Cervical and ovarian cancer affect the female reproductive system. Learn about their similarities and differences to avoid confusion between ovarian and cervical cancer.
When cancer is frequently diagnosed in women, there are two most common types: neck and ovarian cancer. Both affect the female reproductive system and overlap indications including abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain. These are some of the many symptoms of two types of cancer. As a result, it becomes difficult to distinguish between ovarian and cervical cancer. This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month will explore the similarities and differences between these two common types of cancer.
What is cervical cancer?
This is a type of cancer that begins with cells in the cervix, and is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. In 2022, around 6,60,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, making it the fourth most common cancer among women, as in one day by the World Health Organization. “The main cause of this type of cancer is persistent infection with the high-risk type of human papillomavirus (HPV),” says oncologist Dr. Manish Sharma. This virus can cause private parts in some people and warts of cervical cancer.
What is ovarian cancer?
This type of cancer begins in the ovaries and causes the production of eggs and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. “The exact cause of this cancer affects the female reproductive system is unknown.” However, in 2017, genetic mutations (breast cancer gene 1 or breast cancer gene 2) and family history increase risk, according to a study published in the Cancer Biology & Medicine Journal.
Ovarian versus cervical cancer: We know the similarities
When it comes to ovarian versus cervical cancer, you should know that both are gynecological malignancies that share certain similarities.
1. Both affect the reproductive organs
Because both types of cancer come from the female reproductive organs, a reduction in ovarian and cervical cancer may be necessary. These two suffer from a disease in which cells in the reproductive organs become out of control, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cervical cancer affects the cervix, while ovarian cancer affects the ovaries.
2. Symptoms are similar
They can present similar symptoms, such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain in the pelvic area, and abnormal vaginal discharge. “This overlap can lead to delayed diagnosis if symptoms are not evaluated the earliest,” says Dr. Sharma.
3. Early detection helps avoid both
Early detection in both cancers is associated with better outcomes. This means that regular gynecological examinations are important. “While PAP smears and HPV testing are important for detecting cervical cancer, transVaginal ultrasound and CA-125 testing are useful tools for monitoring ovarian cancer,” experts say.
Ovarian versus cervical cancer: I know the difference
Are you confused about ovarian and cervical cancer? A detailed comparison based on various aspects is as follows:
1. Symptoms
- Ovarian cancer: Some symptoms may resemble cervical cancer, but signs of ovarian cancer are often vague and non-specific at the early stages. You may notice bloating, swelling, or pelvic or abdominal pain. You may also notice changes in intestinal habits, such as constipation. “These symptoms are often mistaken for digestive issues,” says Dr. Sharma.
- Cervical cancer: The symptoms are more specific and prominent than ovarian cancer. You may notice abnormal vaginal bleeding during the period or post-gender bleeding.
2. Cause
- Ovarian cancer: Family history of various types of cancers, such as genetic mutations and ovarian cancer, can increase risk,” says an expert. This is also due to hormone replacement therapy. This is also due to whether you have children, or have children. He gave birth to more than one child.
- Cervical cancer: It is mainly caused by persistent infection with human papillomavirus. Early sexual activities can also contribute to this. A 2023 study published in PLOS Global Public Health showed that women who started having sex before the age of 18 were at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer than older women.
3. diagnosis
- Ovarian cancer: Regarding ovarian versus cervical cancer, diagnosis is difficult in the case of previous types of cancer. “It’s difficult to detect due to the lack of effective screening tests,” experts say. Tools include pelvic examinations, transvaginal ultrasound, CA-125 blood tests (tumor markers), and surgical biopsies for confirmation.
- Cervical cancer: It’s easier to detect this type of cancer thanks to effective screening tools like PAP smears. It helps to detect abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous. While getting vaccinated with HPV is important, virus testing can also identify high-risk HPV strains.
4. Affected organs
- Ovarian cancer: The main difference between ovaries vs cervical cancer is the organs affected by these types of cancer. The ovaries can start in the ovaries and spread to the fallopian tubes, uterus, the lining of the abdomen, and the liver.
- Cervical cancer: It starts in the cervix and can spread to the vagina, pelvic lymph nodes, bladder, and rectum.
5. Treatment Options
- Ovarian cancer: Surgery is performed to remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and affected tissue. “Chemotherapy is often used to target remaining cancer cells after surgery,” experts say.
- Cervical cancer: Surgical procedures such as hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) and tracheal resection (to maintain fertility). Radiation therapy is often combined with advanced stage chemotherapy.
Similarities cannot be ignored when it comes to ovarian versus cervical cancer, but there are differences as well. Regular screenings, and awareness about them, can help reduce risk.
Related FAQs
Which is more serious birds or cervical cancer?
Ovarian cancer is generally more severe than cervical cancer. This is because it is often diagnosed at a progressive stage due to ambiguous and non-specific symptoms. In contrast, cervical cancer is easy to detect early via regular PAP smears and HPV testing.
Can cervical cancer be converted to ovarian cancer?
Cervical cancer is derived from different organs and tissues in the reproductive system and does not directly transform into ovarian cancer. However, if a person is at high risk, such as carrying a BRCA mutation or having a family history of gynecological cancer, both cancers can occur simultaneously or consecutively.
Can you get both cervical and ovarian cancer?
Although rare, it is possible to have both cervical and ovarian cancer at the same time or at different times. This can occur when an individual has a genetic predisposition, such as a BRCA mutation, or other overlapping risk factors. If both cancers are present, treatment becomes more complicated and usually involves interdisciplinary approaches to effectively address both conditions.
