Gynecologic Cancers
Presented by:Michael Goodheart, MD
Assistant ProfessorGynecologic Oncology
The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
Understanding, Preventing and Recognizing Gynecologic Cancers
What are gynecologic cancers?
There are five types of gynecologic cancers:•Cervical•Ovarian•Uterine•Vaginal•Vulvar
Cervical Cancer
In 2013, about 12,340 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer
Good news: Very preventableHigh cure rate with early diagnosisVaccine is available
Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer
• HPV infection• Smoking• A suppressed immune system• Infections with STDs• Multiple sexual partners• Early age at first sexual encounter
HPV Infections and Cervical Cancer
Many cervical cancers are caused by the human papilloma virus, or HPV.
•Most sexually active men and women will be infected with HPV at some time in their life • All females and males between the ages of 11
and 26 are eligible for the HPV vaccine–Gardasil–Cervarix
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
• Bleeding between periods• Bleeding after sexual intercourse• Low back pain
Diagnosis/Treatment of Cervical Cancer
Diagnosis:•Pap test•Colposcopy•Biopsy
Treatment:•Hysterectomy-radical with lymph node removal by a GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGIST•Radiation with chemotherapy
Uterine Cancer
In 2013, about 49,500 women will be diagnosed with uterine cancer
Good news:Highly curable when detected early
Uterine Cancer Risk Factors
• Age: Uterine cancer increases with age • Genetics: Lynch Syndrome and mismatch
repair genes
Uterine Cancer Symptoms
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause• Bleeding between periods• Abnormal, watery or blood-tinged discharge
Diagnosis/Treatment of Uterine Cancer
Diagnosis:•Pelvic exam•Biopsy from the uterus
Treatment:•Surgery by a GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGIST!!•Hormone treatment•Radiation sometimes with chemotherapy
Prevention of Uterine Cancer
• Do not ignore bleeding after menopause• Testing for Lynch syndrome–Family history of colon cancer–Family history of uterine cancer
Vaginal & Vulvar Cancer
In 2013, about 2,890 women will be diagnosed with vaginal cancer
In 2013, about 4,700 women will be diagnosed with vulvar cancer
Good news:Both are very rare cancers Both have a high cure rate when detected early
Symptoms of Vaginal or Vulvar Cancer
• Abnormal bleeding • Unusual vaginal discharge• Vaginal or vulvar mass• Pelvic pain• Vulvar irritation• Vulvar or vaginal ulcer
Diagnosis/Treatment of Vaginal/Vulvar cancer
Diagnosis:•Pelvic exam•Biopsy from the area
Treatment:•Surgery by a GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGIST!!•Radiation sometimes with chemotherapy
Prevention of Vaginal/Vulvar cancer
• Do not ignore bleeding after menopause• Continue routine Gyn care
Ovarian Cancer
In 2013, about 20,000 women will be affected by ovarian cancer
Problems:Symptoms tend to be vagueDifficult to detect in early stages
Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors
• Age: Ovarian cancer increases with age • Genetics: Certain types of ovarian cancer
can be hereditary (ie. BRCA1 & BRCA2)• Family history: A first degree relative with
ovarian cancer, increases your risk
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
• Pelvic pain or pressure• Abdominal or back pain• Bloating• Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly• Changes in bowel or bladder habits• Sudden weight gain or loss• Constant fatigue• Persistent indigestion or nausea
Diagnosis/Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
Diagnosis:•Pelvic exam•Blood work•CT scan or ultrasound
Treatment:•Surgery by a GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGIST!!•Chemotherapy
Am I feeling normal?
Gynecologic cancer symptoms aren’t always specific to your reproductive system.
Be alert for: • Chronic or severe fatigue• Sudden weight gain or loss• Fever• Pain• GI problems
If you remember only a few things from tonight…
• Many of the symptoms of gynecologic cancers are vague
• Many of these symptoms are also present in much less serious conditions
• Many of these symptoms are easy for a busy woman to ignore
• Many of these symptoms can be investigated by your friendly Gynecologist
Thank you!
www.uihealthcare.org/womenshealth
UI Women’s Health Center: 319-356-2294
Iowa River Landing: 319-467-2000
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