Gynecologic Cancer

Cervical cancer begins in the cells that line the cervix, which is where the lower part of the uterus connects to the vagina. It usually develops slowly, beginning with precancerous changes in cells. When found early, cervical cancer usually can be treated easily and successfully.

Most women do not have cervical cancer symptoms until the disease has advanced. But a Pap test preventive screening can detect abnormal cell changes in the early stages of the disease or before cancer develops. Cervical cancer treatment in the early stages usually involves removing or destroying abnormal tissue. Cancer that has spread may require more extensive surgery, as well as radiation therapy. Learn more about cervical cancer.

Also known as uterine cancer, endometrial cancer starts in the endometrium, which is the tissue lining the uterus. It most often occurs in women who have gone through menopause.

Endometrial cancer symptoms may include unexplained vaginal bleeding or unusual vaginal discharge, pain in the pelvis or a mass in the pelvic area. Surgery such as hysterectomy is usually the first treatment for endometrial cancer, and may be combined with radiation chemotherapy if cancer has spread. Learn more about endometrial cancer.

Ovarian cancer begins in a woman’s ovaries. It’s rarely found in women younger than age 40, and about half of all cases are diagnosed in women age 65 or older.

Most women do not have symptoms in the early stages. Many ovarian cancer symptoms — such as abdominal discomfort, bloating and indigestion — may be caused by non-cancerous conditions like a virus. While there’s no ovarian cancer screening exam, women with a family history of the disease may consider being tested for a genetic inherited mutation that can significantly increase their risk.

Ovarian cancer treatment usually involves surgical removal of the ovaries. If the cancer has spread, nearby organs may be removed as well. Treatment also may include intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Learn more about ovarian cancer.

Uterine sarcoma, also known as endometrial sarcoma, is a rare form of gynecologic cancer that starts in the muscle and tissue of the uterus.

The most appropriate uterine sarcoma treatment options depend on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, whether a woman wants to become pregnant and her overall health. Types of treatment include surgery (such as hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and lymph node dissection), chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy. Learn more about uterine sarcoma. 

Vaginal cancer begins in the cells of the vagina. It’s a rare type of cancer that usually grows slowly, and often begins with abnormal changes in cells. When vaginal cancer is found early, treatment is usually successful.

Vaginal cancer symptoms may include unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, painful intercourse or a lump or mass in the vagina. Preventive screening tests, such as a Pap test or human papillomavirus (HPV) test, can detect precancerous or early-stage cell changes long before a woman has symptoms. Vaginal cancer treatment usually involves surgical procedures to remove abnormal cells. If cancer has spread, additional surgery and radiation therapy also may be recommended. Learn more about vaginal cancer.

Vulvar cancer develops in the outer part of a woman’s genitals, called the vulva. Like vaginal cancer, it’s rare and usually develops slowly over several years. Vulvar cancer often begins with precancerous changes in cells, and when found early it’s often successfully treated.

Vulvar cancer symptoms include pink, red or white bumps on the vulvar skin, a sore on the vulva that does not heal, changes in the vulvar skin, unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain while urinating or a lump near the vaginal opening. Often, these changes are found during a yearly pelvic exam. Vulvar cancer treatment may involve topical therapy for early precancerous changes, or surgical procedures to eliminate abnormal cells. If cancer has spread, additional surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be part of the treatment plan. Learn more about vulvar cancer.