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Malignancy (cancer)

Facts about Malignancy.

What is it?

Three types of cancer can cause abnormal menstrual-like bleeding. Endometrial cancer is a cancer of the womb lining. Cervical cancer is a cancer occurring on the neck of the womb. Vaginal cancer is a cancer within the vagina.

What are the symptoms?

Endometrial cancer often causes bleeding after the menopause or irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding in women who have not been through the menopause. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/womb-cancer/

Cervical cancer can cause irregular menstrual bleeding, sometimes triggered by sex. It may also cause a vaginal discharge. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-cancer/

Vaginal cancer can cause irregular or heavy vaginal bleeding or bleeding after sex. It may also cause a painful or itchy lump in the vagina that does not go away. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-cancer/

What causes it?

It is not clear what exactly causes endometrial cancer but it appears to be more likely if there are high levels of oestrogen. Oestrogen levels can be increased by obesity or if you are taking a breast cancer treatment drug called tamoxifen.

Cervical and vaginal cancer appear to be caused by infection with some types of the human papilloma virus (HPV). This may be more common in women who smoke.

How is it diagnosed?

Endometrial cancer may be detected in a biopsy of the lining of the womb or by hysteroscopy (a procedure where a camera is placed inside the womb via the vagina).

Cervical and vaginal cancer are usually diagnosed by a gynaecological examination and biopsy.

CT and MRI scans are useful for assessment of people with gynaecology cancers before an individualised treatment plan is created.

How is it treated?

This will depend on how early a cancer is detected. Treatment may involve surgery, usually to remove the womb (hysterectomy) and sometimes the Fallopian tubes and ovaries too. Some people will require radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.

Further information

https://www.maggiescentres.org/

https://eveappeal.org.uk/