Female Reproductive System Cancers

Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is a rare cancer that affects the external female genitalia, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and perineum. It primarily affects older women, though HPV-related cases are rising among younger women.

The most common types include:
• Squamous cell carcinoma (90% of cases)
• Melanoma (second most common)
• Basal cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, sarcomas (rare)

Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the vaginal lining. It primarily affects older women and is often linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Most cases are secondary (spread from nearby cancers), while primary vaginal cancer is uncommon.

Main types include:
• Squamous cell carcinoma (most common)
• Adenocarcinoma
• Melanoma and sarcoma (rare)

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, which produce eggs and hormones. It is the deadliest gynecologic cancer, often diagnosed at a late stage. Ovarian cancers are classified into:
• Epithelial tumors (most common)
• Germ cell tumors (develop from egg-producing cells)
• Stromal tumors (develop from hormone-producing tissue)

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (Choriocarcinoma)

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a group of rare tumors that involve abnormal growth of trophoblast cells, which normally develop into the placenta during pregnancy. One aggressive form is choriocarcinoma, a malignant tumor that can spread quickly but responds well to treatment.

Types of GTD include:
• Hydatidiform mole (complete or partial molar pregnancy)
• Invasive mole
• Choriocarcinoma
• Placental-site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT)

Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer

Endometrial cancer, also called uterine cancer, originates in the lining of the uterus (endometrium). It is the most common gynecologic cancer in developed countries and is often diagnosed early due to noticeable symptoms like postmenopausal bleeding. The two main types are:
• Type I (Endometrioid): estrogen-dependent, better prognosis
• Type II (Non-endometrioid): includes serous, clear cell; more aggressive

Cervical Cancer (Squamous Cell, Adenocarcinoma)

Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. It is largely preventable and highly treatable when detected early. Most cases are caused by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types.

Main histologic types:
• Squamous cell carcinoma (most common)
• Adenocarcinoma
• Adenosquamous carcinoma (rare)

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue, most commonly in the ducts or lobules. It is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide and can also affect men. Subtypes include:
• Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) – most common type
• Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – non-invasive
• Inflammatory breast cancer – aggressive and rare
• Triple-negative breast cancer
• HER2-positive breast cancer

Cancer Types A-Z

Vulvar Cancer

Vaginal Cancer

Ovarian Cancer

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (Choriocarcinoma)

Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer

Cervical Cancer (Squamous Cell, Adenocarcinoma)

Breast Cancer

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