Introduction:
Gynecological cancers affect the woman’s reproductive system. These cancers are identified in around one lakh women every year. Of all these cancers, uterus cancer is of an increased percentage, followed by ovarian cancer. Therefore, early cancer detection and immediate treatment are necessary to reduce the severity of the condition and decrease the mortality rate. These gynecological cancers are complex conditions, and they need expert and specialized care.
What Is Meant by Gynecologic Oncology?
Gynecological oncology is a sub-branch of medical specialty that deals with cancers of the female reproductive system. Obstetric gynecologists undergo specialized training in gynecologic oncology, referred to as gynecologic oncologists. Gynecologic oncologists utilize their specialized training and experience to treat and manage the conditions, including staging and performing surgery for cancer removal.
What Are the Types of Gynecologic Cancers?
Gynecologic cancers include the following:
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Cervical Cancer:
The lowermost part of the uterus (womb) is the cervix and the malignancy that occurs in
the cervix cells is called cervical cancer.
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Fallopian Tube Cancer:
The fallopian tubes are paired tubes on either side of the uterus. They are present in the female reproductive system. Also called tubal cancer. Fallopian tube cancers are very rare.
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Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD):
A gestational trophoblastic disease is a group of benign tumors that develop during abnormal pregnancies. These tumors are very rare and affect one in a thousand pregnant women.
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Primary Peritoneal Cancer:
The peritoneum tissue lines the abdominal wall. This cancer starts in the peritoneum and does not spread to the other organs.
The ovaries are two in number and help produce eggs necessary for ovulation. The cancers also develop in the ovarian tissues.
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Uterine Cancer:
Uterine cancer starts in the uterus. Cancer develops in the layer of cells that line the uterus, that is, the endometrium.
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Vaginal Cancer:
The cancer cells develop in the vagina, and there is severe vaginal bleeding.
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Vulvar Cancer:
Cancer develops on the outer surface of the female genitals. Vulvar cancer occurs mostly in older women.
What Are the Symptoms That Women Should Not Ignore?
A woman should not ignore the following symptoms:
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The occurrence of new moles in the body.
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Breast lumps formation.
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Severe leg swellings.
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Unexplainable weight loss or gain.
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Sudden and frequent headaches.
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Pain or discomfort in the chest.
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Constant fatigue and tiredness.
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If there is vaginal bleeding after menopause (stoppage of the menstrual cycle after forty-five to fifty years).
What Are the Recommendations the Oncologists Suggest to High-Risk Women?
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To control chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
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Recommend quitting the usage of tobacco products.
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Advise losing weight if required.
What Is the Diagnosis for Gynecologic Cancers?
The diagnosis for gynecologic cancers includes the following:
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Both the oncologists and pathologists perform the comprehensive diagnosis.
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A pelvic examination.
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Ultrasound scanning utilizes ultrasonic waves for images of the internal organs.
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Other imaging techniques.
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Blood tests are performed to identify the type and stage of cancer.
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Locate and excise the tumors utilizing robotic and minimally invasive surgical procedures.
What Are the Surgical Treatments That Are Recommended for Gynecologic Cancers?
The different types of surgeries performed for the management of gynecologic cancers include:
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Debulking:
In this procedure, cancerous tissue is excised to a larger extent, and the remaining malignant tissue is treated with therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation.
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Total Hysterectomy:
Total hysterectomy surgery involves the removal of the full uterus (womb) and the cervix.
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Radical Hysterectomy:
Radical hysterectomy surgery involves the removal of the full uterus (womb), the tissue on both sides of the cervix, and the upper portion of the vagina.
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Unilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy:
Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy surgery involves the removal of one ovary and one fallopian tube.
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Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy:
The bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy procedure involves the removal of both the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This kind of surgery is indicated to reduce the risk of ovarian and breast cancer.
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Omentectomy:
The omentectomy procedure removes the omentum, an area of tissue with excess blood vessels covering the intestines and other organs in the abdomen. This is done to debulk or for the staging of cancer.
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Lymph Node Removal:
Lymph node removal surgery involves removing surrounding lymph nodes, which may consist of tumor cells. This is also required for staging cancer.
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Prophylactic Surgery:
Prophylactic, or preventive, surgery is done to decrease the risk of cancer. The procedure is mostly advised for women at an elevated risk of developing a specific type of cancer. For example, a prophylactic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy may be advised for women diagnosed with Lynch syndrome. The syndrome is an inherited condition that elevates the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer. This surgery can also be performed on those who have tested positive for a BRCA mutation.
Also, with this surgery, the other treatment involves chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. These procedures can be done one at a time or in combination. For example, the gynecologic oncologist might administer chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy if required after surgery.
Radiation therapy may be an option for some patients with inoperable or surgically complex tumors or those with a high risk of local recurrence. Whenever possible, our radiation oncologists will employ intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to spare normal tissue from radiation exposure, which tends to lower the risk of side effects.
What Are the Fertility-Preserving Options in Young Women With Gynecologic Cancers?
Suppose the women plan to conceive and have children. In that case, it is important to know that certain gynecologic cancer treatments may interfere with fertility and prevent or complicate the possibility of getting pregnant or carrying the fetus to full term. Suppose the woman wants to preserve her fertility. In that case, the gynecologic oncologists discuss various fertility-sparing healthcare options as early in the treatment process as possible while weighing the risks and benefits of your oncologic care.
Some options for women with early-stage gynecologic cancers include:
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For cervical cancers, leaving the uterus in place when treating cancer surgically and removing part or all of the cervix, or, when radiation therapy is delivered as the primary treatment, moving the ovaries out of the way so they are not exposed to the radiation beams.
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For early uterine cancers, treating cancer with only hormone therapy and leaving the organs intact or removing the uterus and leaving the ovaries.
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For certain stages and types of ovarian cancers, removing only one ovary and leaving the other ovary and the uterus intact.
Conclusion:
Gynecologic oncology is a specialty that deals with cancers of the female reproductive system. Gynecologic oncologists and other pathologists diagnose and provide proper treatment and improve the quality of life. The multidisciplinary approach is necessary for quality treatment and to increase life expectancy.
