Gynecologic cancers affect the female reproductive system: Ovarian, Endometrial (Uterine), Vaginal, Cervical, and Vulvar cancers (1.47 million cases in 2022).
The 5 Gynecologic Cancer Types
1. Ovarian / Primary Peritoneal: 7th most common; includes Epithelial, Fallopian tube, PPC, Germ cell, Sex cord stromal.
2. Endometrial (Uterine): Most common (~60,000 cases/yr); presents with postmenopausal bleeding.
3. Vaginal Cancer: Rare (ages 50-70).
4. Cervical Cancer: Almost always caused by persistent HPV.
5. Vulvar Cancer: External genitalia; linked to Lichen Sclerosus & HPV.
Symptoms & Diagnostic Screening
Symptoms: Abnormal vaginal bleeding/discharge, pelvic pain, dysuria, bloating, early satiety.
Diagnostics: Pap test, HPV-DNA test (94.1% sensitivity), Transvaginal ultrasound (5mm cutoff for endometrial thickness), CA-125 blood marker, Endometrial sampling, Liquid biopsies, AI diagnostics.
Treatment: Hysterectomy / Oophorectomy surgery, Radiation, Chemotherapy, Hormone therapy, Targeted PARP inhibitors, Immunotherapy.