What is the most common gynecological malignancy?

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Multiple Choice

What is the most common gynecological malignancy?

Endometrial (uterine) cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy. It arises from the lining of the uterus and, in many populations, occurs more often than cancers of the cervix, ovaries, or vagina. A key reason it stands out is that it often presents early with abnormal uterine bleeding, especially in postmenopausal individuals, which prompts earlier evaluation compared with cancers that may not produce noticeable symptoms until later. Unlike cervical cancer, which has a well-established population screening method (Pap tests and HPV testing), there isn't a universal screening test for uterine cancer; evaluation typically begins with bleeding symptoms and may involve pelvic ultrasound and an endometrial biopsy. Risk factors include unopposed estrogen exposure (such as obesity, late menopause, nulliparity, and certain hormone therapies), while protective factors include factors that reduce estrogen exposure. Because it tends to be detected earlier, the prognosis for uterine cancer is often better than for ovarian cancer, which can be harder to detect early. Vaginal cancer is rare, and while cervical cancer remains common globally, uterine cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in many populations.

Endometrial (uterine) cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy. It arises from the lining of the uterus and, in many populations, occurs more often than cancers of the cervix, ovaries, or vagina. A key reason it stands out is that it often presents early with abnormal uterine bleeding, especially in postmenopausal individuals, which prompts earlier evaluation compared with cancers that may not produce noticeable symptoms until later. Unlike cervical cancer, which has a well-established population screening method (Pap tests and HPV testing), there isn't a universal screening test for uterine cancer; evaluation typically begins with bleeding symptoms and may involve pelvic ultrasound and an endometrial biopsy. Risk factors include unopposed estrogen exposure (such as obesity, late menopause, nulliparity, and certain hormone therapies), while protective factors include factors that reduce estrogen exposure. Because it tends to be detected earlier, the prognosis for uterine cancer is often better than for ovarian cancer, which can be harder to detect early. Vaginal cancer is rare, and while cervical cancer remains common globally, uterine cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in many populations.

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