Every year in India, 122,844 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 67,477 die from this disease. It usually affects the women of elderly age around 55 yrs and above. HPV prevalence among cervical cancer patients in India has varied from 87.8% to 96.67%.Gynecological cancers are among the most common cancers in women and hence an important public health issue. Gynecological cancers are cancers that affect the reproductive organs in a woman. The type of cancer that affects a woman is known after the organ it has affected. Causes being lack of cancer awareness, variable pathology, and dearth of proper screening facilities in India, most women report the disease at advanced stages, adversely affecting the prognosis and clinical outcomes.

The types of Gynecological cancers are:

·       Cervical Cancer

·       Uterine Cancer

·       Ovarian Cancer 

·       Vaginal Cancer

·       Vulvar Cancer

The general symptoms of gynecological cancers are:

·       Frequent / urgent need to urinate (occurs in ovarian and vaginal cancers)

·       Constipation(occurs in ovarian and vaginal cancers)

·       Itching, burning, pain, or tenderness of the vulva

·       Changes in vulva color or skin, such as a rash, sores, or warts (occurs in vulvar cancer)

In this blog let’s elaborate screening tests for Gynaecological cancers.

What is cancer screening?

Cancer screening is a procedure to look for cancer (or abnormal) cells in a patient before the symptoms occur. The screening is done as a preventive measure to detect any abnormal cell growth that may turn into cancer eventually.

There are some important cancer screening tests for women. Each of them is recommended for every women , but some of them are required at a certain age.

Cancer screening tests for women are:

1.    Pelvic Exam

A pelvic exam is a regular exam that must be a part of every woman’s regular checkups. It is an initial test that helps in diagnosing various gynecological cancers and also sexually transmitted diseases. It is a physical and visual examination of reproductive organs. During this test procedure your gynecologist inspects the cervix, vagina, vulva, and uterus. The doctor also feels for your reproductive organs like the uterus, ovaries, and especially if any lumps or masses are present. If the doctor finds any abnormalities during a pelvic exam, he will tell you about it in detail.

1.    Pap Smear

Papanicolaou smear /Pap test, is a screening test used to detect cervical cancer in women. In this test, cells from the cervix are collected and examined under a microscope. Pap smear is not a diagnostic test. If any abnormality is found in the pap test, further tests are needed for a specific diagnosis. This test helps in detecting precancerous cells and also warns about abnormal changes that may turn into cancer later. Doctors advise women to do a pap smear test every 3 years if they are between 21-65 years old. After a pap test, a negative result means that there is nothing to worry about and no further tests or treatment is required. On the other hand, positive results may require further investigations to know what abnormality is diagnosed.

1.    Transvaginal Sonography

 A vaginal ultrasound is done to find any masses in the ovaries and uterus. Also, it detects any abnormalities in the uterine lining or endometrium. If the endometrium is extremely thickened or hyperplastic or cystic looking further investigations may be required.

4. CA 125

CA 125 levels are done especially for those at high risk of Ovarian Cancer. If the levels are high, it strongly indicates ovarian cancer. There are no recommended screening tests for ovarian cancers, but they can be detected at an early stage if you are at high risk. A blood test is done to look for CA-125 protein that strongly indicates ovarian cancer.  A CA-125 normal range falls between 0 and 35 U/mL. Levels over 35 U/mL may indicate the presence of cancer or other conditions. (Note* Not all patients with a high CA-125 result have cancer.)

1.    Endometrial Biopsy

In this test tiny uterine tissue samples are collected for testing. A fine tube known as Pipelle or a small telescope known as hysteroscope is inserted into the uterus to look for any abnormal changes or growths. After this hysteroscopic directed biopsies can be taken.

Risk for Gynecological Cancers:

·         Family history of some cancer

·         HPV infection

• Smoking
• Increasing age
• Unhealthy diet

Treatment at D. S. Research Centre: We provide the best possible Ancient Ayurveda based treatment that treats gynecological cancer by correcting the deviation in metabolism with nutrient energy medicines. It has been the rescuer for decades of gynecological cancers. It has little to no side effects. It also helps reduce the side effects of other conventional treatments. Patients are also provided with diet plan by our expert dieticians and nutritionist.

Do consult our experts if you notice any of the above mentioned symptoms. Also know about the investigations before going for it.

Stay Healthy!