Gynecological Cancer
"It is possible to reduce the risk by avoiding hormone replacement therapy with estrogen alone, maintaining a healthy weight, daily physical exercise and a thorough control by your gynecologist in case of family history, risk factors, taking tamoxifen or any genital bleeding".
DR. JOSÉ ÁNGEL MÍNGUEZ
CODIRECTOR. GYNAECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS DEPARTMENT
What is gynaecological cancer?
Gynaecological cancer is one of the most common cancers that can appear in women and can be located anywhere in the gynaecological apparatus: ovary, uterus, cervix, etc.
Some types of gynaecological cancer are asymptomatic or produce symptoms that may be related to other pathologies, even non-gynaecological (digestive, urinary...).
For this reason it is important to have regular check-ups with a gynaecological specialist. The earlier the tumour is detected, the better the chances of a cure.
Our department offers individualised, cutting-edge, multidisciplinary treatment.
Our team of specialists works quickly and in a coordinated manner to offer the best service to our patients. It is made up of gynaecologists specialising in oncological diseases, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and pathologists.
A PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
Second Opinion,
peace of mind
Request a second opinion from our professionals with great experience in the diagnosis and treatment of oncological diseases
In 3 days, without leaving home.
Or if you prefer you can come to the Clinica.
Symptoms of gynaecological cancer
Ovarian cancer
There are no specific symptoms of ovarian cancer and it is usually confused with those that can be produced by the digestive system and the bladder, especially if the symptoms are persistent.
The most common symptoms include abdominal bloating, gas, poor digestion, constipation or diarrhoea, and frequent urination.
Cancer of the uterus
It is most often asymptomatic, especially at the beginning. It may be associated with postcoital genital bleeding, between menses or at menopause. Sometimes there may be bloody or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Cervical cancer
Symptoms include any type of genital bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge and pelvic pain.
Do you have any of these symptoms?
If you suspect that you have any of the above symptoms,
you should consult a medical specialist for a diagnosis.
Prevention of gynaecological cancer
Early diagnosis sometimes becomes the best prevention
- Ovarian cancer. There is no good prevention for this tumour, so early stage diagnosis is accepted as such, when the disease is more curable. Transvaginal ultrasound plays an important role in high-risk or symptomatic patients.
- Uterine cancer. Endometrial cancer cannot be prevented, but its risk can be reduced by avoiding oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy, maintaining a healthy weight, daily physical exercise, and gynaecological control if you have a genetic or personal history of risk or take tamoxifen or have any genital bleeding after the menopause and go to the gynaecologist promptly.
- Cervical cancer. Prevention should begin within three years of the start of sexual intercourse at any age or no later than 21. Cervicovaginal cytology (Pap test) detects abnormal cells when cancer has not yet occurred. The HPV test determines whether or not there is HPV infection and its types.
What are the risk factors for gynaecological cancer?
Some of the risk factors for gynaecological cancers lie in hereditary factors or having had breast cancer. They also tend to occur after the post-menopause and in people who have not had children.
Other causes are obesity, oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy. In the case of cervical cancer, the risk stems from promiscuity, early sexual activity (under 18), a deficient immune system, smoking and, above all, high-risk HPV infection.
How is gynaecological cancer diagnosed?
Ovarian cancer
- Clinical examination.
- Transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound.
- Blood tumour markers, especially CA-125.
- Imaging tests: CT, abdominal ultrasound, MRI, PET-CT.
Uterine cancer
- Clinical examination.
- Transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound.
- Endometrial cytology: in-office sampling of the inside of the uterus.
- In-office endometrial biopsy: removal of a sample of the endometrium.
- Uterine curettage or curettage: removal of a larger sample of the endometrium.
- Hysteroscopy: a procedure to view the uterine cavity using a camera, usually performed in a doctor's office.
Cancer of the uterine cervix
- Clinical examination, including inspection and palpation of the cervix.
- Cytology.
- Biopsy of any suspicious area, in the consultation room and without the need for anaesthesia.
- Conisation: cone-shaped biopsy that allows a more complete study of the lesion than conventional biopsy.
Treatment of gynaecological tumours
Oncologic gynecologic pathology includes cancers of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. It also covers all preinvasive conditions (dysplasia of the vulva, vagina, or cervix).
Breast conditions are also considered part of gynecologic oncology; however, at our center, patients are treated by a medical team specifically dedicated to this area (Breast Pathology Unit).
In most cases, medical, surgical, or radiation therapy treatment can begin within just a few days.
- Ovarian cancer is treated primarily with surgery and chemotherapy.
- Uterine cancer is treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
- Cervical cancer, when not yet invasive (high-grade intraepithelial lesion or “in situ” carcinoma), can be treated with conization or hysterectomy.
What clinical trials do we have on Gynecological cancer?
Proton therapy for cancer
Proton therapy is the most precise external radiotherapy modality, providing better distribution of radiation dose and therefore less irradiation of healthy tissues.
The Proton Therapy Unit of the Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra in its Madrid headquarters is the most advanced in Europe and the first in a Cancer Center, with all its healthcare, academic and research support.
Where do we treat it?
IN NAVARRA AND MADRID
The Gynecologic Cancer Area
of the Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Gynecologic Cancer Area is a multidisciplinary unit focused on the treatment and research of tumors of the female genital tract.
We have professionals of recognized national and international prestige, considered opinion leaders in their field, who over the years have formed a team that places the patient at the center of its activity.
What diseases do we treat?
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine or endometrial cancer
- Uterine cervical cancer
- Vaginal tumors
- Vulvar tumors
- Gestational trophoblastic disease
Why at the Clinica?
- High surgical specialization.
- Focused on the patient.
- State-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technology.
- Research and clinical trials to offer the most innovative treatments.
Our team of experts in gynaecological cancer
