In the tumor statistics for women in Germany, breast cancer has long been the most common type of cancer. This is followed in the top 10 by other gynecological cancers, such as cancer of the uterus, ovaries and cervix. Gynecological tumors therefore represent a very high health risk in women's lives.
Here you will find an overview of gynecological cancers and specialists for their treatment.
Tumors can generally affect both sexes. Their frequency increases with age. However, there are also purely male or female tumors. The most common gynecological cancers in our part of the world are mainly
Gynecological cancers are tumor diseases that can only occur in women, as only women have the organs affected by them. However, there is one restriction here: although breast cancer occurs much more frequently in women, men can also develop breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common gynecological cancer - the "pink ribbon" is the symbol of solidarity for those affected.
In recent years, medical research in the field of tumor diseases has made further progress. It is now known that there is no such thing as breast cancer or cervical cancer that is always the same tumor entity. Instead, different women develop their own individual tumors. This has to do with genetics, among other things.
Some women carry certain marker genes that make gynecological cancer more likely. These include, for example, the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes, which mean a higher risk of cancer in families. As a rule, affected women from the same family develop cancer in several generations and sometimes also multiple gynecological cancers.
Gynecological tumors occur in women primarily in these areas:
In many cases, gynecological cancers are so-called carcinomas. These are essentially cell growths that originate in the skin and mucous membrane cells. Squamous epithelial cells and glandular epithelial cells are usually the origin of the malignant changes.
A common feature of carcinomas is their mostly lymphogenous spread. This means that gynecological cancers often metastasize via the lymphatic system and spread throughout the body.
The exact causes of a large number of cancers are unknown. However, the following correlations are discussed as risk factors for gynecological tumors:
Viral infections are also a particularly important risk factor - e.g. for cervical cancer (cervical carcinoma). In particular, infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV) of types 16 and 18 should be mentioned here.
These viruses are transmitted sexually and infect skin and mucous membrane cells. The viruses can settle permanently in these cells. They lead to a high risk of cell changes and the development of cancer (carcinogenesis). More than 90 % of cervical cancers are positive for HPV16/18.
The symptoms of a tumor depend on the following factors:
Initially, many gynecological cancers are completely asymptomatic. This means that women are unaware of their illness.
As the disease progresses, various symptoms may develop that are generally characteristic of tumor diseases:
An unexplained but marked loss of weight can also occur within a very short period of time. This should always be a warning signal to consult a doctor.
Unlike men, women are usually under the care of a gynecologist from the onset of puberty. There they receive annual screening examinations, for example for breast cancer (mammography) or cervical cancer (PAP test). Regular breast self-examination is also particularly important. Hardening, nipple retractions or weeping nipples are possible signs of a tumor.
Mammography is a special X-ray examination of the breast
Both self-examination and early detection examinations are also important for the early diagnosis of gynecological cancers. The earlier these are detected and treated, the better the prognosis for the disease - experts also speak of 5-year survival.
It is particularly important for younger women who want to have children to think about fertility preservation when they are diagnosed with cancer. At first, it seems to be all about survival - there are no questions about having a child.
However, chemotherapy and radiation damage the genetic material of the cells or can also lead to infertility in the long term - depending on the organ that has been irradiated. As a result, it is not uncommon for the desire to have children to become unfulfillable. In many cases, however, it is possible to retrieve and freeze egg cells before treatment begins. In this way, the desire to have children can be fulfilled later in life.
Studies show that up to 76% of those affected wish to have a child later in life. This clearly illustrates the importance of fertility preservation for patients in the period after treatment.
There are various ways to prevent cancer. There are effective ways to reduce the risk of cancer, particularly with regard to gynecological cancers. These include, for example
The HPV vaccination protects against infection with HPV 16 and 18 in over 90% of cases.
In addition, studies have shown that HPV vaccination in girls demonstrably reduces the risk of precancerous stages of cervical cancer. For optimum protection, it is necessary for girls to be vaccinated before the first risk of infection. The HPV vaccination is therefore recommended by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) as a preventive measure for both sexes from the age of 9.
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