A Guide Explaining the Main Types of Gynecological Cancers

In general, cancer occurs when the cells divide uncontrollably and destroy the body tissue. In a similar manner, when cancer occurs in the reproductive organs, it is known as gynecological cancer. The term gynecological cancer means a medical condition in which cancerous tumor cells develop in the reproductive organs of a woman’s body, like the ovaries, vagina, vulvar, etc.

Worldwide, gynecological cancers are becoming one of the top causes relating to deaths of women, for which it is important to be aware of exactly what gynecological cancers are. Here, Dr. Elsa, a Mediclinic Obstetrician and Gynecologist, outlines all you need to know about the different gynecological cancers.

The most common gynecological cancers occurring in a woman’s body are:

1. Uterine cancer

Uterine cancer is a common gynecological cancer that begins in the uterus — the organ where the fertilized egg can grow into a baby. It is caused by obesity, diabetes, hypertension, the use of estrogen, etc.

Common symptoms

The common symptoms of uterine cancer include:

1. Unusual periods
2. Heavy flow during the cycle
3. Pain after sex
4. Lump in the belly
5. Changes in discharge

2. Cervical cancer

Another common type of gynecological cancer is cervical cancer, which starts in the cervix — the thin line that connects the vagina to the uterus. It is caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and is passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse.

Common symptoms

The common symptoms of cervical cancer are:

1. Vaginal bleeding between periods
2. Pain during sexual intercourse
3. Pain in the lower back
4. Changes in vaginal discharge
5. Increased vaginal odor

3. Ovarian cancer

Ranging from three types of ovarian cancer, it develops in the glands holding and releasing eggs for fertilization. The major types of ovarian cancer are epithelial ovarian cancer, germ cell cancer, stromal cell cancer, etc. Ovarian cancer is caused by faulty genes, endometriosis, and others.

Common symptoms

The common symptoms of ovarian cancer are:

1. Pain in belly
2. Frequent urination
3. Back pain
4. Constipation
5. Weight loss

4. Vaginal cancer

Commonly occurring in the cells that line the surface of the vagina the cancer is caused by different reasons like the virus known as human papillomavirus (HPV).

Common symptoms

The common symptoms of vaginal cancer are:

1. Lumps and skin changes in the vagina
2. Bleeding after sex
3. Heavier and longer periods
4. Need to urinate more often
5. Bleeding between periods

5. Vulvar cancer

A rare form of gynecological cancer that affects the female genitalia is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), DNA mutations, and others with different symptoms.

Common symptoms

The common symptoms of vulvar cancer are:

1. Itching, pain in the vulva.
2. Changes in the skin of the vulva
3. When you urinate, you may experience a burning sensation
4. Blood in discharge
5. Irregular bleeding

Pay attention to your body and the signs your health is indicating. Catching the early signs and symptoms of cancer makes it easier to treat. If you are experiencing any sort of problems, you can immediately schedule an appointment with New Concept Clinic, one of the best Gynaecology Clinics in Dubai offering services related to gynecology and obstetrics.