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Gynecological Malignancies
When cancer starts in a woman’s reproductive organs, it is called Gynecological Malignancies.
Causes:
Each gynecologic cancer is unique, with different signs and symptoms, different risk factors and different prevention strategies. All women are at risk for gynecologic cancers, wherein the risk increases with age. It is when gynecological cancers are found early that treatment is most effective.
Factors that increase the risk of gynecological cancer:
Risk factors vary with the types of gynecological cancer, generally including:
- Genetic mutations, including BRCA1 and others
- Family history of breast, ovarian, uterine or colon cancer
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking and those leading to excess body weight.
- Exposure to Diethylstilbestrol in the womb
- Viral infection such as Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Any cancer diagnosis, including patients in remission
Types of Gynecological Malignancies:
Browse through for more information on the specific types of Gynecological Malignancies we treat:
- Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
- Ovarian Cancer: Ovarian cancer is a growth of cells that forms in the ovaries, which can multiply quickly and can invade and destroy healthy body tissue.
- Uterine Cancer: Uterine cancer includes two types of cancer:
- Endometrial Cancer develops in the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus, affecting the entire reproductive system.
- Uterine Sarcoma is a rare disease that develops in the myometrium, the muscle wall of your uterus.
- Vaginal Cancer: Vaginal cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells form in the vagina to cause pain or abnormal bleeding.
- Vulvar Cancer: Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that occurs on the outer surface area of the skin that surrounds the urethra and vagina, including the clitoris and labia.
The symptoms of Gynecological Malignancies are categorised as:
Ovarian Cancer:
Pain, swelling, or a feeling of pressure in the abdomen or pelvis
Sudden or frequent urge to urinate
Trouble eating or feeling full
A lump in the pelvic area
Gastrointestinal problems, such as gas, bloating, or constipation
Uterine Cancer:
Vaginal bleeding between periods before menopause
Vaginal bleeding or spotting postmenopause
Lower abdominal pain or cramping in the pelvis
Thin white or clear vaginal discharge if postmenopausal
Extremely prolonged, heavy or frequent vaginal bleeding over the age of 40
Cervical Cancer:
Vaginal bleeding, including bleeding after sexual intercourse
Unusual vaginal discharge
Pelvic pain
Pain during sexual intercourse
Vaginal Cancer:
Bleeding or discharge not related to menstrual periods
Pain during sexual intercourse
Pain in the pelvic area
A lump in the vagina
Pain when urinating
Constipation
Vulvar Cancer:
Itching that doesn't go away
Pain and tenderness
Bleeding that isn't from menstruation
Skin changes, such as colour changes or thickening
A lump, wartlike bumps or an open sore ulcer
Each type of gynecologic cancer has its own symptoms and signs, and our specialists do a thorough evaluation to diagnose each type. Learn more about our diagnostic tools and techniques for specific gynecological malignancies:
Biopsy
Biopsy methods are dependent on the type of cancer. A small sample of the suspicious tissue is examined by pathologists under a microscope for signs of cancer to inform your treatment and eliminate the treatments that would not work for your type of cancer.
Colonoscopy
Examination of the vulva, vagina and cervix for signs of cancer or abnormal tissue by the use of a colposcope - a magnifying instrument.
Endoscopy
Examination of the pelvic organs using thin tubes with lighted cameras to see inside the body.
Diagnostic imaging
This includes taking scans such as CT scans, PET scans, MRIs or chest x-rays. Using these scans, your doctor can advice a treatment plan that would help you.
- Positron emission tomography (PET)/CT: You receive an injection of a small amount of a radioactive substance, which is taken up by cancer cells. A special scanner creates images that show the highlighted areas to provide details about cancer, especially where it has spread.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI scan uses radio waves and strong magnets to create cross-sectional pictures of your body. We use MRI to examine tumors more closely and check for signs that cancer has spread.
- Computed tomography (CT): These scans use special X-ray equipment to create cross-sectional images inside your pelvic area. CT scans can show the size of tumors and whether cancer has spread.
- Ultrasound: This imaging uses sound waves to show details of pelvic organs and any tumors, such as size and location. Ultrasound methods that we use for gynecologic cancer include:
Transabdominal, with the wand placed on the abdomen (belly)
Transvaginal, with the wand placed inside the vagina
Five types of standard treatment used to treat gynecological cancers are:
Regaining the quality of life of a patient recovering from gynecological malignancies can be challenging. At Veritas Cancer Care, we aim to provide our patients with the utmost care and comfort they need during their treatment and remission and improve their quality of life as much as possible. Our team here is dedicated to our patients and, while cancer is a daunting illness, we provide you with all the help and hope you need to recover.
The oncological team at Veritas Cancer Care is headed by Dr Venkat P, a highly-trained surgical oncologist and robotic surgeon, with niche expertise in treating gynaecological malignancies. With over 22 years of experience, he has managed around 25,000 oncological cases and performed over 20,000 surgeries. Being one of the very few surgeons in the country highly trained in the latest treatment procedures such as robotic surgery, ERAS and fluorescence-guided surgery, Dr Venkat is a renowned surgical oncologist with various awards to his credit. Using robotic surgery, he has performed multiple complex gynaecological surgeries successfully. At Veritas, we guarantee you will receive prompt care and treatment in his safe and experienced hands.
Veritas Cancer Care is also one of the few cancer teams in Chennai to use the latest methods in gynecological cancer treatment. Headed by Dr Venkat P, we guarantee you will receive prompt care and treatment in his safe and experienced hands.
