Gynecology Cancer Symptoms and Treatments

Gynecologic cancer Symptoms 

Below are 10 symptoms of cervical and other gynecologic cancers that every woman should watch for. “Alert your doctor if these symptoms appear, especially if you’ve already gone through menopause,” Bevers said.

1. Swollen leg. Does one leg look or feel swollen for no reason? This may be a sign of cervical cancer. Typically, though, a swollen leg isn’t a sign of cancer unless there’s also pain, discharge or other cervical cancer symptoms.

2. Abnormal vaginal bleeding. More than 90% of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer experience irregular bleeding. Women who’ve already undergone menopause should have any bleeding — including spotting — evaluated. Women who haven’t gone through menopause should see a doctor about bleeding between periods, heavy bleeding or bleeding during sex.

3. Unexplained weight loss. Women who suddenly lose more than 10 pounds without changing diet or exercise habits should see their doctor.

4. Vaginal discharge colored with blood. Bloody, dark or smelly discharge usually signals infection. But sometimes, it’s a sign of cervical or endometrial cancer.

5. Constantly needing bathroom breaks. Constantly need to use the bathroom or feel continuous bladder pressure? This may be a sign of cancer. “Take note especially if you also feel full, have abdominal pain and experience bloating,” Bevers said.

6. Loss of appetite or constant feeling full. Never hungry anymore? Or constantly full? These appetite changes may be symptoms of ovarian cancer.

7. Pain in the pelvis or abdominal area. Ongoing abdominal pain or discomfort — including gas, indigestion, pressure, bloating and cramps — can signal ovarian cancer. And, constant pelvic pain or pressure can be a sign of endometrial cancer.

8. Belly bloat. Women often feel bloated after eating or drinking a lot, especially during their menstrual cycles. But a woman may have ovarian cancer if she continues feeling bloated for more than two weeks or after her period ends.

9. Constant fatigue. A little rest should typically cure fatigue. But women should see a doctor if fatigue constantly interferes with work or leisure activities.

10. Persistent indigestion or nausea. Feeling queasy for an extended period of time? Occasionally, persistent indigestion or nausea can signal gynecologic cancers, so play it safe and see a doctor.

“Remember, having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer,” Bevers said. “But if they last two weeks or longer, see your doctor. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

For additional tips on women’s health, visitwww.mdanderson.org/focused. 01/05/12

If your doctor says that you have a gynecologic cancer, ask to be referred to a gynecologic oncologist—a doctor who has been trained to treat cancers of a woman's reproductive system. This doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan.

Types of Treatment

There are several ways to treat gynecologic cancer. The treatment depends on the type of cancer and how far it has spread. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation. People with cancer often get more than one kind of treatment.

• Surgery: Doctors remove cancer tissue in an operation.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy may cause side effects, but these often get better or go away when treatment is over. Chemotherapy drugs may be given in several forms, including pills or through an IV (intravenous) injection.
• Radiation: Radiation uses high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to try to kill the cancer cells and stop them from spreading. The rays are aimed at the part of the body where the cancer is.

Different treatments may be provided by different doctors on your medical team.

• Gynecologic oncologists are doctors who have been trained to treat cancers of a woman's reproductive system.
• Surgeons are doctors who perform operations.
• Medical oncologists are doctors who are experts in cancer and treat cancers with medicines.
• Radiation oncologists are doctors who treat cancers with radiation.