Gynecologic Cancers

Presented by:Michael Goodheart, MD

Assistant ProfessorGynecologic Oncology

The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

Understanding, Preventing and Recognizing Gynecologic Cancers

Topics to Review:

• Risk factors• Symptoms• Diagnosis and Treatment• Prevention

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

Prevention of Cervical Cancer

• HPV vaccine• Discretion…..• Continued routine Gyn care

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

Vaginal/Vulvar Cancer Risk Factors

• Age: these cancer increases with age • Skin irritation

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

Prevention of Ovarian Cancer

• Removal of tubes and ovaries in BRCA carriers

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