About Gynaecological Cancers
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer often seen in women from two extreme age group, i.e very young women and elderly women. There are many types of ovarian cancer depending on its original cells origin. Embryonic origin tumour like dermoid cyst, or dysgerminoma often seen in young women whilst epithelial tumours often seen in elderly women with ovarian cancer.
Women with ovarian cancer often have no symptoms until the cancer has progressed to the late stages. This is because ovaries are very small organ in the pelvis and it is not easily accessible to palpation. Until today, despite advancement of medical technology, there is no reliable screening method to detect early ovarian cancer which is highly accurate. Not like uterine cancer which present as abnormal uterine bleeding that drives the patient to seek treatment, ovarian tumour mostly are asymptomatic until late stage where patient often complaint of non- specific symptoms like abdominal bloating, loss of appetite and loss of weight.
Diagnosis
A suspicion of ovarian cancer may be made following a physical examination, an ultrasound scan or a CT scan, and a blood test for ovarian tumour markers. The diagnosis must then be confirmed with surgery to inspect the abdominal cavity and to take biopsies.
Treatment
The treatment of ovarian cancer depends on the type and stage of cancer. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For women who are keen to preserve their fertility, the possibility of fertility- preserving options should be discussed.
Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer is a type of cancer that affects the uterus, most commonly in the endometrium or inner lining of the uterus.
Diagnosis
Uterine cancer usually presents with irregular menstruation or abnormal vaginal bleeding that occurs after menopause. To confirm the presence or absence of cancer, an endometrial biopsy is necessary e.g. through a dilation and curettage (D&C). During a D&C, the uterus is scraped with an instrument called a curette and the tissue obtained is sent for laboratory testing.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the type and stage of uterine cancer. For women with early stage endometrial cancer who are keen to preserve their fertility, the use of hormone therapy may sometimes be considered. However, standard treatment largely revolves around surgery to remove the uterus, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
