Gynecological Cancer

Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Most cases are linked to persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV. Regular Pap smears and HPV screenings are essential for prevention and early detection, as early-stage cervical cancer often has no noticeable symptoms.

Symptoms 

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (e.g., after sex, between periods, or after menopause)

• Unusual vaginal discharge (pink, watery or bloody)

• Pelvic pain or pain during sex

• Difficulty urinating or blood in urine

• Swelling in the legs

• Fatigue, weight loss or loss of appetite

• Lower back pain 

Treatment Options: 

• Surgery (to remove tumors or part/all of the bladder)

• Intravesical therapy (medication delivered directly into the bladder)

• Immunotherapy 

• Targeted Therapy 

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation Therapy

Endometrial cancer begins in the lining of the uterus and is the most common type of cancer affecting the female reproductive organs. It most often occurs in women after menopause.

Symptoms 

• Postmenopausal bleeding

• Irregular or heavy periods (if not yet menopausal)

• Pelvic pain, cramping or pain during sex

• Unusual vaginal discharge (pink, watery or bloody)

• Unexplained weight loss (in later stages)

Treatment Options 

• Hysterectomy, removal of the uterus

• Radiation therapy

• Hormone therapy

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation Therapy

Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, and symptoms are often vague and can be mistaken for common health issues. There are currently no reliable screening tests, so it’s important to understand general risk factors, such as a family history of ovarian cancer, inherited genetic mutations, being over age 50, or never having been pregnant.

Symptoms 

• Bloating

• Pelvic, abdominal pain or lower back pain

• Feeling full quickly when eating

• Frequent or urgent urination

• Unexplained weight loss
• Changes in bowel habits (e.g. constipation)

Treatment Options 

• Surgery

• Hormone therapy to reduce androgen levels that fuel cancer growth 

• Chemotherapy for more aggressive or advanced cases 

• Targeted therapy or immunotherapy in select situations 

Uterine cancer begins in the uterus, most often in the lining (endometrium), and is one of the most common cancers affecting the female reproductive system. While it can occur at any age, it is most often diagnosed in women after menopause. Early detection offers the best chance for successful treatment.

Symptoms 

• Postmenopausal bleeding

• Irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding (if not yet menopausal)

• Pelvic pain or cramping

• Pain during sex

• Unusual vaginal discharge (pink, watery, or bloody)

• Unexplained weight loss

Treatment Options 

• Hysterectomy, removal of the uterus

• Radiation therapy (often used for seminomas) 

• Hormone therapy to reduce androgen levels that fuel cancer growth 

• Chemotherapy for more aggressive or advanced cases 

• Targeted therapy or immunotherapy in select situations 

Vaginal cancer begins in the vagina (birth canal), the muscular tube connecting the uterus to the outside of the body. It is a rare form of gynecological cancer and is most often diagnosed in women over the age of 60. Early stages may not cause noticeable symptoms, making regular gynecologic exams important for detection.

Symptoms 

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (especially after intercourse or menopause)
  

• Watery vaginal discharge

• Pelvic pain or a feeling of pressure in the pelvic area

• Pain during sex

• A lump or mass in the vagina

• Painful urination or constipation (if the tumor presses on nearby organs)

Treatment Options 

• Surgery (removal of the tumor or part/all of the vagina depending on cancer stage)

• Radiation therapy

• Chemotherapy 

• Targeted therapy and immunotherapy 

Vulvar cancer begins on the outer surface of the female genitalia, most often affecting the outer lips of the vagina (labia majora or labia minora). It is a rare gynecological cancer that most commonly occurs in older women, but it can develop at any age. Risk factors include human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, chronic vulvar irritation and a history of precancerous skin changes.

Symptoms 

• Persistent itching, burning, or pain in the vulvar area

• Changes in skin color or texture of the vulva (such as thickening or the appearance of a lump)

• A sore or ulcer that does not heal

• Bleeding or discharge not related to menstruation

• Pain during urination or intercourse

• Swelling or tenderness in the vulvar area

Treatment Options 

• Surgery (removal of the cancerous tissue, which may range from a small excision to a partial or complete vulvectomy, depending on the stage)

• Radiation therapy 

• Chemotherapy

• Targeted therapy and immunotherapy