Ginecology oncology clinic

What is gynecologic cancer?

 

Gynecologic cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the female reproductive organs. The most frequent forms include: 

 

  • Uterine cervix cancer
  • Ovary
  • Uterus
  • Vagina and vulva

 

Cancer types

 

  • Squamous cell carcinomas: This type of cancer develops from cells of the exocervix, arising most frequently from the zone where the exocervix joins the endocervix.
  • Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer originates in glandular cells. Cervical adenocarcinoma originates in endocervical mucus-producing gland cells.
  • Adenosquamous carcinoma: This is a more uncommon type of cancer characterized by the presence of carcinoma and adenocarcinoma cells.

Cancer symptoms vary across individuals. Some people do not present signs, making early detection more difficult.

Alarm signals include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge is common in all gynecologic cancers, except for vulvar cancer.
  • Early sensation of fullness or difficulty eating, swelling and abdominal or back pain are common only in ovarian cancer.
  • Pelvic pain or pressure is common in ovarian and uterine cancers.
  • Need to urinate more frequently or urgency/constipation are common in ovarian and vaginal cancers.
  • Vulvar itching, burning sensation, pain or tenderness and changes in vulvar color or skin such as rash, ulcers or warts, are common only in vulvar cancer.

How is diagnosis made? 

 It begins with a suspicion of cancer, which can be verified using the following:

  • Colposcopic examination: The physician checks to determine the presence of abnormal cells.
  • Biopsy: A tissue specimen is retrieved for analysis and determination of the presence of cancerous cells. The most commonly used biopsies include:
  • Punch biopsy: Tissue specimens from the cervix are retrieved using a sharp instrument.
  • Endocervical curettage:A small sample of cervical tissue is scraped using a small spoon-type instrument.

Further tests are performed in case evidence is found of any abnormality in these specimens. 
 

 

Cancer is treated in different ways depending on the type of cancer and whether it has spread or not. Treatment options include: 

  • Surgery

Surgery is used in the majority of patients with gynecologic cancer as part of the treatment. The type of surgical procedure will depend on the intention to treat and the clinical and/or pathological stage of the disease. It is also important to mention that a combination of different surgical procedures can be used.

 

 

  • Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is the use of drugs to stimulate the patient’s immune system so that it can recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively. This therapy can be used to treat some types of gynecologic cancer. 

  • Chemotherapy

The aim is to shrink or eliminate the tumor using drugs administered as tablets or by the intravenous route. Chemotherapy treatment is indicated in some cases, depending on the stage of the disease or the patient’s clinical condition.

  • Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses high-energy beams (or particles) that destroy or reduce cancer cells. It can be used in several situations, such as: 

After surgery to lower the probability of the cancer reappearing in the same site or in adjacent lymph nodes. 

After surgery in the case of a tumor lesion or if cancer was found in many lymph nodes, or if cancer is present in certain surgical margins, such as skin or muscle margins.

If cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or the brain.

  • Hormone therapy

This type of therapy is indicated mostly in tumors with positive hormone (estrogen and progestogen) receptors. However, there are some cases in which their use is recommended considering the risk-benefit balance.