GYNO CANCER TREATMENT

WHAT IS GYNAECOLOGY CANCER?
Gynaecological cancer is a term used for all the types of cancer that can occur in or on a woman’s reproductive organs and genitals. This includes cancers of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

COMMON GYNAECOLOGY CANCER SYMPTOMS.

bleeding between periods or after having sex

pain during sex

longer or heavier periods than usual

unusual discharge from the vagina

vaginal bleeding after menopause

excessive tiredness

leg pain or swelling of the legs

lower back pain

Basic Information About Gynaecologic Cancers

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in a woman’s reproductive organs, it is called gynaecologic cancer. The five main types of gynaecologic cancer are: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. (A sixth type of gynaecologic cancer is the very rare fallopian tube cancer.)

Of all the gynaecologic cancers, only cervical cancer has screening tests that can find this cancer early, when treatment can be most effective. Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynaecologic cancers except cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs, and learn if there are things you can do to reduce your risk.

There are several ways to treat gynaecologic cancer. The treatment depends on the type of cancer and how far it has spread.

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk?

HPV Vaccine

Some gynaecologic cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted infection. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years, but can be given starting at age 9.
HPV vaccine also is recommended for everyone through age 26 years, if they are not vaccinated already.
HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV.

If vaccination is started before age 15, a two-dose schedule is recommended, with the doses given 6 to 12 months apart. For people who start the series after their 15th birthday, the vaccine is given in a series of three shots.

HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections, but does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV. You should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if you received an HPV vaccine.

Screening Tests

Screening is when a test is used to look for a disease before there are any symptoms. Cancer screening tests are effective when they can find disease early, which can lead to more effective treatment. (Diagnostic tests are used when a person has symptoms. The purpose of diagnostic tests is to find out, or diagnose, what is causing the symptoms. Diagnostic tests also may be used to check a person who is considered at high risk for cancer.)

Pap Test

Of all the gynaecologic cancers, only cervical cancer has a screening test—the Pap test—that can find this cancer early, when treatment works best. The Pap test also helps prevent cervical cancer by finding precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.

HPV Test

A test called the HPV test looks for HPV infection. It can be used for screening women aged 30 years and older. Learn more about the Pap and HPV tests.

Recognize the Warning Signs

Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynaecologic cancers except cervical cancer, it is especially important to recognize warning signs and learn if there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Talk with your doctor if you believe that you are at increased risk for gynaecologic cancer. Ask what you might do to lower your risk and whether there are tests that you should have.

Types of Treatment

Gynecologic cancers are treated in several ways. It depends on the kind of cancer and how far it has spread. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Women with a gynecologic cancer often get more than one kind of treatment.

Surgery: Doctors remove cancer tissue in an operation.
Chemotherapy: Using special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer. The drugs can be pills you take or medicines given in your veins, or sometimes both.
Radiation: Using high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer.

Different treatments may be provided by different doctors on your medical team.

Gynaecologic oncologists are doctors who are trained to treat cancers of a woman’s reproductive system.
Surgeons are doctors who perform operations.
Medical oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with medicine.
Radiation oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with radiation.