Cancer begins in cells, the building blocks of tissues. Five main types of gynecological cancers are

• Cervical
• Ovarian,
• Uterine,
• Vaginal
• Vulvar

Screening is suggested only for cervical cancer. Therefore, physical examination is essential and early detection by recognizing the symptoms and rush to the doctor to cure the disease before it’s too late.  The symptom that is sign of something serious is abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, which can lead to becoming a possible sign of cancer.

Women experiencing such symptoms that continues for more than two weeks, it is recommended to seek professional guidance immediately. I’m discussing the types of gynecological cancers and their symptoms for early diagnose of the disease.

1. Cervical cancer

The cervix is found in the pelvis as a part of female reproductive system. Cervical cells that are normal continuously grow in size and divide to form new ones for regulating body functions. New cells take the place of damaged or old ones. Sometimes, this process gets disturbed. The accumulation of extra cells often forms a mass called a growth or tumor. With passing time, the cervical cancer can spread more deeply into the cervix and nearby tissues causing lumps.

All diseases are associated with one or more risk factors. Studies reveal that almost all cervical cancers are caused by prolonged infection with the virus called HPV. HPV initially results in producing genital warts or may then lead to cervical cancer. According to an estimate, most women by the age of 50 become exposed to HPV. Smoking is also the possible risk factor of most cervical cancer among women.

Symptoms

Women typically don’t show symptoms in early stages until the cancer spreads and expands. Common symptoms that make women more attentive and cautious are:

• Bleeding between regular menstrual periods is a sign of minor trauma
• Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Menstrual periods that continues for more than 7 days and are heavier than before
• Bleeding in women who have undergone menopause
• abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Vaginal discharge with foul smell

Prevention

To reduce the risk, a woman should necessarily get regular cervical cancer screening tests. The changes in cervical cells are examined by Pap test before they turn into cancer. Detecting these cell changes may prevent you from cervical cancer. Abnormal changes of cervical cell rarely produce cancer, which can be prevented by removing or killing the changed cells if the changed cells are detected early. Vaccinating young girls and women with preventive medication beforehand can also eliminate the risk of cancer.

1. Ovarian cancer

In the ovary or from the epithelium which forms the lining cells of the ovary, a tumor produce ovarian cancer. It is being ranked 4rth among women suffered from the cancer deaths. It is described as a “silent killer”. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected in early stages until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. As the cancer stage progresses, ovarian cancer becomes difficult to treat and is frequently disastrous.

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) discovered as a majority of all ovarian cancers which develops from the cancer cells on the outside of the ovary. DNA changes in cells lead to the development of cancer. Mostly, ovarian cancers actually develop from the lining in the fallopian tube, and fewer from the cells on the surface of the ovary.

Borderline ovarian cancer reported for minor percentages of ovarian cancer. These often grow in large masses or rarely spread to other areas. Removal of the tumor, even at more advanced stages, is more often practiced for treatment.

Germ cells tumors arise from the reproductive cells of the ovary. These are uncommon and more likely to be present in younger-aged women.

Stromal ovarian cancer is a rare form of cancer which buildup ovarian tumor in the sex cord. The supporting tissues in the ovary are affected by this.

Risk factors are frequent menstrual cycles (ovulation) over her lifetime, the higher her risk of ovarian cancer. The onset of period at a younger age, and menopause at older age, and never getting pregnant are all risk factors.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms are quite undefined and vague and early detection is almost impossible. These include

• fatigue
• loss of appetite or feeling of fullness,
• abdominal swelling,
• clothes are out of size
• swelling leg,
• changes in bowel habits,
• urinary inconsistency or urgency,
• pelvic or abdominal pain, and shortness of breath

The precise diagnosis requires some of the tumor to be removed by chemotherapy or preferably by surgery.

1. Uterine cancer

Uterine cancer involves the malignant growth of cells comprising uterine tissue. The probable causes of uterine cancers are undefined. Risk factors include women develop thick lining of uterus (endometrial hyperplasia) along with heavy menstrual bleeding, gain weight, early onset of menses beginning before age 12and delayed menopause after age 55. If it runs in the family history having higher level of estrogen, you can have more risks of uterine cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

• abnormalvaginal bleeding or discharge,
• persistent pain with urination and sex,
• pelvic or lower abdominal pains.

Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. Surgical therapy usually involves removal of the infected areas and part of the vagina. Treatment varies with cancer stages.

1. Vaginal cancer

Rare form of cancer in women aged 50 or older. Vaginal cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells form in the vagina or in glandular cells in the lining of the vagina which release fluids such as mucus. Vaginal cancer may even spread to liver, lungs or lymph nodes. When found in early stages, it can often be cured.

Risk factors include age being 60 or older, infection caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), and a family history of abnormal cell growth in the cervix or cervical cancer.

Symptoms

• Abnormal bleeding or vaginal discharge
• pain during sexual intercourse
• pain in the pelvic area
• lump in the vagina

The treatment of vaginal cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

1. Vulvar cancer

Abnormal growth in the vulva or on the outside of female genital, a lesion is present in the form of a lump or sore. The risk associated with vulvar cancer goes up as women ages. The average age of women diagnosed with invasive vulvar cancer is 70, whereas diagnosed with non-invasive vulvar cancer is 20 years younger than that. The higher risk of developing vulvar cancer is associated with cervical cancer. This is probably because the same HPV type is the cause of both cervical cancer and vulvar cancer. Smoking is also a risk factor of both cancer types.

Symptoms

• Change in color of vulva, lighter or darker colored than the normal skin, red or pink.
• A bump or lump, which could have a wart-like, raw or feel rough
• Thickening or swelling of the skin of the vulva
• Itching
• Pain or burning
• Unusual and abnormal Bleeding or discharge
• Sore or ulcers (especially if it lasts for a month or more)

Preventive vaccination treatment at early stages against infection HPV can limit the risk of vulvar cancer in women or young girls. You should do physical examination yourself to detect any changes occurring at an early pre-cancerous stage.