The enigma of a woman’s body

Understanding the female anatomy

The unfortunate truth is that most women do not understand their body. This keeps them puzzled about the discomforts caused. Only a better understanding will make a better diagnosis be possible. This will further pave way for a better treatment.

The reproductive system is the most complex of all organs functioning in a woman’s body. It has both internal and external parts. The external genitalia; the vulva, vagina, and cervix, are known to be more prone to infections. There is also an increase in the number of cancer cases reported for these organs.

Malignancies in these regions of the body are referred to as lower reproductive cancers. And for every part affected, symptoms differ. 

The lower reproductive cancers

Vulvar cancer

The vulva is not an isolated part. It comprises of the urethral opening, the vaginal opening, the clitoris, the labia and the Mons pubis. Cancer of the vulva is a very common gynecological malignancy and most cases are reported in women of the menopausal age. The risk of developing this disease increases as a woman gets older. But young women are no exception.

HPV or the Human Papilloma virus is the most investigated etiologic agent for vulvar malignancies. HPV-caused cancers of the vulva represent a local spread of the virus from genital warts to the cancerous region. Research also suggests a link between vulvar dystrophy and cancer. This is a medical condition where patchy areas of thickened skin are seen in and around the vulva. These regions of the skin are usually itchy or cause a burning sensation. But there exist minimal possibilities of this condition progressing to cancer. A plethora of other potential risks from the menstrual history and lifestyle factors have been identified. But none of these are known to have a great influence.

Demographics thus suggest two distinguished group of women who develop vulvar cancer.

•    Women above the age of 45-50 who aren’t positive for other infectious diseases

•    Younger women in whom an existing medical condition progresses to cancer or those who are immuno-suppressed

Vulvar cancer is indicated by a change in the color of the skin around the vagina. There may also be rashes in the same region that are sensitive to touch.

Vaginal cancer

The vagina is a connection between the vulva and the uterus. A vaginal cancer is the least common of all gynecologic cancers. A less extensive research about the disease can be attributed to this very fact.

The etiologies are nearly similar to those of a vulvar malignancy. But an important observation is that most women who developed this condition had a hysterectomy performed. The use of synthetic estrogens like DES during pregnancy has also been identified as a potential threat.

Untimely bleeding and abnormal vaginal discharge are the main symptoms of this condition.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer follows breast cancer in the number of cases. It can hence be categorized among the most common malignancies.

Tobacco is a major risk factor. Carcinogens from tobacco and an HPV infection (or other STIs) are known to act in synergy to cause this. Sexual behavior, although a risk factor, has not been identified as an independent influence. Research also suggests that the administration of hormonal pills can drive the rate at which cervical cancer progresses. Exacerbated levels of risk for all cancers are seen in immuno-suppressed individuals.

Cervical cancers often go unrecognized because of the lack of visible symptoms. In some cases, there might be abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding post sexual intercourse.

Diagnosis and treatment

Regular health examinations aid the early diagnosis of these conditions. Symptoms may not necessarily develop at these stages. A pap smear is the sample used for diagnosis of cervical cancers. But no screening tests are available for the others. X-rays, ultrasounds or other imaging systems can check the growth of the tissue.

Reproductive cancers can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapies, and radiation too. Some physicians might even suggest varying combinations of these. But one needs to be informed that reproductive cancers are capable of causing infertility in women.  There has been extensive research going on to resolve this issue. The Lower Female Reproductive System Cancers Drug Development Pipeline is thus ever widening.