Also part of the UPMC family:
Early detection is the best defense against gynecologic cancers.
At the Magee-Womens Gynecologic Cancer Program in Pittsburgh, PA, you have access to advanced testing options for identifying gynecologic cancers at their earliest stages — even before you feel symptoms — when they're more treatable.
We work closely with gynecologic specialists and radiologists, and can electronically send your high-quality images to any UPMC physician, expediting your treatment options.
We offer the following diagnostic tests and procedures in clean, comfortable, private testing areas:
A procedure in which a doctor or nurse uses a piece of cotton, a brush, or a small wooden stick to scrape cells from the cervix and vagina.
A pathologist checks the cells under a microscope for signs of disease.
An examination of the:
During a pelvic exam, the doctor or nurse inserts:
A procedure in which a doctor inserts a needle through the skin to collect a tissue sample for review under a microscope.
A procedure in which a doctor takes a tissue sample from the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
A pathologist checks the sample under a microscope for abnormal cells or signs of cancer. You may experience some pelvic discomfort following the procedure.
A noninvasive test using high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time pictures of tumors.
For diagnosing gynecologic cancers, a specially-trained technologist may perform:
An imaging technique using a computer, a magnetic field, and radio waves to produce detailed images of the soft tissues in the body.
This test uses a special dye to produce more contrast and show more details.
An imaging procedure using x-ray technology and digital imagery to generate a precise, 3D image of a person’s body, revealing the location and shape of tumors.
Sometimes, this test uses a special dye that makes the images show more detail.
PET shows the rate at which your body breaks down sugar. Because cancer cells break down sugar faster than normal cells, a PET scan can determine any abnormal cell activity.
A PET-CT scan combines PET and CT imaging technologies to assist radiologists in:
A blood test that measures levels of CA125, a protein that may indicate the presence of certain gynecological diseases.
A chest x-ray may be performed when a gestational trophoblastic tumor is suspected, as this disease commonly spreads to the lungs.
A blood and urine test that measures the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) – a protein that indicates pregnancy. In cases where a gestational trophoblastic tumor is suspected, there may be abnormal levels of hCG.
Your health information, right at your fingertips. Select MyUPMC to access your UPMC health information. For patients of UPMC-affiliated doctors in Central Pa, select UPMC Central Pa Portal. Patients of UPMC Cole should select the UPMC Cole Connect Patient Portal.
The portal for all UPMC patients EXCEPT those in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC patients in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC Cole patients receiving inpatient care.