Gynecological tumor is a malignant disease, which is common in the female reproductive system, including cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and vulvar cancer. These tumors seriously threaten the health of women. Therefore, it is of great significance to understand the common gynecological tumors and their screening methods for early detection and treatment. This article will introduce the common types of gynecological tumors, screening cycle and screening content.
Common gynecological tumors
1. Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignant tumors in the world. The main cause is high-risk HPV infection. The early symptoms of cervical cancer are not obvious, and it is often found when the disease progresses to the middle and late stages, so regular screening is particularly important.
2. Endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer occurs primarily in the endometrium, the mucous layer of the uterine cavity. Its main symptoms include abnormal uterine bleeding, especially after menopause. Risk factors for endometrial cancer are obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and childlessness.
3. Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of female reproductive system tumors. Because its early symptoms are not obvious, it is often diagnosed in the late stage. Family history and genetic factors (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations) are important risk factors for morbidity of ovarian cancer.
4. Vulvar cancer
Vulvar cancer is a relatively rare gynecological malignant tumor, which is more common in elderly women. Its main symptoms include pruritus vulvae, pain and ulcers. Smoking, HPV infection and low immune function are the main risk factors.
Screening period and method
1. Cervical cancer screening
Screening cycle: Cervical cancer screening is generally recommended to begin at age 21. Cervical cytology (Pap smear) is performed every 3 years for women aged 21 to 29 years. Women aged 30 to 65 years had cervical cytology every 3 years or cervical cytology with HPV testing every 5 years.
Screening methods:
• Pap smear: a test to detect the presence of abnormal cells by taking a sample of cells from the cervix.
• HPV testing: tests for the presence of high-risk HPV infections.
2. Endometrial cancer screening
Screening cycle: For high-risk groups, such as women with a family history or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) syndrome, annual screening is recommended starting at age 35. For the general population, there is no uniform recommendation for screening, which is usually carried out at the time of symptoms.
Screening methods:
• Transvaginal ultrasound: The thickness and structure of the endometrium is examined by ultrasound.
• Biopsy: Endometrial tissue specimens are obtained for pathological examination.
3. Ovarian cancer screening
Screening cycle: For high-risk individuals with family history or BRCA1/2 gene mutations, annual screening is recommended from the age of 30 to 35. For the general population, routine screening is not recommended and is usually performed at the onset of symptoms.
Screening methods:
• Transvaginal ultrasound: The shape and size of the ovaries are examined by ultrasound.
• Serum CA-125 test: detects the level of CA-125 protein in the blood as an auxiliary diagnostic tool for ovarian cancer.
4. Vulvar cancer screening
Screening cycle: Vulvar cancer screening is mainly aimed at high-risk groups, such as women with a history of HPV infection or low immune function. An annual examination of the vulva is recommended.
Screening methods:
• Examination of the vulva: By inspection and palpation by a physician, the vulva is examined for abnormal lesions.
• Vulvar biopsy: When a suspicious lesion is found, a tissue sample is taken for pathological examination.
Regular screening is the key to the prevention and early detection of gynecological tumors. Women should follow the appropriate screening cycle and methods according to their own risk factors and doctor’s advice to ensure their health. Through scientific and reasonable screening, we can detect precancerous lesions or early canceration as early as possible, improve the therapeutic effect and reduce mortality.
References
1.American Cancer Society. (2021). Cervical Cancer Early Detection, Diagnosis, and Staging. Retrieved fromhttps://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging.html 2.National Cancer Institute. (2021). Endometrial Cancer Screening. Retrieved fromhttps://www.cancer.gov/types/endometrial/patient/endometrial-screening-pdq 3.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2017). Practice Bulletin No. 174: Evaluation and Management of Adnexal Masses. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 129(3), e210-e226. 4.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Ovarian Cancer. Retrieved fromhttps://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/index.htm 5.World Health Organization. (2020). Vulvar cancer. Retrieved fromhttps://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vulvar-cancer
