Gynecologic Cancer

Gynecologic oncology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses only on cancers of the female reproductive system, such as ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer. Today there are more encouraging treatment options for women with gynecologic cancers than ever before.

Although gynecologic cancers are often grouped together, they vary in terms of symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Some of the most common gynecological cancers treated by the specialists at UPMC are:

Cervical cancer occurs when there are abnormal cells on the cervix growing out of control. This creates a tumor and can be prevented by getting PAP smear screenings and the HPV vaccine.
Endometrial cancer or uterine cancer, including uterine sarcoma, forms on the lining of the uterus. Some common symptoms are vaginal bleeding, bleeding between periods, pelvic pain, and abnormal or watery discharge from your vagina.
Ovarian cancer occurs when malignant cells are found inside, on, or near the outer layer of the ovaries. Common symptoms are bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating or feeling full quickly, and having to urinate often.
Vaginal cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the vagina (the canal leading inside the body). Common symptoms are water vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, frequent and painful urination, a lump in your vagina, constipation, and pelvic pain.
Vulvar cancer forms on the outer surface of women's genitalia. It is most commonly found in older women (but can occur at any age) and creates itching, pain, tenderness, a lump, changes in the skin texture or color, and abnormal bleeding.

Gynecologic Cancer Treatments

Gynecologic cancer treatments at UPMC include:

Chemotherapy
Surgery, including minimally invasive techniques
Radiation therapy

Our skilled surgeons have training in laparoscopic and robot-assisted gynecologic surgery.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer occurs when normal ovarian cells begin to grow in an uncontrolled and abnormal manner and produce tumors in one or both ovaries. This type of cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer that attacks the female reproductive system.

Common treatments for ovarian cancer include:

Chemotherapy
Clinical trials
Medical therapy
Radiation therapy
Support groups

Types of Ovarian Cancers

There are several types of ovarian cancers:

Epithelial carcinoma: beginning on the ovary surface.s
Germ cell tumors: beginning in egg-producing cells.
Stromal tumors: beginning in the tissue surrounding the ovaries.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Individuals who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer may experience the following symptoms:

Treating Ovarian Cancer with State-of-the-Art Treatment

Common treatments for ovarian cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and biological therapy, though other treatments are available at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and may be utilized in your care plan. Are you ready to fight cancer and return to a healthy, fulfilling life?

UPMC has cancer centers in Williamsport, Coudersport, and Wellsboro, Pa. that can provide care and treatment to women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Uterine Cancer

UPMC delivers an individualized plan of care to promote successful outcomes in uterine cancer patients. We're committed to seeing that your needs are met, you understand your condition and treatment options, and you feel comfortable in the hands of our team.

Common treatments for uterine cancer include:

Chemotherapy
Clinical trials
Medical therapy
Radiation therapy
Support groups

If you have recently been diagnosed with uterine cancer, you can count on our team of gynecologists, oncologists and social workers to help you beat this disease. The most advanced uterine cancer treatments are available right here in north central PA.

What is Uterine Cancer?

There are a variety of types of uterine cancer, each with their own name, such as cervical or endometrial cancer, the two most common uterine cancers. Any cancer occurring in the uterus is defined as uterine cancer.

Uterine Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of uterine cancer may include:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Difficulty urinating or pain with urination
Pain during intercourse
Pelvic pain

For an accurate diagnosis of your symptoms, speak with a provider at UPMC.

Uterine Cancer Causes

While the cause of uterine cancer is still unknown, experts understand that some factors seem to increase a woman’s risk of developing cancer of the uterus. These include being over the age of 50, being postmenopausal, and having endometrial hyperplasia (an abnormally thick lining of the womb).

Uterine Cancer Treatment

Your treatment at UPMC will be customized to your specific needs. After being diagnosed with uterine cancer, our doctors will see what treatment options are available and best fit for your condition. They will collaborate with many of our expert physicians to stop cancer in its tracks.

Treatment for uterine cancer is based on the following factors:

Overall health and medical history
Extent of the disease
Tolerance for medications
Expectations for the course of the disease

Common treatment methods are radiation and chemotherapy, though other forms of therapy are available and may be included in your treatment plan.

Our oncologists provide complete care to screen for, diagnose, and treat uterine cancer in Wellsboro, Coudersport, and Williamsport, Pa.

Information and Appointments

Williamsport: 800-598-4282