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GYNAECOLOGIC CANCERS |
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"There was nothing that I wanted more than a normal life" |
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Cancer, per say, is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, that can spread to other parts of the body via blood/ lymph/ direct extension. |
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CANCER BURDEN |
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The incidence of all cancer worldwide is increasing, with an estimate of 17 million cancer deaths per year worldwide by the year 2030. Gynaec cancers in women is a growing cause of concern and may involve any part of the reproductive system. |
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CERVICAL CANCER (Cancer of the mouth of the uterus) |
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• This is the 3rd most common cancer in women.
• 88% of cervical cancer deaths occur in Asia.
• Claims 8 women in every waking hour in India
• But it is the most preventable form of cancer in women. |
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Cervical cancer develops slowly. It starts as a pre cancerous condition called dysplasia. This can be detected by a test known as pap smear and is 100% curable. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that is spread through sexual intercourse |
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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS |
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• Early cancer may have no signs or symptoms but could be detected by pap smear or colposcopy.
• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse/ after menopause
• Irregular bleeding patterns
• Abnormal vaginal discharge (pale/watery/bloody/ foul smelling etc.)
• Advanced cases (back ache, fatigue, weight loss etc.) |
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DIAGNOSIS |
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Examination/papsmears/colposcopy/cone biopsies. Many more tests as your doctor advises |
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TREATMENT |
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Treatment depends on stage, age of patient, desire to have children etc. Early cancer can be cured by removing cancer tissue and preserving the uterus so that a woman can have children. Other treatment approaches are Radical Hysterectomy, Pelvic Exenteration, Radiation etc |
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PREVENTION |
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A vaccine is now available to prevent cervical cancer. Gardasil/Cervarix are vaccines to prevent cervical cancer. Studies have shown that they appear to be effective |
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UTERINE CANCER |
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• Uterine cancer is seen more in developed countries.
• 90% of afflicted women are above 50 years.
• It has a more favourable outcome compared to cancer cervix/ cancer ovary |
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DIAGNOSIS |
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Apart from clinical examination a few other tests may be needed. Endometrial biopsy,
D & C, Pap smear (this may raise suspicion of endometrial cancer but may not diagnose it). In addition further tests like MRI, CT/PET scan etc may be needed to see which stage the disease is in. |
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TREATMENT |
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Could be surgery/radiation/chemotherapy or a combination of these depending on the stage of the disease and the condition of the patient |
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OVARIAN CANCER |
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This is the most lethal of all gynecologic cancers. It presents late, it is often poor to respond to treatment and has a higher risk of recurrence. |
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RISK FACTORS |
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Ovarian cancer may have a genetic basis. Certain medications like estrogens taken for long term and fertility drugs may increase the risk. |
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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS |
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Apart from those enumerated in cancer cervix other symptoms are often vague like bloating, feeling full quickly, abdominal pain, indigestion, backache, swollen belly, pelvic heaviness, weight loss/ gain |
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DIAGNOSIS |
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Apart from the routine clinical examinations and tests, special tests will be decided by your doctor, which may include special blood tests like CA-125 levels, other tumour marker levels, CT scan, PET scan, MRI studies |
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TREATMENT |
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Surgery is the treatment for all stages of the disease. Chemotherapy is used after primary surgery to treat remaining disease. Often a combination approach may be needed |
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OTHER GYNECOLOGIC CANCERS |
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These are very rare and include vulval, vaginal, fallopian tube cancers and account for only 3% of all gynecologic cancers. |
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