Cancers in Women
Cervical cancer and ovarian cancer are types of cancer that women can have. Cancer of the lining of the uterus is called Endometrial cancer and is the gynecologic malignancy that is most common in women. This type of cancer is rarely seen before a woman goes through menopause but can occur in that time that the menstruation cycle comes to an end. Any bleeding that reappears after this time, should not be viewed at part of that change. If you find this happens to you, be sure to bring it to the attention of your doctor so cancer can be ruled out right away.
One of the most common uterine cancer symptoms is any abnormal bleeding from the uterus after menopause. Those who experience this symptom could experience a blood streaked discharge that could begin as watery. This discharge can then contain more blood as it progresses. Some women may also feel abdominal pain and this should be reported to their doctor. The only way to diagnosis this type of cancer correctly is to do a endometrial and endocervical sampling. Because increased thickness of the indometrium can indicate this cancer, a vaginal ultrasound can also be used. The yearly pap test that most women get will detect cervical cancer, as this is a very accurate test. This test will not diagnosis endometrial cancer because by the time the abnormal cells reach the vagina, they have lost the features that will identify them.
Treatment will depend on the grade of the cancer and what stage it is in. The typical treatment that is performed is the removal of the uterus, also known as a hysterectomy. This surgery will also remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes along with removing selective pelvic nodes. It is common for gynecologic oncologists to want a specimen from the analysis of the cancer. With this specimen he can find the content of estrogen and progesterone receptors. This content will give the doctor an idea of what type of hormone therapy to use for any metastatic or recurrent cancer. Before you have this surgery, be sure to ask all the questions you have so that you understand what causes cancer and everything that will happen. You also want to know what to expect after the procedure. Ask about treatment options and how successful will the surgery be? Also ask what the prognosis is and will there be any other testing done that you should be aware of.
