Cancer
What are gynecologic cancers?
Gynecologic cancer is cancer that grows on your sexual or reproductive organs. Types of gynecologic cancers include:
- Cervical
- Uterine
- Ovarian
- Vulvar
- Vaginal
All women are at risk of gynecologic cancer, and your risk increases as you get older. As a preventive measure, the team at Pure OBGYN screens for gynecologic cancers regularly for early detection and treatment.
What are the symptoms of gynecologic cancers?
Each type of gynecologic cancer has its own set of unique symptoms, which is why you should come in to Pure OBGYN as scheduled for your routine examinations to help monitor your health.
Common symptoms you can look out for include:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding
- Pelvic pain or pressure, or back pain
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent urination
- Constipation or bloating
- Itchy, painful vulva
- Strange growths
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix. It’s the leading cause of gynecologic cancer death in women, but with advances in medicine and screening, physicians can detect changes in cervical cells early to improve health and outcomes.
How do you screen for cervical cancer?
The team at Pure OBGYN use two tests to screen for cervical cancer:
- Pap test
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) test
During a Pap test, otherwise referred to as a Pap smear, cells from your cervix are collected and then tested to view for abnormalities. An HPV test checks if you have this common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can cause cervical cancer.
You may not need to have a Pap and HPV test at every annual gynecologic visit. The team at Pure OBGYN develops an individualized plan that fits your prior test results, health history, and family history.
What if my Pap smear is abnormal?
If your Pap smear came back abnormal, your doctor at Pure OBGYN may recommend a second Pap smear to confirm results. Once it’s confirmed that the cells in your cervix are abnormal, additional procedures may be recommended, such as:
- Colposcopy: use of a special magnifying tool to visually observe the cervix
- Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): a wire loop that uses an electric current to remove abnormal cells from your cervix
The team of doctors at Pure OBGYN takes cancer very seriously and offer regular screenings and treatments for prevention. Call today or book an appointment online.
