Gynecologic Cancers
Gynecologic cancers occur when abnormal cells form in the tissues of the female reproductive system, which includes the cervix, uterus and ovaries.
Six common types of cancers affect women: breast, cervical, uterine, ovarian, vaginal and vulvar. See your gynecologist if you notice vaginal bleeding, have unusual vaginal discharge, feel pelvic pain or have pain while having sex.
Gynecologic cancers can grow slowly or quickly, depending on where tumors grow in our bodies. Although some precancerous cells take years to turn cancerous, an annual test called a Pap smear can help detect changes in your cervix. Schedule an annual exam with your gynecologist today, and always check your breasts monthly for unusual lumps.
If these cancers are not caught early, aggressive treatments may be needed, such as removal of parts of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also commonly used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Recently Answered
- Q How is chemotherapy used to treat uterine sarcoma?
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Chemotherapy drugs treat cancer by moving through the body to kill or shrink cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used before or after surgery for uterine sarcoma. There are many drugs and drug combinations that can be used in chemotherapy. The treatment... Full Answer
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- Q How is hormone therapy used to treat uterine sarcoma?
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Hormone therapy may be used for some types of uterine sarcoma. Certain hormones in the body can encourage growth of cancer cells (for example, estrogen). Medications are used to block these hormones and stop the growth of cancer cells. Full Answer
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- Q What is the rate of incidence of uterine sarcoma?
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The incidence of uterine sarcoma has decreased in the past decade or so. About 1,200 women each year are diagnosed with uterine sarcoma. More African American women are diagnosed than women of any other race. Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about uterine sarcoma?
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If you show any symptoms of uterine sarcoma, it is important to talk with your doctor. In particular, postmenopausal women with bleeding should visit the doctor immediately. African American women and women who have had radiation treatment in the pelvic... Full Answer
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- Q Are there any screening tests for uterine sarcoma?
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There are no recommended screening tests for uterine sarcoma. It is usually discovered because of the symptoms it causes. The pap test occasionally can detect uterine sarcoma, but it is not reliable enough to be considered a standard screening. Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of uterine sarcoma?
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Irregular vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom of uterine sarcoma. This may include bleeding between menstrual periods or bleeding after menopause. Pelvic pain may be present, as well as a full feeling in the pelvic or abdominal region. Frequent... Full Answer
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- Q How does uterine sarcoma affect the body?
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The effect of uterine sarcoma on the body depends on how far the cancer has spread. The cancer may spread locally throughout the uterus. Or it may spread throughout the body (metastasize) to other organs and locations in the body. Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternative treatments for uterine sarcoma?
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There are no proven alternative treatments for uterine sarcoma. Putting off conventional medical treatment with unproven alternative treatments can be life-threatening. Certain complementary treatments, such as acupuncture, meditation, or nutritional... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for uterine sarcoma?
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There are only a few factors that are known to increase risk for uterine sarcoma. The first is race - for unknown reasons, African American women are almost twice as likely to develop uterine sarcoma. Women who have had radiation therapy in the pelvic... Full Answer
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- Q Is there a cure for uterine sarcoma?
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The outcome of uterine sarcoma depends on the extent of the tumor and how early it is diagnosed. Some uterine sarcomas can be removed completely with surgery and are considered cured. However, recurrence is always a possibility with any type of cancer. Full Answer
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