Gynecologic Cancers
Understanding, Preventing and
Recognizing Gynecologic Cancers
Presented by:
Michael Goodheart, MD
Assistant Professor
Gynecologic Oncology
The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
Topics to Review:
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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 preventable
High cure rate with early diagnosis
Vaccine is available
Risk Factors for
Cervical Cancer
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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
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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 vague
Difficult 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
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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