Oncology gynecologists explain what you should know about cancer
Gynecology
Author: Dr. Álvaro GonzálezModified date:
What is cancer gynecology?
Oncological gynecology is the specialty within gynecology, which is responsible for treating cancer originating in the female genitalia, such as the cervix, uterine body (endometrium), ovaries, vulva, vagina, and tumors of the the placenta.
How do I know if I should go to an oncology gynecology consultation?
Usually, patients referred by the treating gynecologist, or those who have altered vaginal cytology, abnormal genital bleeding, mass at the pelvic or abdominal level, masses or lesions in the area of ??the vulva or vagina, go to the oncology gynecology clinic. .
How is uterine cancer detected?
Cancer of the uterus can come from the cervix or the uterine body, they are completely different. Neck cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus, which is acquired through sexual intercourse. That of the uterine body depends on an imbalance of female hormones, mainly in the post-menopausal age. Both manifest with abnormal vaginal bleeding but with different characteristics. Cervical cancer is detected by vaginal cytology, colposcopy, and biopsy. That of the uterine body by means of endometrial biopsy taken by means of uterine curettage or hysteroscopy.
How is uterine cancer treated?
Uterine cancer treatment depends on its location and how advanced it is, it varies from medical treatments, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The earlier it is detected, the more chances of healing the patient has.
What can be detected with a colposcopy?
Colposcopy is an examination of the cervix, vagina, and vulva under a special microscope. Allows for a directed biopsy to be taken when there is no visible injury on routine examination. It is indicated in abnormal cytologies or suspected pathologies in the gynecological examination.
What are the symptoms of cancer of the uterus or ovaries?
The symptoms of gynecological cancers are nonspecific, so the most important thing is prevention through examinations ordered by the specialist in controls. Cytology, colposcopy, clinical examination, gynecological ultrasound are important and are requested in periodic consultations with the specialist.
What tests are done to diagnose vaginal cancer?
Cancer of the vagina and vulva appear when they are already advanced, through tumors or bleeding, so the most important thing is the gynecological examination for early detection and effective treatment.
What is the bleeding like when there is uterine cancer?
Bleeding in cervical cancer is bright red and painless, sometimes smelly if there is an infection, it occurs at any age. When the cancer comes from the endometrium it is a bleeding type bleeding, in women older than 40 years peri or postmenopausal many times in obese, diabetic and hypertensive women.
How long does it take for the human papilloma virus to become cancer?
The human papilloma virus begins with a mild infection of the cervix, if this infection is persistent over time it can progress to severe injury and later to cancer. This depends on how aggressive the virus is and the immune status of the woman. The process of getting to cancer usually takes years. Vaccination in girls and adolescents is the only form of primary prevention against the disease.
How is human papilloma cured in women?
The human papilloma virus has no medical treatment that guarantees cure. That depends solely on a woman's defenses (her immune status) and the type of virus that affects her. There are more aggressive strains of the virus than others. Young women are more likely to be cured. Prevention is the best weapon against the papilloma virus and against cancers produced by it.