Gynec Cancer Care

Symptoms

- Persistent bloating or abdominal swelling.

- Pelvic pain or pressure.

- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly.

- Frequent urination or urgent need to urinate.

Risk Factors

- Family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer.

- Genetic mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes).

- Age, with a higher risk in post-menopausal women.

- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and reproductive history.

Diagnosis

Physical Examination:

A pelvic examination to feel for any abnormalities.

Ultrasound:

Imaging of the ovaries to detect masses.

CA-125 Blood Test:

Measures a protein associated with ovarian cancer, though not exclusively.

Biopsy:

A definitive diagnosis involves sampling tissue for laboratory analysis.

Treatment

Surgery:

Removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and sometimes surrounding tissues.

Chemotherapy:

After surgery or as a primary treatment to target cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy:

Drugs designed to attack specific cancer cells.

Prognosis:

Early detection can improve outcomes; however, advanced ovarian cancer has a lower survival rate.

Symptoms

- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause.

- Pelvic pain or pressure.

- Pain during urination or intercourse.

Risk Factors

- Obesity, which increases estrogen levels in the body.

- Age, particularly post-menopausal women.

- Hormone therapy with estrogen alone.

- Genetic factors, such as Lynch syndrome.

Diagnosis

Pelvic Exam:

Physical examination of the pelvic area.

Transvaginal Ultrasound:

Imaging the uterus for any abnormalities.

Endometrial Biopsy:

Sampling of the uterine lining to check for cancer cells.

Hysteroscopy:

Directly viewing the inside of the uterus with a camera.

Treatment

Surgery:

A hysterectomy to remove the uterus, and possibly the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Radiation Therapy:

Often used after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells.

Hormone Therapy:

Used for advanced or recurrent cancer.

Chemotherapy:

In cases where cancer has spread beyond the uterus.

Prognosis:

Uterine cancer has a good prognosis when detected early, especially when confined to the uterus.

Symptoms

- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including after intercourse or between periods.

- Unusual vaginal discharge.

- Pain during intercourse.

Risk Factors

- HPV infection, especially high-risk strains.

- Smoking, which can contribute to cancer cell changes in the cervix.

- Weak immune system, which makes it harder to clear HPV infection.

- Early sexual activity and multiple sexual partners.

Diagnosis

Pap Test:

Detects abnormal cells on the cervix.

HPV Test:

Identifies high-risk HPV strains associated with cervical cancer.

Colposcopy:

Detailed examination of the cervix to find abnormal areas.

Biopsy:

Tissue sample analysis to confirm cancer diagnosis.

Treatment

Surgery:

Removal of the cervix or entire uterus in early-stage cancer.

Radiation Therapy:

Often combined with chemotherapy for advanced stages.

Chemotherapy:

Typically used with radiation or for metastatic cancer.

Immunotherapy:

For advanced or recurrent cervical cancer, immunotherapy can help the immune system fight cancer.

Prognosis:

Cervical cancer is highly treatable when caught early, with a good survival rate. Advanced cases may have a lower prognosis but can still be managed with aggressive treatment.