Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that connects to the vagina. It typically develops slowly over a period of several years, beginning with the abnormal growth of cells on the cervix. These abnormal cells can progress to cancer if left untreated. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer when detected early.
The majority of cervical cancers are caused by persistent infections with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted virus. HPV vaccines are available to protect against the most common cancer-causing HPV strains and are a key prevention strategy.
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system. The ovaries are responsible for producing eggs (ova) and female sex hormones1, such as estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected in its early stages because it may not cause noticeable symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage. As a result, Ovariann cancer is sometimes referred to as the "silent killer."
There are several types of ovarian cancer, but the most common type is epithelial ovarian cancer, which originates in the cells that cover the outer
surface of the ovaries. Other less common types include germ cell tumors and stromal tumors, which develop from the cells that produce eggs and support the ovaries, respectively.
Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. The uterus is a pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis where a fertilized egg can implant and develop into a fetus during pregnancy.
Uterine cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers, and it typically occurs in postmenopausal women, although it can affect women of all ages. The exact cause of uterine cancer is not always known, but several risk factors can increase a woman's likelihood of developing the disease.
Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that originates in the cells of the vagina, which is the muscular, tube-like structure that connects the uterus (womb) to the outside of the body. Vaginal cancer is much less common than other gynecological cancers, such as cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer.
There are different types of vaginal cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type and typically arises from the thin, flat cells lining the vagina. Adenocarcinoma originates in glandular cells, while melanoma arises from pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). Each type may have different risk factors and treatment approaches.
Symptoms of vaginal cancer may include vaginal bleeding (particularly after menopause), vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, painful urination, and a lump or mass in the vagina.
Early detection and prompt treatment are important for improving the prognosis of vaginal cancer. As with any cancer, discussing risk factors and potential preventive measures with a healthcare provider is essential, especially for individuals with known risk factors like HPV infection or a family history of vaginal cancer.
Vulvar cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the external female genitalia, specifically the vulva. The vulva includes the outer and inner lips (labia majora and labia minora), the clitoris, the vaginal opening, and the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus). Vulvar cancer usually originates in the skin cells of the vulva and can develop anywhere on this part of the body.
Vulvar cancer can manifest in various forms, with the most common type being squamous cell carcinoma, which originates in the thin, flat cells that line the vulva's surface. Other, less
common types of vulvar cancer include melanoma (a cancer that arises from pigment-producing cells) and adenocarcinoma (which originates in glandular cells).
Symptoms of vulvar cancer may include persistent itching, pain, tenderness, burning, or changes in the color or thickness of the vulvar skin. A lump or mass in the vulva, as well as bleeding or discharge that is not related to menstruation, can also be signs of vulvar cancer.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, a biopsy to collect a tissue sample for analysis, and potentially imaging tests like CT scans or MRI to determine the extent of the cancer.