Pelvic Cancer: Types, Symptoms, Causes and PET-CT Scan Role

Pelvic cancer is a term used for the cancers of the bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs in the pelvis. Symptoms of pelvic cancer are varied and can include changed bowel/bladder habits, abnormal bleeding, and pain in the pelvis. Early detection will help to identify the correct treatment because health care providers can make an accurate diagnosis and know the stage of cancer. At Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, diagnostic Imaging may help diagnose certain cancers and determine if any cancer has spread (metastatic) to other parts of the body (mets) (recommended to be performed with PET-CT scanning)

What Is Pelvic Cancer?

Cancer of the pelvis occurs when cells start to grow abnormally in an organ or tissue in the pelvic area. Pelvic cancer doesn't refer to a single condition, but rather a collection of cancers affecting the reproductive system, urinary system, and lower digestive tract. Symptoms of pelvic cancer depend on the location, type, and stage of cancer. Unfortunately, this is also the case for some pelvic cancers, which don't have any obvious signs or symptoms until they are more advanced. Other cancers may lead to pain, abnormal bleeding, or trouble going to the bathroom. Making a diagnosis and providing treatment for pelvic cancer depends on the position, type, and stage of the cancer.

What Are the Different Types of Pelvic Cancer?

There are a number of cancerous diseases that could arise in the pelvic area. They are most often found in the cervix, ovary, uterus, prostate, bladder, and rectum.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a cancer that occurs in the lower part of the uterus, which is called the cervix. It is a chronic infection by the high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Popular signs and signs of cervical cancer include irregular vaginal discharge, spotting after women have sex and abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Ovarian Cancer

Malignancy that originates in the ovary and in the tissues surrounding the ovary. Symptoms include bloating, pelvic pain or pressure, abdominal enlargement, and a stomach feeling "full" after taking small bites of food.

Uterine Cancer

Cancer in the uterus can be divided into either uterine cervix cancer or uterine body cancer (also called uterine endometrial cancer). The latter is located in the lining of the uterus (endometrium). The symptoms of uterine cancer are irregular periods, spotting, and discharge from the vagina.

Prostate Cancer

This type of cancer is a condition of the pelvis that occurs in males in the prostate gland. Prostate cancer symptoms may not present in the early stages of the disease. As it develops, however, it leads to frequent, painful, and/or uncomfortable urination, a weak urine stream, and increased urination, particularly at night.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is caused by irregular cells in the urinary bladder. The symptoms include presence of blood in the urine, urinary frequency and when urinating there is a burning sensation or discomfort.

Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer is a cancerous condition that spreads from the last part of the large intestine, which is located in the pelvis. Symptomatic with blood in the stool, change in bowel pattern and abdominal pain.

What Are the Symptoms of Pelvic Cancer?

The signs of the disease are based on the tissue or organ in which the cancer starts. Symptoms vary from discomfort or abdominal/pelvic pain to swelling and abnormal bleeding of the vagina, to blood in the urine and/or stool that has no explanation. Other symptoms may also be noticed, such as loss of appetite and weight loss. Sexual intercourse can also be painful, due to cancer of the pelvis. Symptoms associated with pelvic cancer may also occur with pelvic inflammatory disease. If any of the symptoms persist or are severe, one should seek medical advice.

What Causes Pelvic Cancer?

Some of the causes and risk factors for pelvic cancer depend on the organs involved. For example, most forms of cervical cancer occur as a result of chronic infection by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Ovarian, uterine, and prostate cancers are linked to age, family history, genetic susceptibility, and hormones. Smoking can increase one’s likelihood of developing bladder cancer. Other risk factors for rectal cancer include genes affected by changes, family history, and age. Having a risk factor does not necessarily mean that one will certainly develop pelvic cancer.

How Is Pelvic Cancer Diagnosed?

Review of medical history and symptoms, followed by a physical examination by a healthcare professional, can identify changes in the pelvic area and also the occurrence of unusual masses or swelling. Additional tests, including blood tests, urinalysis, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, and others, are also performed. A biopsy might be required to confirm a diagnosis of pelvic cancer and to determine the type of cancer that exists. The diagnosis is only supported by imaging techniques (CT scan) after the biopsy. The imaging tests also help in staging the cancer to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

What Is the Role of PET-CT in Pelvic Cancer?

Diagnostic tests, also known as scans, involve a radioactive substance called Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in a Positron Emission Tomography (PET-MRI) scan. During most cancer examinations, patients receive FDG to be used to look at locations in the body where cells are acting out of the norm. Computer axial tomography (CT) creates images of the inside of body structures. So PET-CT generates two images, which can help identify cancerous cells.

Conclusion

PET-CT scans can help identify certain types of pelvic cancer, stage cancer, and also help monitor if there is any spread to other areas of the body. The scan can also be used for cancer surveillance – helping to check how well the cancer is being treated and if it returns. However, PET -CT scans should not be used for the assessment of all cancers of the pelvis.

Some pelvic malignancies are better treated with imaging (such as ultrasound scans and MRI). An increase in blood flow to diseased organs is caused by inflammation. In addition, it is found in many non-cancerous disorders. Thus, these tests should be viewed in conjunction with other tests and medical history only. The treating physician will determine if a PET-CT scan is warranted in the treatment of pelvic cancer.

At Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, we offer imaging services to aid in diagnosing pelvic cancer and other malignancies. CT scan is a useful method for diagnosing the type and spread of malignancies of the pelvis. When ordering a PET-CT scan, you should submit all previous exams, biopsies, and therapy reports regarding this medical condition. Apart from this, they need to get ready for a PET-CT, as it will be recommended by the healthcare provider.