Among women, gynecologic cancers that affect the reproductive system are one of the most common. It’s important to be aware of the risks and symptoms, so you can see guidance and treatment options from a medical professional. In this blog, we’ll look into the different types of gynecologic cancers, signs to look out for, and possible treatment options.

What Are the Different Types of Gynecologic Cancer?

The major gynecologic cancer types include uterine, ovarian, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer.

• Uterine cancer - affects the uterus, which is the main reproductive organ of a woman.
• Ovarian cancer – impacts the ovaries, which are located at the two ends of the fallopian tubes at the sides of the uterus.
• Cervical cancer – this is the cancer of the cervix, affecting the lower end of the womb or the uterus.
• Vaginal cancer – begins in the vagina, a tubal channel bridging the uterus with the vulva and the outside of the body.
• Vulvar cancer – affects the vulva, the outer portion of the female genitalia.

What Is the Most Common Type of Gynecologic Cancer?

Uterine cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer that premenopausal women are diagnosed with, followed by cervical and ovarian cancer. 65,950 women are estimated to have uterine cancer, while 14,100 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2022, resulting in at least 16,000 deaths combined. Vaginal and vulvar cancers are quite uncommon and usually affect elderly women. However, uterine and cervical cancers also have a higher survival rate than the other cancer types.

What Are the Symptoms to Look for in Gynecologic Cancer?

Among all cancers mentioned above, only cervical cancer can be detected early with the help of screening tests.

You should consult a medical professional if you notice or suffer from any of these below-mentioned warning signs that last for more than two weeks:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Feeling of fatigue and bloating
• Backaches
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Regular constipation or frequent urination
• Burning sensation, itching, pain, tenderness
• Rashes, sores, or warts in the vulva region, or change of skin color in the genital area

If you experience any pain in the vagina or the lower abdomen, or any kind of vaginal bleeding other than during your regular periods, after menopause, or even after intercourse, you should seek medical help immediately.

What Are the Treatments Available for Various Gynecologic Cancers?

Generally, gynecologic cancer treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. For uterine cancers, hormone therapy and targeted therapy may also be treatment options. Whereas for ovarian cancer, typical treatment would include bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and hysterectomy along with cytoreductive surgery.

Radiation and chemotherapy are mostly palliatives for vulvar cancer as it is one of the rarer types of cancer. In the case of vaginal cancer, surgery may also be necessary, besides radiation and chemotherapy.

Get the Best Gynecologic Cancer Treatment at COHA

If you notice any symptoms that can point toward gynecological cancers, don’t wait any longer and seek professional medical attention or gynecologic cancer care immediately.

If you need further assistance with gynecologic cancer or other gynecological treatments, contact us today. At Chesapeake Oncology Hematology Associates (COHA), we offer all kinds of gynecologic cancer treatments and diagnoses. Our panel of experienced gynecologic oncology experts is proficient in using the latest state-of-the-art technology to provide you with compassionate, high-quality care.

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