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These types of gynecologic cancers have similar cell types and behaviors and often respond the same to treatment.
Ovarian cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth in the tissue that covers the ovaries — the almond-sized organs on each side of the uterus that produce eggs and hormones.
It's a more common gynecologic cancer, diagnosed in 22,000 women each year.
Peritoneal cancer is a rare cancer that forms in the membrane lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum.
Fallopian tube cancer, or tubal cancer, develops in one or both of the fallopian tubes, which lead from each ovary to the uterus.
The following represent the most common types of these gynecologic cancers.
Certain factors may increase your risk of developing these cancers, including:
If you or your family are concerned about the risk of developing ovarian cancer, our High-Risk Ovarian Cancer Program offers surveillance, prevention, and management recommendations.
» Learn more about gynecologic cancer prevention and screening.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer, peritoneal cancer, and fallopian tube cancer are similar and may include:
Specialists at the Magee-Womens Gynecologic Cancer Program use a variety of tests to diagnose and screen for ovarian, peritoneal, and fallopian tube cancers, including:
If you're diagnosed with ovarian, peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer, your treatment will depend on the following factors:
Your doctors and other specialists at the Magee-Womens Gynecologic Cancer Program will work with you to consider your options and determine a course of action.
Surgery is often the recommended treatment for these types of gynecologic cancers.
In selective circumstances, we may recommend chemotherapy — before (neo adjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery — to control an aggressive cancer or to reduce the risk of recurrence.
The use of chemotherapy treatment depends on:
We may also use radiation therapy to treat ovarian, peritoneal, and fallopian tube cancers.
As a patient of the Gynecologic Cancer Program, you have access to additional treatment options and services, including:
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