Gynecologic Cancer
Gynecologic cancer are cancers that originate from the female reproductive organs. There are several types of gynecologic cancers which include ovarian, cervical, endometrial, or primary peritoneal cancers.
Ovarian cancer arises from cells in the ovaries or fallopian tubes which have grown abnormally and multiplied to form a tumor. Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer in women and predominantly affects older, postmenopausal women over 50 years old. There are three main types of ovarian cancer: epithelial ovarian cancer, germ cell cancer and stromal cell cancer. Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common, accounting for approximately 90 percent of ovarian cancers.
Cervical cancer: The cervix is the organ connecting the uterus and the vagina. Cervical cancer is related to infection by certain types of oncogenic Human papillomavirus (HPV) virus. It is a slow-growing cancer and can be prevented by early vaccination against HPV in Europe, and other developed countries. It usually affects young adult women, and unfortunately, it is the third most frequent cancer in women worldwide (about 4% of all cancers diagnosed in women).
Endometrial cancer forms in the tissue lining the uterus. Most endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). Endometrial cancer usually occurs in women over the age of 60, but up to 25% of cases may occur before the menopause.
Primary peritoneal cancer (PPC) is a rare cancer that starts in the layer of tissue called the peritoneum. The peritoneum lines the inside of the abdomen. The cause of PPC is unknown. PPC is more common in older women.
Clinical trials
A ‘clinical trial’ is a research study in which people agree to test a potential new treatment to prevent or improve a disease or medical condition. A clinical trial also looks at how participants react to the potential new treatment and if any unwanted effects occur. This helps to determine if the new investigational treatment works, is safe, and is better than those that are already available. Many clinical trials also compare existing treatments or test new ways to use or combine existing treatments.
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