How to correctly understand gynecological tumors?

Common gynecological tumors include vulvar tumors, vaginal tumors, uterine tumors, ovarian tumors and fallopian tube tumors. Uterine and ovarian tumors are more common, while vulvar and fallopian tube tumors are less common.

01What are the causes of gynecological tumors?

1. Individual factors

1. Mental factors:

Mental trauma, psychological imbalance, tension, depression, irritability, etc. can reduce the body's immunity, reduce the function of the thymus and lymph nodes, strengthen carcinogenic factors, and cause the originally suppressed cancer cells to proliferate actively.

2. Age:

The peak incidence of benign tumors generally occurs at the age of 30, while the peak incidence of malignant tumors occurs at the age of 50.

3. Anatomy, tissue, and embryonic factors:

Most tumors of the ovary and uterus are benign, while most tumors of the fallopian tube are malignant.

4. Menstruation and endogenous sex hormones:

The main carcinogenic factor of estrogen is estrone.

5. Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding:

42% of patients with uterine fibroids and 24%-69% of patients with endometrium have a history of infertility.

6. Obesity

Fat can store estrogen and slow down its metabolism. Excess fat may be converted into estrone and methylcholanthrene. If your weight is 15% over the standard, your risk of endometrial cancer is three times higher than normal.

7. Various functions of the body:

The body has immune and anti-tumor capabilities. Gene regulation can promote cancer cell apoptosis and may also have a bystander effect.

8. Blood type:

Among ovarian cancer patients, 40% had type O blood and 44% had type A blood.

9. Other diseases:

For example, the incidence of cervical cancer in patients with cervicitis is 10-20 times higher than that in normal people.

2. Infection Factors

1. Human papillomavirus (HPV):

More than 100 subtypes have been discovered, 35 of which can cause reproductive tract infections. The HPV detection rate in cervical cancer can reach 99.8%; the detection rate in vulvar cancer and ovarian cancer is also high.

2. Herpes simplex virus-2:

Among patients with cervical cancer, 83% are positive for HSV-2 antibodies, among patients with cervicitis, 52% are positive, and among patients with normal cervix, only 30% are positive.

3. Other viruses:

Human immunodeficiency virus, human cytomegalovirus, rubella virus, Epstein-Barr virus, etc. can all cause cancer.

4. Other infections:

Aflatoxin derivatives can cause ovarian cancer

3. Lifestyle Factors

1. Diet and nutrients:

Among female tumors, 60% are related to diet and nutrition. For example, excessive fat intake increases the risk of ovarian cancer by 50%; drinking coffee for more than 40 years increases the risk of ovarian cancer by 3.4 times.

2. Tobacco and alcohol:

The experiment showed that if the RR of cervical squamous cell carcinoma in non-smokers was 1.00, the RR of those who smoked 10-29 cigarettes a day was 1.82, and the RR of those who smoked ≥30 cigarettes a day was 2.56, P

3. Sexual behavior, sexually transmitted diseases and male factors:

The results of the Jiangxi survey showed that the prevalence of hydatidiform mole was 514/100,000 for those married at ≤19 years of age and 89/100,000 for those married at ≥30 years of age. Beijing (1979) census:

4. Birth control measures:

Oral contraceptives can protect against ovarian cancer.

5. Cultural and sports activities:

Lack of cultural and sports activities is prone to endometrial cancer (Littman, 2001).

4. Hygiene and Medical Factors

1. Health work policy:

National policies that focus on people’s livelihood can significantly reduce the incidence of cancer. For example, vigorously carry out disease surveys and treatments.

2. Diagnosis and treatment issues:

Early detection, early treatment. "Inadequate treatment" of postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy is the main cause of cancer recurrence.

3. Exogenous female hormones:

Estrogen replacement therapy alone increases the RR of endometrial cancer to 4.1. For women over 50 years old who use estrogen alone for 5 years, the incidence of endometrial cancer is 1%, while for 10 years or more, this rate rises to 36%.

5. Human and Social Factors

1. Era:

In recent years, the incidence of vulvar carcinoma in situ has increased, but there has been little change in invasive carcinoma. The proportion of cervical cancer and endometrial cancer has reversed. The incidence of ovarian cancer has tripled in the past 40 years. In the past 10 years, the incidence of ovarian cancer has increased by 30% and the mortality rate has increased by 18% (Gao Yongliang, 2001).

2. Urban-rural differences:

The prevalence of ovarian cancer in large cities is 15.3/100,000; in medium-sized cities, it is 12.6/100,000. The incidence rate of cervical cancer is higher in big cities and lower in small towns, but the mortality rate in rural areas is three times that in big cities.

3. Regional differences:

The prevalence of ovarian cancer is highest in Northern Europe (15.1/100,000), lowest in Central America (1.9/100,000), and also low in South Africa and East Asia. The incidence of hydatidiform mole in mainland China is 80/100,000 pregnancies, which is about twice as high as that in Europe and the United States.

4. Economic income and educational level:

The incidence of cervical cancer in the agricultural population with low economic, cultural and health levels is dozens of times higher than that of women of the same age in urban areas.

6. Environmental factors

1. Geographical factors:

The incidence of hydatidiform mole is lower in mountainous areas and higher in coastal areas. The incidence of cervical cancer is higher in mountainous areas than in plains.

2. Physical and chemical factors:

It is generally believed that 80%-90% of cancer occurrence is directly or indirectly related to the environment, and 80% of environmental factors are chemical. Such as nitrosamines, coal tar, alkylating agents, etc.

7. Genetic factors

It is generally believed that genetic factors only account for 10% of the causes of gynecological malignancies. Among the causes of ovarian cancer, only 2.5% to 7% are related to genetic factors (Wang Xizhi, 2001). It is reported that 5%-8% of ovarian cancer patients are genetically susceptible, of which 70% are hereditary ovarian cancer and breast cancer syndrome (Gao Yongliang, 2001). Uterine fibroids may also have genetic factors, with a 30% incidence of chromosomal abnormalities. The incidence rate among those with a family history is 2.2 times that of the general population. The incidence of uterine fibroids in African Americans is 3.4 times higher than that in white Americans.

What complications are likely to occur with gynecological tumors?

Lesions of the fallopian tube and ovary are also very likely to coexist with uterine adenocarcinoma and cervical cancer. Gynecological tumors are very harmful to women, and malignant tumors seriously endanger women's health, so they must be treated in a timely manner.

What are the typical symptoms of gynecological tumors?

Once you have a gynecological tumor, you will usually have the following symptoms:

1. Vaginal bleeding should be distinguished from normal menstruation:

Vaginal bleeding is often manifested as increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual period, irregular bleeding, or discharge of blood, and changes in the color of the blood.

2. Changes in leucorrhea:

Normal leucorrhea should be white, paste-like or egg white-like, clear, odorless and in small amount. When the amount of vaginal discharge increases or the color changes, such as becoming thick, bloody, watery, or having an odor, you should go to the hospital for examination in time.

3. Lump appears in the lower abdomen:

During a pelvic examination, an enlarged uterus and a mass may be palpated. The mass may be large enough to be felt in the abdomen. It may feel cystic or solid, with different degrees of softness and hardness.

4. Lower abdominal pain is mostly caused by gynecological diseases:

Tumors can cause lower abdominal pain. If the tumor pedicle twists, ruptures, becomes inflamed, bleeds, or ascites occurs, varying degrees of lower abdominal pain may occur. An enlarged tumor can compress the anus, causing a feeling of heaviness and distension.

5. Changes in urine and stool:

Tumor compression or invasion can cause urinary retention, frequent urination, bloody stools, and even urinary or fecal fistulas.

These are common symptoms of gynecological tumors. No matter what symptoms appear, whether mild or severe, you should go to the hospital for examination in time. The condition can be basically diagnosed through pelvic examination and various auxiliary examinations.

04How to prevent gynecological tumors

1. Advocate late marriage and late childbearing:

Studies have shown that women who get married or have sex before the age of 20 are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer as other women.

2. Prevent unclean sexual life:

Studies show that people with disordered sexual life have a 2-3 times higher risk of cervical cancer

3. Cure chronic gynecological diseases:

Chronic cervical inflammation, erosion, leukoplakia, trichomonas and fungal infection may induce cervical cancer

4. Regular inspection:

Gynecological examinations should be performed regularly, especially for women over 45 years old, who should have a gynecological examination and cervical smear every year.

5. Adjustment of diet structure:

Eating less saturated fatty acids and more vegetables is beneficial for preventing ovarian cancer

6. Oral contraceptives:

Oral contraceptives may reduce ovarian cancer risk

05What tests are needed for gynecological tumors

There are many types of gynecological tumors, and the physiological structure of women is more complex. Tumor manifestations are diverse and symptoms are atypical. Common clinical examination methods include ultrasound, HCG measurement, pelvic examination, etc.

06Dietary Dos and Don’ts for Gynecological Cancer Patients

1. Eat a nutritious, plant-based, and diverse diet, choose a plant-based diet rich in various vegetables, fruits, and beans. This does not mean being a vegetarian, but plant-based foods should account for more than 2/3 of the meals;

2. Maintain an appropriate weight. The average body mass index (BMI = weight/height 2 (m)) of the population should be maintained at 21-25 throughout adulthood, while the individual's BMI should be 18.5-25, avoiding being too low or too high in weight, and limiting weight gain throughout adulthood to within 5 kg;

3. Maintain physical activity. If you are engaged in light or moderate physical activity, you should do brisk walking or similar exercise for about 1 hour every day, and arrange at least 1 hour of more intense sweating exercise every week;

4. Encourage people to eat more vegetables and fruits throughout the year, so that the calories they provide can reach 7% of the total energy. According to a gynecologist at Guangzhou Ren'ai Hospital, people should eat a variety of vegetables and fruits every day throughout the year, reaching 400g to 800g per day;

5. Choose plant-based staple foods rich in starch and protein, which should account for 45% to 60% of the total energy, and the total energy provided by refined sugar should be limited to 10%. Individuals should consume 600g to 800g of starchy foods every day, and should also try to eat less processed foods;

6. Don’t drink alcohol, especially avoid excessive drinking. If you want to drink, men should limit it to 2 cups and women to 1 cup (1 cup is defined as 250ml of beer, 100ml of wine, and 25ml of liquor). Pregnant women, children and teenagers should not drink alcohol;

7. Meat food: The intake of red meat (beef, mutton, pork and their products) should be less than 10% of the total energy, less than 80g per day. It is best to choose fish, poultry or meat from non-domesticated animals;

8. The energy provided by total fats and oils should account for 15% to 30% of the total energy. Limit the intake of foods with high fat content, especially foods with high animal fat content. Vegetable oils should also be moderate, and vegetable oils containing monounsaturated fats and low hydrogenation levels should be selected;

9. Limit salt intake: Adults should not consume more than 6g of salt from various sources per day, including salted foods;

10. Try to reduce mold contamination of food and avoid eating food contaminated with mycotoxins or stored at room temperature for a long time;

11. Food Preservation Perishable foods should be refrigerated or otherwise preserved by appropriate means both when purchased and at home;

12. Safe dosages of food additives, residues and various chemical contaminants should be established and monitored, and strict management and monitoring measures should be established. When the content of additives, contaminants and residues in food is lower than the level specified by the state, their presence is harmless, but their abuse or improper use may affect health;

13. Nutritional supplements Supplements cannot reduce the risk of cancer. Most people should get a variety of nutrients from their diet without nutritional supplements.

14. Food preparation and cooking: Use lower temperatures when eating meat and fish, do not eat burnt meat and fish, and do not often eat grilled, smoked or smoked meat and fish;

07Conventional methods of Western medicine in treating gynecological tumors

1. Hysteroscopy and laparoscopy

It is suitable for various gynecological tumors of about 7 cm. It only needs to make 3 small holes of about 5 mm in the abdomen. The whole operation can be visualized, preserving the uterus and fertility, leaving no scars, no surgery, fast recovery, and no season for surgery. Now, you can be discharged from the hospital in 3-4 days.

This method can also treat ectopic pregnancy, pelvic adhesions, endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis cysts, benign ovarian teratomas, various benign ovarian cysts, fallopian tube sterilization, fallopian tube recanalization, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroid removal, hysterectomy, etc. Surgery for early cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, etc.

2. Radiofrequency ablation

It is suitable for intramural submucosal fibroids with a diameter of less than 4 cm. It is a less invasive treatment method that can preserve the patient's fertility. It has little pain, quick recovery, no need for hospitalization, and can preserve the integrity of the patient's reproductive system.

3. Traditional laparotomy

Completely remove fibroids, suitable for patients with various uterine fibroids who have no surgical contraindications and no fertility requirements.

4. Combination of Chinese and Western Medicine

It is suitable for patients with small fibroids or those approaching menopause and who are clinically asymptomatic. It is a conservative treatment that does not require hospitalization, preserves the uterus, and has stable therapeutic effects.

Gynecological diseases are different from other diseases. Different types of diseases can occur at different age stages, such as adolescence, childbearing age, and menopause, each with different disease characteristics. Some diseases are related to menstruation and pregnancy, and sometimes the physiological and pathological manifestations are similar, but there are differences. Some systemic malignant diseases can metastasize to the reproductive organs, and gynecological malignant tumors can also metastasize to some organs and the whole body.

Gynecological tumors are divided into benign and malignant tumors, and both benign and malignant tumors can be divided into cystic and solid types. According to different locations, it can be divided into: vulvar tumors, vaginal tumors, uterine tumors, ovarian tumors and fallopian tube tumors. Uterine and ovarian tumors are more common, while vulvar and fallopian tube tumors are less common.

1. Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors:

It usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 50, most commonly between the ages of 40 and 50, and rarely occurs before the age of 20. According to statistics, about 1/3 of women suffer from uterine fibroids of varying degrees. Often, because the uterine fibroids are small and asymptomatic, they are not diagnosed without gynecological examinations. Generally speaking, if uterine fibroids are small and have no obvious effect on menstruation, they do not need to be treated temporarily. After menopause, due to changes in hormone levels, the uterus and ovaries will atrophy, and the fibroids will shrink accordingly, but regular check-ups are required. If uterine fibroids gradually grow larger, some fibroids may affect menstruation, causing a significant increase in menstrual volume and prolonged menstrual period, which may easily cause anemia. Or if the fibroids undergo degeneration, timely treatment is required. Uterine fibroids rarely become malignant.

2. Ovarian tumors are divided into benign tumors and malignant tumors. Benign ovarian tumors may also turn into malignant tumors:

Ovarian tumors are numerous and complex, and other primary malignant tumors in the body can metastasize to the ovaries, such as breast, intestinal, and stomach tumors. If you find an ovarian tumor, whether it is benign or malignant, you should go to the hospital for examination in time. Benign tumors can be treated surgically, and malignant tumors can also be treated surgically, with chemotherapy, and with radiation therapy.

(1) Proven and folk remedies for the treatment of ovarian cancer:

Prescription: Earthworm and Toad Soup: 15g each of earthworm, toad, Poria cocos, Polyporus umbellatus, and Codonopsis pilosula, 18g each of Hedyotis diffusa, Coix seed, and Scutellaria barbata, 10g each of Trillium and Atractylodes macrocephala, 12g of Curcuma zedoaria, and 3g of Licorice root. Decoction in water 3 times and take in 3 doses. If there is no obvious reaction, it can be taken for more than 2-3 months.

Efficacy: Pan Mingji et al. used this prescription to treat ovarian cancer and achieved certain results.

Folk remedy: 30g walnut branches, 30g lithospermum root, decocted in water and taken orally.

3. Cervical cancer is one of the common gynecological malignancies:

The onset of the disease is related to having sexual life before the age of 18, getting married before the age of 20, early childbearing, multiple marriages, promiscuous sexual life, multiple births, and frequent births. It is also related to economic status, race and geographical environment. At present, China is constantly strengthening women's health care, carrying out extensive cancer prevention surveys, and early detection and early treatment, which have significantly improved the cure rate.

4. Endometrial cancer is also one of the common gynecological malignancies. It is a lesion of the endometrium and is more common in elderly women:

The reason is related to long-term stimulation of estrogen and excessive endometrial hyperplasia. It is prone to occur in some women with obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, and in women with prolonged menopause and late menopause. There are genetic factors and it is related to family history.

5. Gestational trophoblastic lesions, including hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma, are related to pregnancy:

A molar pregnancy occurs early in pregnancy. Choriocarcinoma occurs after miscarriage, delivery, or ectopic pregnancy. If hydatidiform mole continues to develop for more than one year after miscarriage, it is also diagnosed as choriocarcinoma. When there is irregular vaginal bleeding, do not take it lightly and go to the hospital for necessary examinations in time.