Pelvis cancers, also known as pelvic cancers, refer to a group of malignant tumors that originate in or spread to the pelvis. The pelvis is the lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones, and houses several important organs, including the reproductive system, urinary bladder, rectum, and parts of the digestive system.
Pelvic cancers can arise from various tissues within the pelvis, such as the uterus (endometrial cancer), ovaries (ovarian cancer), cervix (cervical cancer), prostate (prostate cancer), rectum (rectal cancer), and bladder (bladder cancer). Other less common types of pelvis cancers include sarcoma, lymphoma, and colorectal cancer.
The symptoms of pelvic cancers may vary depending on the affected organ but can include pelvic pain or pressure, abnormal bleeding or discharge, changes in bowel or bladder habits, pain during sexual intercourse, and unexplained weight loss. However, symptoms may often be absent or nonspecific in the early stages, thereby highlighting the importance of regular screenings and early detection.
The diagnosis of pelvis cancers involves a combination of physical examinations, imaging tests (such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging), and biopsy, where a small tissue sample is extracted for pathological examination to determine if it is cancerous.
Treatment options for pelvis cancers depend on the type, stage, and location of the tumor but may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these. The aim of treatment is to remove or destroy the cancer cells, alleviate symptoms, prevent recurrence, and improve survival rates.
