The four main types of gynaecological cancers are:
Cervical cancer
Ovarian cancer
Uterine, or womb cancer
Vaginal and vulval cancer
Symptoms of cervical cancer
Bleeding between periods
Bleeding during and after sex
Bleeding after the menopause
Changes to your usual bleeding such as heavier than usual periods
Changes to your vaginal discharge
Back or abdomen pain
Pain during sex
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can cause cervical cancer as it can change the cells in the cervix, which can develop into cervical cancer.
It is important to go for regular cervical screening tests, and if abnormal cells have been found will be referred for a colposcopy.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
Bloating
Lack of appetite
Feeling full quickly
Needing to urinate more often
Changes to your usual bowel habits
Indigestion
Back pain
Feeling more tired than usual
Post-menopausal bleeding
If you have members of close family with ovarian cancer, you may wish to have your ovaries removed. It can also help to stop smoking and maintaining a health lifestyle.
Symptoms of uterine cancer (womb cancer)
Changes to your usual monthly bleeding
Bleeding between periods
Post-menopausal bleeding
Bleeding during sex
Change to your usual discharge
A lump in your abdomen or pelvis
Pain during sex
Blood in your urine
Pain in your lower back or pelvis
It is possible to have a higher risk of uterine cancer if you have high levels of oestrogen in your body.
You can have higher levels of oestrogen if you take HRT, have never had a baby, have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), went through menopause late, and are overweight.
Symptoms of vaginal cancer
A lump in the vagina
Skin changes in the vagina
Bleeding after sex
Post-menopausal bleeding
Bleeding between periods
Itchy vagina
Pain when urinating
Changes to your discharge
Vaginal cancer is often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus. It is a rarer gynaecological cancer.
Symptoms of vulva cancer
Pain and soreness on the vulva
Itchy vulva
A lump or sore on the vulva
Bleeding from the vulva
Blood stained discharge
Pain when urinating
A mole on the vulva that has changed appearance
Vulval cancer is also rare, but the risk increases with age, having skin conditions affecting the vulva, smoking, having abnormal cells in the vulva and having several HPV infections.
Treatment for gynaecological cancers
Your gynaecologist will discuss your results with you. If you are told you have a gynaecological cancer, further tests will usually be required to determine the size and spread of the cancer, such as blood tests, MRI scans, CT scans and internal examinations.
Your treatment plan will be individualised to you and will depend on how big the cancer is and if it has spread.
It is important to note that the symptoms of gynaecological cancers can also be symptoms of other benign women's health conditions, such as fibroids and endometriosis. It is best to see a professional Gynaecologist Consultant to rule out anything serious and treat the cause of your symptoms.
How do I book a consultation?
You can book a consultation with Evi Bakali via her secretary.
Appointments are available via private medical insurance or paying for yourself. Click here for the most up to date self funding fees and for private medical insurance information.