Gynaecological Cancer
Gynecological cancers include ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.
Risk Factors
Use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), hormone replacement therapy, family history of breast/ ovarian cancer, HPV infection, early menarche and late menopause and nulliparity are known risk factors.
Symptoms
Symptoms include post-menopausal bleeding, menorrhagia, pelvic pain, loss of appetite, abdominal bloating with discomfort, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Diagnosis
The first diagnostic test done is imaging which includes a CT scan, MRI scan, or ultrasound. Tumor markers like CA-125 and CEA are done in addition to imaging. Biopsies of pelvic mass and ascitic fluid for cytology need to be done to diagnose Cancer. Screening investigations include Ultrasound (abdomen+Pelvis) and Pap Smear.
Treatment
Depending on the stage of cancer, the patient is treated with Surgical intervention +/- HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy), Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, or Radiation Therapy.