Presented by: Michael Goodheart, MD Topics to Review: • 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 • 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 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 • 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 • 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 .