Follow this primer to learn about the different types of gynecologic cancers, how each one is detected and treated, and how you can reduce your risk of developing gynecologic cancer in the first place.
Gynecologic cancer is one that develops anywhere along the female reproductive tract. In the United States, around 94,000 women are diagnosed with gynecological cancer each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Luckily, there is a lot you can do to prevent gynecologic cancers from developing in the first place.
The type of medical doctor who specializes in cancer is called an “oncologist,” however many women’s health doctors (also known as OB/GYNs) are also very skilled at detecting and treating gynecologic cancers.
Read on to learn more about gynecologic cancers, how they may affect you or your loved ones, and how our specialists at Lompoc Valley Medical Center can help.
Any kind of cancer comes from the unregulated growth of your body’s cells. When cells start to grow and multiply out of control, they can spread to other areas and interfere with and steal resources from normal cells.
When it comes to gynecologic cancers, there are five main types. Each type is named for the location in which the cancer cells originate:
Some gynecologic cancers are related to each other, and many have similar risk factors and symptoms. Of the five main types of gynecologic cancers, uterine cancer is the most common, with about 57,000 new cases and 11,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.
These types of cancer are rare, with around 6,200 cases of vaginal cancer and 6,100 cases of vulvar cancer anticipated in women in the U.S. this year. Risk factors include increasing age, a history of exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), a history of infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a history of cervical cancer, immunosuppression, smoking, alcohol intake, or chronic symptoms of itching or burning in the area. Symptoms typically include abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain, irritation in the vaginal or vulvar area, palpable masses or lumps, skin changes (especially open sores that won’t go away), or painful intercourse. Treatments include laser surgery, topical therapy, radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy.
This rare type of cancer develops from a pregnancy in which an egg cell is fertilized but there is something atypical about fertilization. Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) has many different types, the most common of which is called a “molar pregnancy.” Women at the extremes of the childbearing age range–-younger than 20 years or older than 35 years--are more likely to develop gestational trophoblastic disease. If you have had this type of pregnancy in the past, you are more likely to have one in the future. Other slight risk factors include having a specific blood type, a history of birth control pill use, and a positive family history of GTD.
The gestational trophoblastic disease will generally be detected during normal pregnancy care with ultrasounds and blood work. The pregnancy may have abnormal signs, with associated bleeding, pain, and faster-than-usual uterine enlargement. These types of tumors can usually be removed by surgery.
Luckily, there are many general lifestyle measures you can undertake to reduce your risk of ever getting gynecologic cancer (or any cancer at all). These include:
When it comes to gynecologic cancers, specifically, you can reduce your risk in the following ways:
Although cervical cancer is the only gynecologic cancer that has an associated screening test, staying up to date with your routine medical care, and getting routine pelvic examinations, can help detect all forms of gynecologic cancer.
Make sure to keep track of any gynecologic symptoms you may be having, and discuss these with your medical provider. If you have a history of gynecologic cancers in your family, or you are otherwise at a higher risk, your medical provider may proactively evaluate you for gynecologic cancers at specific intervals.
When it comes to preventing gynecologic cancer, a great place to start is scheduling a routine appointment with a healthcare provider who specializes in family medicine, internal medicine, or women’s health. Check out our services page to learn more about the resources available at Lompoc Valley Medical Center.
