Gynecological Cancer

Gynaecologic Oncology that focuses on diagnosing and treating women with cancers of the reproductive system. Cancers can occur in any part of the female reproductive system—the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. These cancers are called gynaecologic cancers. Each woman with gynaecological cancer has unique medical and emotional needs.

Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system. It is a malignant tumour that starts in the cells of the uterus. Malignant means that it can invade, or grow into, and destroy nearby tissue. It can also spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body.

Stages of Uterine Cancer

• Stage I: Cancer is confined to the uterus, 70-80 per cent of uterine cancers are diagnosed in Stage I
• Stage II/III: Cancer has spread outside of the uterus. As it progresses, it may spread to the pelvic lymph nodes and other pelvic organs
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and on to the lungs, liver, bones, brain, and vagina

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer occurs when the cells of the cervix grow abnormally and invade other tissues and organs of the body. When it is invasive, this cancer affects the deeper tissues of the cervix and may have spread to other parts of the body (metastasis), most notably the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina, and rectum.

Stages of Cervical Cancer

Stage I: Cancer has spread from the cervix lining into the deeper tissue but is still just found in the uterus.

Stage II: Cancer has spread beyond the cervix to nearby areas, such as the vagina or tissue near the cervix, but it is still inside the pelvic area.

Stage III: Cancer has spread outside the cervix and vagina.

Stage IV:The cancer has spread to the lungs, liver, spleen, brain, and bone.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is cancer that develops in the female organs that produce eggs—the ovaries. It is the third most common cancer seen in women in India after cervical and breast cancer. 85-90 per cent of women with ovarian cancer are over 40 years of age with the peak incidence between 55 and 65 years of age.

Stages of Ovarian Cancer

• Stage I: Cancer is found in one or both ovaries
• Stage II: Cancer has spread to other parts of the pelvis
• Stage III: Cancer has spread to the abdomen
• Stage IV:Cancer is found outside the abdomen