ORLANDO, Fla. — Bloating, unusual bleeding and pelvic pain can have many causes, but they can also be warning signs of gynecologic cancer.
The five main types of gynecologic cancer are cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancer.
“Gynecologic cancer symptoms can sometimes be subtle or mistaken for other common conditions,” said Dr. Sara Meinz, a gynecologic oncologist at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital. “A symptom does not necessarily mean cancer, but if something is new, unusual or persistent, it is important to talk with your health care provider.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies several symptoms that should be discussed with a medical professional:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, particularly bleeding after menopause
- New or persistent pelvic pain or pressure
- Persistent bloating or pain in the abdomen or back
- Feeling full unusually quickly or having difficulty eating
- Persistent itching, burning, pain, tenderness or changes in the color of genital skin
Changes in bathroom habits, including a frequent or urgent need to urinate or constipation, can also occur with some gynecologic cancers.
The CDC recommends contacting a health care provider promptly about unusual vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms should be evaluated if they persist for two weeks or longer and are not normal for the patient.
Family history and screening
Risk varies by cancer type and can increase with age. Patients should tell their providers about close relatives who have had ovarian, uterine, breast, colorectal or other cancers. A provider can determine whether genetic counseling or additional evaluation may be appropriate.
Human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, is linked to cervical cancer and some vaginal and vulvar cancers. Vaccination can protect against the HPV types that most often cause those cancers.
Cervical cancer is the only gynecologic cancer with recommended routine screening tests for people without symptoms. Pap and HPV tests can detect cervical cancer early or identify precancerous changes before cancer develops.
There are no routine screening tests for ovarian, uterine, vaginal or vulvar cancer in people without symptoms. That makes recognizing physical changes and reporting persistent symptoms especially important.
Patients should speak with their health care providers about their individual risks, preventive care and the cervical cancer screening schedule appropriate for them.
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