This document discusses several cancers of the female reproductive tract, including ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. It provides information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, staging, and treatment options for each type of cancer. The roles of nurses are to guide patients through screening, diagnosis, treatment, recovery or end of life care, as a multidisciplinary team is needed to provide the best outcomes and support for patients and families facing cancer.

1. Cancers of the Female
Reproductive Tract
Chapter 8

2. Cancer
the very word strikes fear in every person
As nurses our role is that of a
NAVIGATOR
through a complex system
of pre- diagnostic screenings
through the maze of multiple specialties after diagnosis
including the
recovery or remission phase
or
the possibility of the need for end of life care of our patients
we are there for it all

3. It takes all of us
a multidisciplinary team of specialists to provide
a patient/client with the care they and their
families are going to need
The best outcomes are seen when there is a
strong support system

4. Metastasis
complicates the diagnosis of cancer
Staging
determines severity and degree of
spread of the cancer cells

5. Ovarian Cancer

6. Ovarian Cancer
is a malignant neoplastic growth of the ovary
Difficult to diagnosis
only physical exam is bimanual exam
no definitive blood test is available
only non specific CEA 125
and the BRCA1 and BRCA2
which is more definitive in breast cancer

7. Ovarian Cancer
Cause unknown
Can originate from different cell types
Most originate from the ovarian epithelium
They spread into the abdominal peritoneum
Usually discovered at stage III and IV

8. Ovarian Cancer
Clients experience:
vague lower abdominal discomfort
urinary frequency and urgency
ascites
weight loss

9. Ovarian Cancer
Treatment options are dependent
on the stage and severity
Surgical intervention
Chemotherapy
Radiation

10. Endometrial or Uterine Cancer

11. Endometrial Cancer
also known as uterine cancer
neoplastic growth of the uterine lining
characterized by friable and
spontaneous bleeding
Typically diagnosed in its earliest stages
therefore it has a better prognosis

12. Endometrial Cancer
Another type of estrogen fed cancer
Ultrasound is the best tool for diagnosis
Surgical intervention most common treatment
with chemotherapy and radiation as indicated

13. Cervical Cancer

14. Cervical Cancer
occurs at the opening of the uterus
Diagnosed with PAP smears
and Thin-Prep specifically used
to detect the most common cause
the HPV virus
A colposcopy can be performed
to visualize using a magnifier
specific patterns of cell

15. Cervical Cancer
Bleeding is the earliest and most
common symptom
Spotting occurs first after slight
trauma such as douching
or intercourse
Late symptoms include:
pain
pelvic pressure

16. Cervical Cancer
Treatment Options include:
cryotherapy: freeze with liquid nitrogen
cone biopsy or conization: remove small cancers
LEEP or LLETZ: heated wire
cold knife cone biopsy: surgical scalpel or laser
laser therapy: vaporize or burn
hysterectomy: remove uterus and cervix
radiation therapy: internal radium and external
chemoradiation: co-therapy with both

17. Vaginal Cancer

18. Vaginal Cancer
malignant tissue growth in the vagina
It is rare type of cancer
often curable if treated early
etiology unknown
Treatment is dependent on the stage of the
cancer and the degree of metastasis

19. Vulvar Cancer

20. Vulvar Cancer
Abnormal neoplastic growth on the
external genitalia
Early detection can lead to a cure
Grows slowly
Treatment depends on the stage and severity
of any metastasis that has occured