Diseases We Treat
Gynecologic cancers occur in a woman’s reproductive organs, including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, and vulva. It is important to know the risks and warning signs, along with your family history. Make good lifestyle choices and see your health care provider for regular physical exams and Pap tests.
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cervical cancer
When detected early, treatment is almost always successful. The yearly pelvic exam and Pap test at intervals as recommended by your health care provider are the best ways to detect cervical cancer early. There are usually no signs of early cervical cancer.
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uterine or endometrial cancer
Endometrial (uterine) cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system.
- cancer of the fallopian tubes
Cancer of the fallopian tubes is extremely rare. Treatments and risk factors for fallopian tube cancer are similar to ovarian cancer.
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ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is the most serious of the gynecologic cancers. Approximately 25,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with this disease each year. While the symptoms of ovarian cancer (particularly in the early stages) are often not acute or intense, they are not always silent; they whisper, so listen.
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vaginal cancer
Cancer of the vagina is very rare and appears to occur more frequently in women who have cervical cancer as well. Risks include a history of human papilloma virus (HPV). Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) while their mothers were pregnant has been linked to clear cell vaginal cancer, which occurs in younger women. Early vaginal cancer often has no symptoms and may be detected by a routine pelvic exam. Warning signs include unusual bleeding or discharge from the vagina, bleeding after intercourse, and pain or burning in the vagina or pelvic area.
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vulvar cancer
Cancer of the vulva, the external folds of skin surrounding the opening of the vagina, is not a common form of cancer. Risks include poor hygiene of the vulvar area; other cancers of the reproductive organs; sexually transmitted diseases, especially in combination with smoking; obesity; and women with lichen sclerosus (dry, itchy vulvar skin).
Warning signs include itching of the vulva, a mass or lump in the vulvar area, and spotting or bleeding that is not related to menstruation.