Gynecological Cancers: Information and Doctor Search

Gynecological cancers are tumor diseases that can occur exclusively in women, since only women have the organs affected by these cancers.

However, there is one exception: Although breast cancer is much more common in women, men can also develop breast cancer.

In recent years, medical research in the field of cancer has continued to advance.

Today, it is known that there is no single, uniform form of breast cancer or cervical cancer. Rather, different women develop their own unique form of the disease. This is related, among other factors, to genetics.

Some women carry certain marker genes that increase their likelihood of developing gynecological cancer.

These include, for example, the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes, which indicate a higher risk of cancer within a family. As a rule, affected women in a family develop the disease across several generations and, in some cases, may also develop multiple gynecological cancers.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women @ Sebastian Kaulitzki /AdobeStock

Gynecological tumors primarily occur in the following areas in women:

• Breast (mammary gland)
• Ovaries
• Uterus (cervix, endometrium)
• Vagina (vulva)

In many cases, gynecological cancers are what are known as carcinomas. These are essentially cell proliferations that originate in the skin and mucosal cells.

Squamous epithelial cells and glandular epithelial cells are usually the source of these malignant changes.

A typical characteristic of carcinomas is that they usually spread via the lymphatic system. This means that gynecological cancers often form secondary tumors (metastases) through the lymphatic vessels and thus spread throughout the body.

The exact causes of many types of cancer are unknown. 

However, the following are considered risk factors for gynecological cancers:

• Genetic predisposition (oncogenes such as BRCA1/2),
• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or the onset of menopause
• An unhealthy lifestyle due to poor diet and lack of physical activity
• Obesity
• Environmental toxins, as well as
• nicotine and alcohol

Alcohol and nicotine consumption increase the risk of gynecological cancers @ doucefleur/AdobeStock

Viral infections also represent a particularly important risk factor—for example, for cervical cancer (cervical carcinoma). In particular, infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 should be noted here.

These viruses are, among other ways, sexually transmitted and infect skin and mucosal cells. The viruses can establish a permanent presence in these cells.

They carry a high risk of causing cellular changes and the development of cancer (carcinogenesis). More than 90% of cervical carcinomas test positive for HPV 16/18.

The symptoms of a tumor depend on the following factors:

• Type of tumor
• Affected organ
• Stage of the disease

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 cancer:

• Pain and a feeling of pressure
• Lumps, e.g., in the breast
• Functional limitations
• Ulcerations (sores)

Likewise, unexplained but significant weight loss may occur within a very short period of time. This should always be a warning sign to see a doctor.

Unlike men, women are generally under the care of a gynecologist starting at the onset of puberty. There, they receive annual screening exams, such as for breast cancer (mammography) or cervical cancer (Pap test). 

Regular breast self-exams are also particularly important.

Possible signs of a tumor include:

• Lumps
• Nipple retraction or
• Weeping nipples

A mammogram is a specialized X-ray examination of the breast @ Gorodenkoff /AdobeStock

Both self-examination and early detection screenings are also important for the early diagnosis of gynecological cancers. 

The earlier doctors detect and treat these conditions, the better the prognosis. Experts also refer to the 5-year survival rate in this context.

Especially for younger women who wish to have children, it is important to consider fertility preservation upon a cancer diagnosis. At first, it may seem as though survival is the only concern—questions about having a child of one’s own do not arise.

However, chemotherapy and radiation therapy damage the genetic material of cells. Depending on the organ treated, they can also lead to infertility in the long term. 

As a result, the desire to have children often cannot be fulfilled. In many cases, it is possible to retrieve and freeze eggs before treatment begins. This allows women to fulfill their desire to have children later in life.

Studies show that up to 76% of those affected wish to have a child later in life. This clearly illustrates how important preserving fertility is for patients in the period following their recovery.

Cancer screening can be effective in various ways. When it comes to gynecological cancers in particular, there are effective ways to reduce the risk of cancer.

These include, for example:

• A balanced, healthy diet
• Sufficient physical activity and exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight (BMI < 25 kg/m²) and avoiding obesity 
• HPV vaccination

A lifestyle that includes healthy eating and plenty of exercise helps with prevention @ M.studio /AdobeStock

The HPV vaccine protects against infection with HPV types 16 and 18 in over 90% of cases.

Furthermore, studies show that HPV vaccination in girls has been proven to reduce the risk of precancerous cervical lesions. 

For optimal protection, girls should be vaccinated before they are at risk of infection. For this reason, the German Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends the HPV vaccine for both genders starting at age 9 as a preventive measure.