.
The symptoms of uterine cancer include
* Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
* Trouble urinating
* Pelvic pain
* Pain during intercourse
Uterine cancer usually occurs after menopause. Being obese and taking estrogen-alone
hormone replacement therapy also increase your risk. Treatment varies depending
on your overall health, how advanced the cancer is and whether hormones
affect its growth. Treatment is usually a hysterectomy, which is surgery
to remove the uterus. Other options include hormone therapy and radiation.
-National Cancer Institute-
Understanding the CA125 Blood Test
Info. To Come
Peritoneal Cancer
Info. To Come