Gynecologic Cancer

What Are Gynecologic Cancers?

Gynecologic cancers originate in the organs of the female reproductive system. These include cancers of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and vulva.

• Endometrial cancer (endometrial carcinoma): Begins in the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium).
• Uterine sarcoma: Develops in the muscle layer of the uterus (myometrium) or the connective tissue that supports it.
• Cervical cancer: Originates in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus.
• Ovarian cancer: Begins in the ovaries, where eggs are produced.
• Fallopian tube cancer: Rare cancer that starts in the fallopian tubes.
• Vaginal and vulvar cancers: Originate in the vagina or external genital tissues.

What Causes Gynecologic Cancers?

Gynecologic cancers result from genetic changes that cause abnormal cell growth and division. While the exact cause is not always known, risk factors include:

• Aging
• Family history of gynecologic or other cancers
• Personal history of certain cancers
• Endometrial hyperplasia
• Radiation therapy to the pelvis
• Diabetes
• Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth
• Use of certain intrauterine devices or birth control pills
• Estrogen supplementation
• Genetic mutations
• Obesity
• Prior treatment with tamoxifen
• Pregnancy history (such as never having been pregnant)

How Are Gynecologic Cancers Detected?

Diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history, physical exam, and laboratory testing. Imaging may also be ordered to help confirm or stage the disease. Imaging studies may include:

• CT scan: Cross-sectional images using X-rays.
• PET scan: Detects cancer cells using a radioactive tracer.
• PET-CT scan: Combines PET and CT for greater accuracy.
• MRI: Provides high-resolution images using magnetic fields.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to evaluate reproductive organs.

If a suspicious area is found, a biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis. It is important to note that while Pap testing can sometimes detect early endometrial changes, it is primarily used for cervical cancer screening and is not an effective test for uterine cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancer

Gynecologic cancer symptoms vary depending on the organ involved, but may include:

• Vaginal bleeding or discharge between periods or after menopause
• Pain or pressure in the pelvic region
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Difficulty or painful urination
• A sensation of a mass
• Abnormal weight loss
• Fatigue
• Enlarged lymph nodes

Because these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, it is important to speak with your doctor if you experience any of them.

Staging of Gynecologic Cancers

Staging describes how far cancer has spread and helps guide treatment planning. In gynecologic cancers, staging follows the FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) system, which is specific to each cancer type. While details vary depending on whether the cancer arises in the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, or vulva, the stages generally follow this pattern:

Stage I

Cancer is confined to the organ of origin (for example, only in the uterus, cervix, ovary, or vagina).

Stage II

Cancer has spread to nearby tissues within the pelvis but is still limited to the pelvic region.

Stage III

Cancer has spread further within the pelvis and may involve nearby lymph nodes or other pelvic organs.

Stage IV

Cancer has spread outside the pelvis to distant lymph nodes or organs such as the liver, lungs, or bones.

Because each gynecologic cancer has unique staging criteria, your oncologist will explain the exact stage for your specific diagnosis and how it impacts your treatment options.

How Is Gynecologic Cancer Treated?

Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer and may include:

• Surgery: To remove the cancerous tissue.
• Chemotherapy: To destroy cancer cells or prevent their growth.
• Radiation therapy: To target and kill cancer cells with high-energy beams.
• Immunotherapy or targeted therapy: In selected cases, to help the immune system attack cancer cells or to focus on specific mutations.

When creating a treatment plan, doctors consider:

• Your age, health, and lifestyle
• The type and stage of cancer
• Other medical conditions
• Your doctor’s recommendations
• The urgency of starting treatment
• Possible side effects of each option

Open communication with your care team is essential in choosing the plan that best fits your needs.

Our Approach

At New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, we understand that a gynecologic cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Our multidisciplinary team provides personalized, compassionate care to support you throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms that may be related to gynecologic cancer, please call us at (855) 528-7322 or request an appointment online.