Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer It is estimated that approximately 2,500 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in Turkey in 2018 and approximately 1,250 women died from cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer usually does not show symptoms in the early stages, and therefore regular gynecological check-ups are important. However, the following symptoms may occur in later stages:
Vaginal Bleeding: Abnormal bleeding or spotting, especially after sexual intercourse or in the postmenopausal period.
Vaginal Discharge: Vaginal discharge that is smelly, bloody or purulent.
Pelvic Pain: Persistent or associated pain in the pelvic area.
Urinary and Bowel Problems: Pain, straining or changes while urinating or defecating.
Pain During Sexual Intercourse: Painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
Treatment:
Treatment of cervical cancer is determined by the stage, size, type of the disease and the patient’s general health status. Treatment options may include:
Surgical Intervention: Surgical operations to remove cancerous tissue.
Radiotherapy: Destroying cancer cells or controlling their growth using high-energy beams.
Chemotherapy: Destroying cancer cells or controlling their growth using medications.
Hormonal Therapy: Drugs or treatments used to change hormone levels.
Targeted Therapy: Drugs or treatments that focus on specific targets of cancer cells.
A combination of these treatment methods is usually used in the treatment of cervical cancer. It is also important to support the patient psychologically and physically during the treatment process. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is adopted together with the patient and their family.
Uterine Cancer (Endometrial Cancer)
Cervical Cancer According to the World Health Organization data, it was reported that 5463 women were diagnosed with endometrial cancer and 1051 women died from endometrial cancer in Turkey in 2018.
Cervical Cancer is a type of cancer that originates from the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium). Uterine cancer usually occurs in the postmenopausal period, but can sometimes be seen before menopause. It is often due to unmet high estrogen in the body. Symptoms and risk factors of uterine cancer are as follows:
Vaginal Bleeding: Abnormal vaginal bleeding seen in the postmenopausal period is the most obvious symptom.
Pelvic Pain: Persistent or associated pain in the pelvic area.
Vaginal Discharge: Bloody or smelly vaginal discharge.
Risk Factors:
Factors such as obesity, hormonal imbalances, diabetes, advanced age, menstruation at an early age, late menopause, diabetes, smoking, long-term use of estrogen hormone may increase the risk of uterine cancer.
Treatment:
Treatment for uterine wall cancer is usually surgical. It involves removing the uterus, tubes, ovaries and lymph nodes. In addition, drug therapy or hormonal IUDs may be used to prevent cancer from progressing to early stages.
Ovarian Cancer
Cervical Cancer According to 2020 data in Turkey, ovarian cancer is the 7th most common cancer in women. It is estimated that over 4000 ovarian cancers are seen annually. In ovarian cancer, 70-75% of the cases are in advanced stages when diagnosed. Although it is most commonly seen after the age of 50, it can be monitored at any age.
Ovarian cancer usually does not show symptoms in the early stages and therefore can be difficult to diagnose. However, some early symptoms may be:
Abdominal Bloating: An abnormal feeling of bloating or fullness in the abdomen.
Pelvic Pain: A feeling of constant or intermittent pain in the pelvic area.
Loss of Appetite: A sudden and significant loss of appetite.
Indigestion: Persistent indigestion, nausea or vomiting.
Urinary Problems: Frequent or straining to urinate, increased frequency of urination or urinary incontinence.
Treatment Options:
The treatment of ovarian cancer is determined depending on the stage, size, type of the disease and the patient’s general health status. Treatment options may include:
Surgical Intervention:
In ovarian cancer, staging surgery is performed to both treat and determine the stage of the cancer. In this surgery, the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, abdominal fluid sampling, omentum removal, lymph nodes removal, and organs where the cancer may be located are removed. In some patients, chemotherapy may be applied before surgery to shrink the tumor and then surgery may be performed.
Chemotherapy: The use of chemotherapy drugs to stop or control the spread of ovarian cancer. It can be applied before surgery (neo-adjuvant) to shrink the tumor and reduce the tumor burden, to prevent recurrence after surgery, or to kill microscopic cancer cells that cannot be seen with the eye by administering heated chemotherapy drugs into the abdomen during surgery (HIPEC).
Radiation: The destruction of cancer cells or the control of their growth using high-energy rays. However, radiotherapy is rarely used in the treatment of ovarian cancer and is usually applied in combination with surgery and chemotherapy.
Targeted Therapy: Drugs or treatments that focus on specific targets of ovarian cancer cells. These treatments are usually applied together with chemotherapy.
Ovarian cancer treatment usually starts with surgery and is then supported by other treatment methods such as chemotherapy. It is also important to support the patient psychologically and physically during the treatment process. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is adopted together with the patient and their family.
Vulva-Vagina and Tube Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
Vulva and Vagina Cancers:
Vulvar and vaginal cancers are generally rare types of cancer, and their definitions and treatment approaches are often similar.
Diagnosis:
Physical Exam: A doctor carefully examines the vulva and vaginal area.
Biopsy: A small sample of abnormal tissue is taken and examined in a laboratory setting.
Imaging Tests: The use of imaging tests such as computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET).
Treatment Approaches:
Surgical Intervention: Surgery to remove cancerous tissue. In the case of vulvar or vaginal cancer, this surgery usually involves removing the affected tissue.
Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells or control their growth.
Chemotherapy: Using drugs to destroy cancer cells or control their growth.
Targeted Therapy: Drugs or treatments that focus on specific targets of cancer cells.
Tube Cancer:
Tubal cancer is a rare type of cancer that originates in the fallopian tubes.
Diagnosis:
Imaging Tests: Using imaging tests such as computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or ultrasound.
Laparoscopy: Examining structures inside the abdomen with a small camera.
Treatment Approaches:
Surgical Intervention: Surgical operations performed to remove the tubes or affected tissues.
Chemotherapy: Destroying cancer cells or controlling their growth with the use of drugs.
Radiation Therapy: Although rarely used in the treatment of tubal cancer, radiotherapy may also be preferred in some cases.
Cervical Cancer | Treatment of vulvar, vaginal, and tubal cancers is determined depending on the stage, size, type of the disease, and the patient’s general health status. It is also important to support the patient psychologically and physically during the treatment process. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is adopted together with the patient and their family.
Women’s Cancers and Precautions
Breast Cancer: It is one of the most common types of cancer in women. Early diagnosis and treatment are important.
Uterine Cancer: It is a type of cancer that originates from the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium). It is common in the post-menopausal period.
Ovarian Cancer: It is a type of cancer that originates from the ovaries. Early symptoms are often vague and diagnosis can be difficult.
Cervical Cancer: It is the condition in which the cervix becomes cancerous as a result of cellular changes. HPV infection is closely associated with this type of cancer.
Vulva and Vagina Cancer: These are rare types of cancer that originate from the skin and mucosal tissues in the genital area.
Tubal Cancer: It is a rare type of cancer that originates from the fallopian tubes.
Precautions:
Regular Checkups: Women should have regular gynecological examinations and breast cancer screenings.
Healthy Nutrition: A balanced diet, weight control and healthy eating habits can reduce the risk of cancer.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise can reduce the risk of cancer by reducing the risk of obesity.
Limiting Smoking and Alcohol Use: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of many types of cancer.
HPV Vaccine: HPV vaccination, which protects against HPV infection, can reduce the risk of cervical cancer in women.
Cervical Cancer | Regular health check-ups and healthy lifestyle habits are important for protection from dangerous women’s diseases and early diagnosis. Women should be in regular contact with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra ÖZBAŞLI and see a doctor immediately if they see any alarming symptoms.
