Since its widespread adoption, the Pap test is believed to have prevented hundreds of thousands of cervical cancer cases by detecting precancerous cells in women’s cervixes. But while cervical cancer is no longer as prevalent as it was in the early 1900s, this is just one type of gynecologic cancer.
If you were assigned female at birth, understanding the most common gynecologic cancers is one way you can support your overall wellness. To help you stay informed, we’ve compiled a list of the most prevalent gynecologic cancers and what to know about them here.
Common Gynecologic Cancers All Women Should Know About
A gynecologic cancer is any cancer with origins in the female reproductive organs. There are five types:
- Ovarian
- Uterine
- Cervical
- Vaginal
- Vulvar
The most common type is uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer. This type of cancer affects your uterine lining and makes up half of all gynecologic cancers in high-income nations. Ovarian cancer represents a quarter of gynecologic cancers, while cervical cancer makes up 17 percent. Vaginal and vulvar cancers are the least common, making up eight percent of gynecologic cancers combined.
Symptoms of Common Gynecologic Cancers
Some symptoms can appear across most gynecologic cancers, including abnormal vaginal spotting or discharge. Aside from these shared symptoms, there are also several specific issues to watch for by type.
- Uterine: Abnormal vaginal bleeding occurs in 90% of uterine cancer cases, so alert your doctor about any changes in your menstrual cycle, bleeding between periods, and postmenopausal bleeding. Other symptoms include pelvic pain, losing weight without trying, and a noticeable mass in the pelvic region.
- Ovarian: Like uterine cancer, ovarian cancer can cause pelvic pain, as well as a noticeable lump in your lower abdomen. Abdominal cramping or swelling may also occur, including bloating. Watch for difficulty eating, frequent or sudden urges to urinate, and gastrointestinal issues, like constipation.
- Cervical: Most early-stage cervical cancers and pre-cancers don’t present symptoms. As the cancer progresses, it may present as unusual discharge, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or discomfort during vaginal intercourse.
Although they’re less common, the signs of vaginal and vulvar cancers are still worth knowing. Vaginal cancer may produce abnormal discharge or bleeding, while vulvar cancer can present as visible changes to the vulva, as well as persistent itching or burning.
Risk Factors for Gynecologic Cancers
Like many types of cancer, gynecologic cancers can’t always be attributed to specific causes. One exception is cervical cancer: Up to 99% of cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Other types of gynecologic cancer have several possible causes. Risk factors include a family or personal history of certain cancers, advanced age, and obesity.
Although some risk factors can’t be controlled, you can take a preventive approach against cervical cancer in particular. If you haven’t already been vaccinated against HPV, our providers can help determine if you’re eligible for the shot. In either case, be sure to continue going for annual exams and receiving routine Pap tests.
While screening methods haven’t been developed for other types of gynecologic cancer, doctors can use diagnostics such as biopsies and medical imaging to identify them should symptoms arise. Treatment decisions can then be determined based on the cancer’s location and stage. For uterine, cervical, and ovarian cancers, a hysterectomy may be performed. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also be used to prevent gynecologic cancers from spreading further.
Schedule an Appointment With Morgan Medical Center’s Gynecological Surgeon
The thought of any type of cancer is scary, but you can take comfort in the fact that you’re in the most capable and caring hands with Morgan Medical Center’s Dr. Martin Gallo, a board-certified gynecological surgeon, and women’s health expert. From comprehensive women’s health care to gynecological surgery and hormone therapy services, Dr. Gallo is equipped to provide the best level of care for all patients, no matter their stage of life. Schedule an appointment by calling (706) 438-1275 or by submitting a request form online.