There
are a number of different types of gynecologic
cancers.
Gynecologic
cancers are cancers that usually start in the female
reproductive organs. Cancer is the uncontrolled
growth and spread of abnormal cells.
This
page identifies the main types and provides some
information and links for additional information.
- Where
are the reproductive organs?
- Cervical
Cancer
- Endometrial
Cancer
- Fallopian
Tubes Cancer
- Ovarian
Cancer
- Uterine
Cancer
- Vulva
Cancer
- Vaginal
Cancer
A woman's reproductive organs reside in the abdominal cavity.
"Cervical cancer is caused by abnormal cellular changes in the cervix
and is the only gynecologic cancer that can be prevented by regular cervical
cancer screening." (Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, 2003)
Sources:
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF). 2003. Gynecologic Cancer
Awareness Month Fact Sheet. 2003.
Links for more information:
American Cancer Society, cervical cancer home
page
National Cancer Institute, cervical cancer home
page
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Endometrial cancer usually originates in the lining of the uterus.
"Uterine cancer occurs when cells in the endometrium lining grow out of
control and invade the muscle of the uterus." (GCF, 2003)
It
is the most common gynecologic cancer and is the easiest to diagnose.
Approximately, 40,100 women will be diagnosed.
If caught early, over 90% of women with this cancer survive five years.
Once spread to other organs, this 5 year survival rate drops to
64%.
Annually in the U.S., approximately 6,800 women die from endometrial cancer.
Sources:
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF). 2003. Gynecologic Cancer
Awareness Month Fact Sheet. 2003.
Links for more information:
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, endometrial
cancer.
National Cancer Institute, endometrial cancer home
page
American Cancer Society, endometrial cancer home
page
There is not a lot of specific information we could find about fallopian tube
cancer. Most sources indicate that it is treated in similar ways to
ovarian cancer.
Links for more information:
We did not find much.
Ovarian cancer usually is seen on the surface of the ovary. The
American Cancer Society estimates that annually over 25,000 women will learn
they have ovarian cancer. It is the deadliest gynecologic cancer and is
the 5th cause of cancer deaths in women.
If caught early, over 90% of women with this cancer survive five years.
Once spread to other organs, this 5 year survival rate drops to
25%.
ACS estimates approximately 14,000 women will die of this disease in
2003.
Links for more information:
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, ovarian
cancer.
American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer home
page
National Cancer Institute, ovarian cancer home
page
"Vulvar cancer appears as lesions on the surface of the vulva or
labia." (GCF, 2003)
Sources:
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF). 2003. Gynecologic Cancer
Awareness Month Fact Sheet. 2003.
Links for more information:
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, vulvar
cancer.
American Cancer Society, vulvar cancer
home
page
National Cancer Institute, vulvar cancer, home
page
"Vaginal cancer is very rare. It is usually diagnosed in elderly
women with abnormal bleeding and treated with radiation." (GCF, 2003)
Sources:
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF). 2003. Gynecologic Cancer
Awareness Month Fact Sheet. 2003.
Links for more information:
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, vaginal
cancer.
American Cancer Society, vaginal cancer home
page
National Cancer Institute, vaginal cancer home
page
OGCC compiled this information from sources we consider to come from reputable
authorities.
Links are provided to these sources.
Revised: December 01, 2004.
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