The five main gynecological cancers are cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar. More than 80,000 women in the United States are diagnosed each year with gynecologic cancers according to ScienceDaily.com.
Often symptoms of these cancers are common and only indicate something benign.
Recognizing the 12 symptoms below may increase the odds of finding gynecological cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
1) Abdominal Bloating
Women diagnosed with ovarian cancer overwhelmingly reported that unexplained abdominal bloating came on fairly suddenly and continued on and off over a long period of time.
2) Feeling Full and the Inability to Eat
Another tip-off to ovarian cancer is having no appetite and the inability to eat.
3) Pelvic or Abdominal Pain
Ongoing abdominal pain or discomfort including gas, indigestion, pressure, bloating and cramps can signal ovarian cancer. Constant pelvic pain or pressure can be a sign of endometrial cancer.
4) Persistent Indigestion or Nausea
Occasionally, persistent indigestion or nausea can signal gynecologic cancers.
5) Constantly Needing to Urinate
Unless one is drinking more liquids or is pregnant, suddenly needing to use the bathroom all the time or feeling constant pressure on your bladder may be a sign of cancer.
6) A Red, Sore, or Swollen Breast
Symptoms on the breast surface can be overlooked. Some women notice cellulite-like dimpled skin on an area of the breast . Others notice that a breast is swollen, hot or irritated. Another cause for concern is red or purplish discoloration.
7) Nipple Changes
With breast cancer, a nipple could start to appear flattened, inverted or turned sideways. In addition, inflammatory breast cancer also causes nipple problems, such as itchy, scaly, or crusty skin on the nipple.
8) Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
More than 90 percent of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer experience irregular bleeding.
9) Vaginal Discharge Colored with Blood
Bloody, dark or smelly vaginal discharge is usually a sign of infection. But sometimes it can be a sign of cervical or endometrial cancer.
10) Swollen Leg
This may be a sign of cervical cancer. A swollen leg isn't typically a cancer symptom though unless there's also pain, discharge or other cervical cancer symptoms.
11) Swollen Lymph Nodes
A lump or an enlarged lymph node under the arm is sometimes a sign of breast cancer.
12) Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common cancer symptoms. It is usually more common with advanced cancer, but still occurs in the early stages.
Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer. But if any of these symptoms last two weeks or longer, see a doctor. The earlier gynecologic cancers are found and treated, the more effective treatment can be.
Sources:
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Rowan, Karen. "5 Signs of Gynecological Cancer Women Ignore." LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 21 Sept. 2012. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
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Reviewed February 28, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith
Keywords: gynecological cancers, ovarian cancer, abdominal bloating, the inability to eat, persistent indigestion or nausea, endometrial cancer, bleeding, vaginal discharge, swollen leg, fatigue