Cancer can develop in several parts of the female reproductive system, and the signs are not always obvious in the early stages. Cervical, ovarian, uterine or endometrial, vaginal and vulvar cancers are among the major gynaecological cancers. Their causes, symptoms, screening methods and treatment can differ considerably, which is why a persistent symptom should be assessed rather than explained away as a menstrual or age-related change. STAR Hospitals' Obstetrics and Gynaecology department specifically studies and treats women’s cancer and related conditions,
The Main Gynaecological Cancers
The term covers cancers arising in different reproductive organs:
- Cervical cancer begins in the cervix. Persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the principal cause.
- Endometrial or uterine cancer develops in the lining of the uterus and may present with abnormal uterine bleeding, particularly bleeding after menopause.
- Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries. Symptoms can be vague and may include persistent abdominal or pelvic discomfort, bloating, changes in appetite or urinary symptoms.
- Vaginal and vulvar cancers are less common, but changes such as unusual bleeding, persistent itching, pain, sores or a lump should be examined.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean cancer. Fibroids, infections, hormonal changes, ovarian cysts and other gynaecological conditions can cause similar complaints. What matters is whether the symptom persists, recurs or appears unusual for the woman concerned.
Screening Can Make a Difference
Cervical cancer is particularly important in the Indian context because screening and prevention can identify precancerous changes before they progress to invasive cancer. Depending on age, previous screening and individual circumstances, a doctor may recommend HPV testing, cervical cytology (Pap smear), or an appropriate combination of screening methods.
STAR Hospitals' women's health services include Pap smears, vaccinations, breast examinations and 3D mammography, along with gynaecological consultations, screening and preventive oncology services.
There is currently no comparable routine screening test recommended for every woman to detect ovarian cancer in the general population. Women should therefore discuss persistent or unusual symptoms and relevant family history with their doctor rather than relying on a screening test that may not be appropriate for them.
Signs That Should Be Checked
A woman should consider seeing a gynaecologist if she develops:
- Bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse
- Unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Any vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain
- Ongoing bloating, abdominal swelling or early fullness while eating
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- A persistent lump, sore, itching or skin change around the vulva
- Unexplained changes in bladder or bowel habits
A single episode may have a benign explanation, but recurring or unexplained symptoms deserve proper evaluation.
How Is Gynaecological Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is guided by the suspected site of cancer. A doctor may begin with a pelvic examination and medical history, followed by investigations such as imaging or laboratory tests. In some situations, a biopsy is needed to confirm whether abnormal tissue is cancerous.
Once cancer is confirmed, doctors determine its type, grade and stage. This information is important because treatment for an early cervical cancer, for example, can be quite different from treatment for advanced ovarian or endometrial cancer.
Treatment Depends on the Cancer
There is no single treatment for all gynaecological cancers. Depending on the disease, stage and the woman's overall health, treatment may involve:
- Surgery to remove the tumour and, where required, affected organs or lymph nodes
- Chemotherapy before or after surgery, or for advanced disease
- Radiation therapy, particularly in selected cervical and endometrial cancers
- Targeted therapy or immunotherapy for appropriate cancers and clinical situations
- Hormonal treatment for selected hormone-sensitive cancers
At STAR Hospitals, the treatment plan can involve medical, surgical and radiation oncology services. The Medical Oncology department provides chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and precision medicine, while its cancer services include radiation therapy management.
Gynaecological Cancer Care at STAR Hospitals
STAR Hospitals brings several relevant services together across its cancer and women's health departments. The Gynaecology team performs gynaecological oncology procedures and minimally invasive surgery, while Surgical Oncology provides laparoscopic and robotic cancer surgery for selected gynaecological cancers.
For more complex cancers, STAR's services include:
- Laparoscopic and robotic cancer surgery for appropriately selected patients
- Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for selected cancers involving the abdominal cavity, including ovarian cancer in appropriate cases
- Chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted treatment
- Brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation therapy used for selected gynaecological cancers
- Genetic and genomic testing where clinically indicated
- Psycho-oncology and supportive care
- Multidisciplinary tumour board review, bringing together specialists from oncology, radiology, pathology, nuclear medicine and other relevant disciplines to discuss complex cases.
For women, awareness often begins with something quite ordinary: knowing what is normal for one's own periods, pelvic health and body. A persistent change deserves attention, even when it seems minor. Regular gynaecological consultations and appropriate cervical cancer screening can help identify problems earlier, while women with symptoms or a significant family history may need a more individualised assessment.
At STAR Hospitals, care can therefore begin with preventive gynaecology and screening and extend, when required, through diagnosis, surgery, systemic cancer treatment, radiation and follow-up. Book an appointment today to know more or avail services
