MONTHLY COLUMN
Women’s Health WITH DR MARK MCCOMISKEY
Each month Dr Mark McComiskey MD MRCOG discusses gynaecological conditions and women’s health issues.
CANCER OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Dr Mark McComiskey is a specialist gynaecologist
you may be eligible for further genetic investigations,
cancer and ensures the early detection of
and gynaecological surgeon who trained at the
particularly if you have had many relatives affected
any abnormalities.
world-famous Christie Cancer Hospital in Manchester.
or affected at a young age.
All women should consider engaging fully with the
His work has been published widely in peer reviewed
national screening programme.
journals in obstetrics and gynaecology and his
WOMB CANCER
work has been presented at international meetings
Endometrial (womb) cancer often causes
VULVAL CANCER
throughout Europe and North America
symptoms early in the disease process.
Vulval cancer is rare and many people are
Dr Comiskey takes a holistic and caring approach to
You should watch out for symptoms such as
unaware that it exists. Reporting problems early to
managing all general gynaecology conditions with
post-menopausal bleeding (bleeding after
the aim of maximising women’s quality of life.
you have gone through the menopause) or
to recover from.
This month Dr Comiskey will look at the various types
bleeding between periods or heavier periods
The presence of any of the following symptoms
than normal
should be reported:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding should always be
•
itch, burning or pain of the vulva
reported to check for womb cancer.
•
ulcer, swelling or lump that does not go away
It should be remembered though that
•
changes to the colour or feel of the skin
•
bleeding from the vulva or vagina
of cancer of the female reproductive system.
WHAT IS CANCER? Cancer
is
where
cells
in
the
body
divide
uncontrollably and can take over and destroy other tissues and organs
your GP makes treatment much easier and quicker
abnormal bleeding is often caused by non-
There is no evidence that a family history of cancer
cancerous problems.
increases your risk of cancer of the vulva.
WHAT ARE THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS?
The majority of endometrial cancers are not caused by an inherited gene.
The female reproductive organs comprise
CANCER OF THE VAGINA
However, for a small number of families there
Vaginal cancer is very rare but a small number
•
can be a family link to this cancer - particularly
of women are diagnosed every year with it in
where there is a history in the family of bowel,
Northern Ireland.
the ovaries (organs that are in the female pelvis and produce hormones and eggs for reproduction)
•
uterus (also known as the womb. The womb
womb, prostate, stomach or ovarian cancer.
Symptoms can include:
lining is called the endometrium) •
cervix (neck of the womb – where smear samples are taken from)
•
vulva (skin at the opening of the vagina)
•
vagina (a blind ending muscular passage from the vulval extending towards the cervix)
OVARIAN CANCER The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be non-specific
•
CANCER OF THE CERVIX
Bleeding after having sexual intercourse, bleeding between periods or bleeding after
Some cancers of the cervix cause no symptoms or problems. They may be very small and very early and may be picked up through cervical smears. Smears are designed to check for pre-cancerous cells though larger tumours of the cervix may cause symptoms
the menopause (change of life) •
Further symptoms can include pain in the vagina, for example during sexual intercourse and abnormal vaginal discharge
Having an affected relative does not increase you risk of being diagnosed with vaginal cancer.
between menstrual periods.
GENERAL ADVICE REGARDING GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCER SYMPTOMS
Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding after the
Gynaecological symptoms vary depending on
eating
menopause also requires investigation.
which organ may be affected.
•
increased size of tummy
Abnormal
•
altered bowel habits or urinary symptoms
relatively common, there is often a very
common symptoms.
If you experience any of these symptoms for more
straightforward cause.
than one week out of every four, you should arrange
Any new or persistent symptoms should be reported
Despite the range of causes, abnormal bleeding
to the family doctor immediately.
should be reported for assessment.
The family doctor may be able to commence
The National Cervical Screening Programme
treatment or tests before consideration of referral to
for women 25-65 years of age to have cervical
a gynaecologist.
and difficult to identify. They include: •
pelvic or abdominal pain and bloating
•
reduced appetite or feeling full quickly whilst
to see your GP If you are worried about ovarian cancer, it is important to mention it to your GP
such as bleeding after having sexual intercourse or
bleeding
of
any
nature
is
Around 5% of ovarian cancers happen because of
screening every three years up to the age of 50 and
an inherited gene.
every five years after 50.
If you have family members who have had cancer
It provides the best prevention of cervical
KINGSBRIDGE PRIVATE HOSPITAL Tel: 028 9066 7878 www.kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com
Abnormal
bleeding
and
pain
are
For further information contact Dr McComiskey at info@drmarkmccomiskey.com.
www.drmarkmccomiskey.com HILLSBOROUGH PRIVATE CLINIC Tel: 028 9268 8899 www.hillsboroughprivateclinic.com