Download Gynecological Cancer - Uterus, Cervix, or Ovaries

Gynecological Cancer
Cancer of the Uterus, Ovaries, or Cervix
Gynecological cancer is a general term for cancers that begin in an organ of the female reproductive system. To understand these cancers, you need to understand the parts of the female reproductive system and how they work.
The Uterus The uterus is a hollow, pear-
shaped organ in a woman’s lower abdomen, between the bladder and rectum. It is in this organ where a baby grows and develops.
The wall of the uterus has two layers of tissue. The inner layer or lining is the endometrium. The outer layer of muscular tissue is the myometrium. Each month the lining of the uterus thickens and prepares for pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, the thick, bloody lining flows from the body through a process called menstruation.
The Cervix
The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus. The cervix forms a canal that opens into the vagina, which leads outside of the body.
The Ovaries
The ovaries are a pair of organs located in the lower abdomen, one on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries have two functions – to produce eggs and to produce female hormones. Each month, during the menstrual cycle, an egg is released from one ovary. This process is called ovulation. The egg travels from the ovary, through the fallopian tube, into the uterus.
The ovaries are also the main source of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones promote female traits, regulate the menstrual cycle, and help with pregnancy.
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Gynecological Cancer
Cancer in the female reproductive organs – the uterus, cervix, or ovaries – begins when the DNA, or genetic material, of a cell (the building block of the organ) is damaged. The change or mutation of one cell produces a cancerous cell. Cancer cells grow rapidly and multiply quickly.
Areas of rapidly-growing cells may develop into masses called tumors. Some tumors grow quickly, others slowly. Regardless of the speed of growth, all tumors increase in size, because new cancer cells are being created faster than old cells die. Cancerous tumors may invade and damage nearby tissues and organs.
The cancer cells of the tumor (primary cancer site) may travel through the bloodstream and lymph fluid (metastasize). This allows the cancer to spread to distant organs in the body and interfere with their normal functions. The spread of cancer into important organs such as the lungs and liver is a very serious health problem for a woman with a gynecological cancer.
Symptoms
Many gynecological cancers have no signs until late in their development. That is why it is so important for women of all ages to have regular check-ups, including pelvic exams, and PAP smears. Many of the same symptoms occur with conditions that are not cancer. That is why it is important to check with your doctor. Some signs to gynecological cancer include:
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Abnormal bleeding from the vagina (especially after menopause, when menstrual cycles have stopped)
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Bleeding from the vagina in the middle of the menstrual cycle, or after intercourse, douching or a pelvic exam
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Longer and heavier than normal menstrual bleeding 
Discomfort, pain, pressure, swelling, or bloating in the lower abdomen
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Loss of appetite and/or weight loss
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Unusual or sudden weight gain
Talk to your doctor or nurse right away if you notice any of these symptoms. You will need tests and procedures to determine the diagnosis. Only a doctor can determine if cancer is present and whether or not it has spread.
Treatment There are many treatments for gynecological cancer. Your doctor will discuss the options and their side effects. Each person with cancer is unique and no two treatment plans will be the same. Some treatments take place in the hospital. Others can be given in a doctor’s office, clinic, or outpatient treatment center.
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The goal of treatment for gynecological cancer is to destroy as many cancer cells as possible. Some treatments for gynecological cancers include:
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Surgery
This is the most common treatment for gynecological cancers. Surgical options depend upon the type of gynecological cancer and its spread to other areas of the body.
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External Beam Radiation Therapy
High-energy rays are directed at the site of the tumor to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. 
Implanted Radiation
Some cancers, including cervical cancer, can be treated with seeds or capsules of radioactive material. Implants are placed directly into the tissue of the cervix, close to the tumor. The cancer is treated and healthy cells in the area are spared.
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Chemotherapy
Cancer-destroying medications are given directly into the bloodstream, in a pill, or in a cream or lotion form. The doctor may use one or several medications depending on the type of cancer and its spread.
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Hormonal Therapy
Some gynecological cancers such as uterine cancer need female hormones in order to grow. Hormonal therapy treatments prevent the cancer cells from using these hormones to grow, which results in a decrease or halt in the number of growing cancer cells.
Follow-up Care
Regular follow-up care ensures that changes in health are noted and that recurrent cancer or other problems can be treated as soon as possible. For women with gynecological cancers, this will include a variety of tests. Some of these are pelvic exam, Pap smear, CT scan, MRI, bone scan, and blood tests. Between checkups you should report any health problems to your doctor as soon as they appear.
Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns.
Rev. 10/07, 8/10, 2/13, \\Mcehemcshare\netit patient education$\Mount Carmel Handouts\Cancer\Types of Cancer\Gynecological Cancer Uterus Cervix or Ovaries.doc
©Mount Carmel 2013
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