Gynecologic Cancer Basics

Gynecologic cancers are cancers in the female reproductive system, including cervical cancer,
ovarian cancer, uterine cancer (or endometrial cancer), vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer.
Anyone with female reproductive organs is at risk for these cancers, and the risk increases with
age. According to the American Cancer Society, about 19,680 women will receive a new
diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2024, and about 12,740 women will die from ovarian cancer.

Each gynecologic cancer has unique signs, symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies.
When gynecologic cancers are found early, treatment is most effective. Learn more about
gynecologic cancers and how each is diagnosed and treated.

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Reproductive Organs

A woman’s reproductive organs include the following:
● Cervix: the lower end of the uterus is a canal that connects to the vagina.
● Endometrium: the inner lining of the uterus where a fertilized egg implants itself and
begins developing into a baby.
● Fallopian tubes: where eggs travel from each ovary to the uterus.
● Ovaries: organs that produce eggs and hormones, including estrogen.
● Uterus: a hollow organ where a baby grows.
● Vagina: connects the uterus to the outside of the body; allows for sexual intercourse, egg
fertilization, and childbirth.
● Vulva: the outer part of a woman’s genitals (including the labia and clitoris) that opens to
the urethra and vagina

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the narrow outer end of the uterus that extends into the
vagina. This type of cancer slowly develops, first appearing as abnormal cells in cervical tissue.
A Pap test can find these abnormal cells that eventually become cancer during an annual
gynecologic exam. When diagnosed early, cervical cancer is curable and recovery can be easy.

Cervical cancer is the only gynecologic cancer that can be prevented through routine screening,
or a Pap test. During a Pap test, conducted during your routine pelvic exam, your doctor will
collect and examine cells from your cervix to look for abnormal cells that can lead to cancer.
Depending on your health history, your doctor will recommend how often you should get a Pap
test.

Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

● Age: often found in women over the age of 40.
● Smoking: smoking increases the risk of precancerous changes in the cervix, especially in
women with HPV.
● Sexual behavior: HPV is spread by sexual contact and is the cause of almost all cases of
cervical cancer, as well as many vaginal and vulvar cancers.
● Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure in-utero: this drug was used between 1940 and 1971 to
help prevent miscarriages, however, the drug increases the mother’s risk of vaginal and
cervical cancer.
● Lack of Pap tests.
● STDs and HIV infections.
● Weakened immune system.
● Taking steroids.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

The early stages of cervical cancer often do not have symptoms. However, more advanced stages
can have the following systems:
● Vaginal discharge
● Abnormal vaginal bleeding
● Vaginal odor
● Pain

Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical Cancer

Your doctor will recommend a colposcopy if your Pap test reveals any abnormalities. Your
doctor will use a large microscope to closely examine your cervix and may take biopsies that will
be analyzed in a lab.

If the results from biopsy tests confirm cervical cancer, further tests will determine whether the
disease has metastasized (spread). These tests can include:
● Liver and kidney function tests.
● Blood and urine tests.
● X-rays of your bladder, rectum, bowels, and lungs.
● CT scans.
● MRIs.

A gynecologic oncologist will recommend treatment depending on the stage of the cancer. Most
treatments for gynecologic cancers include radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy, or
immunotherapy.

Ovarian Cancer

The three types of ovarian cancers include ovarian epithelial cancer, which begins in the tissue
covering the ovary, in the lining of the fallopian tube, or the peritoneum; ovarian germ cell
tumors, which start in the egg cells; and ovarian low malignant potential tumors, which begin in
the tissue covering the ovary (and rarely become cancerous). Approximately 1.1% of women
will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer during their lifetime.

Risk Factors of Ovarian Cancer

● Being over the age of 40.
● Being overweight or obese.
● Having children later in life.
● Taking hormone therapy long term.
● Having a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer.
● Genetic mutations in the following genes: BRCA1, BRCA2,RAD51C, RAD51D, BRIP1,
PALB2, STK11, and ATM.
● Having had breast cancer.
● Smoking.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer has been considered a “silent killer” because symptoms don’t typically develop
before the cancer has advanced, making curable treatment unlikely. However, recent studies have
considered the following signs as symptoms of early-stage ovarian cancer:
● Bloating
● Pelvic or abdominal pain
● Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
● Having the urge to pee frequently

Diagnosis and Treatment for Ovarian Cancer

When diagnosing ovarian cancer, your doctor will consider the above symptoms, their severity,
number, and frequency. If ovarian cancer is a concern, your doctor will perform a transvaginal
ultrasound to determine if there is a visible mass in or around your ovaries. If an abnormality is
observed during the ultrasound, your provider may order blood work to help determine the type
of ovarian cancer. If there is a further concern for ovarian cancer, you will be referred to a
gynecologic oncologist who will determine treatment planning.

Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer forms in the tissues of the uterus, where a fetus develops. The two types of
uterine cancer are endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Endometrial cancer forms in the
endometrial tissues, or the lining of the uterus. Uterine sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that
forms in the uterine muscles or in tissues that support the uterus.

Uterine Cancer Risk Factors

● Being in your 50s and 60s.
● Being obese or overweight.
● Having diabetes.
● Having certain genetic conditions.
● Being exposed to radiation therapy near the pelvis (specifically increases the risk of
uterine sarcoma)
● Starting periods at a young age, having fewer than five periods per year before
menopause, or never having children.
● A high-fat diet.
● Taking a breast cancer drug called tamoxifen can cause the endometrial lining cells to
grow abnormally.

Uterine Cancer Symptoms

The first sign of uterine cancer is typically bleeding after menopause or irregular bleeding before
menopause. If you notice changes to your menstrual cycles, such as heavier bleeding and/or
irregularity between cycles, talk to your provider to determine if additional follow-ups or tests
are needed.

Uterine Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

If you are experiencing irregular bleeding before or after menopause, talk to your doctor about
your symptoms, your risk factors, and your family history. Your doctor will likely perform a
physical and pelvic examination. An endometrial biopsy and transvaginal ultrasound are
additional tests to diagnose uterine cancer. Some providers may do the biopsy before the
ultrasound, while others may first wait to see the ultrasound results. Most endometrial cancers
are found in the early stages and are cured with a hysterectomy.

Vaginal Cancer

The walls of your vagina are susceptible to cancer, but this is the most rare of gynecologic
cancers. Vaginal cancer accounts for 1% to 2% of cancers in the female genital tract and is
typically among women ages 50-70.

The two main types of vaginal cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, which forms from cells
that line the inside of the vagina, and adenocarcinoma, which forms in the glands that secrete
mucus. Squamous cell carcinoma is more common and spreads slowly, but adenocarcinoma is
more likely to spread to the lungs and lymph nodes.

Vaginal Cancer Risk Factors

Age: typically occurs in women ages 50-70.
● Infection with HPV.
● Having had a hysterectomy for benign or cancerous tumors.
● DES exposure before birth.
● Smoking.
● Cervical cancer.

Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer

Precancerous and early stages of vaginal cancer typically have no symptoms. The advanced
stages of vaginal cancer may showcase the following symptoms:
● Unusual vaginal bleeding
● Pain
● Problems with urination or bowel movements
● Watery vaginal discharge
● Lump or mass in the vagina

Diagnosis and Treatment for Vaginal Cancer

If your doctor detects anything abnormal during a regular examination of the vagina, they may
conduct a colposcopy. This procedure allows your provider to carefully inspect the vagina’s
surface for abnormal cells. They may also conduct a biopsy, removing a sample of suspicious
tissue and sending it to a lab to test for cancer. If vaginal cancer is detected, you’ll be referred to
a gynecologic oncologist who may conduct more tests to determine if the cancer has spread and
what stage it is in. Most vaginal cancers are treated with surgery or radiation therapy.

Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer forms in a woman’s external genitalia, most often the outer vaginal lips. Vulvar
intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) occurs when abnormal cells grow in the skin of the vulva. VIN
can be a precursor to vulvar cancer, but proper treatment may help prevent VIN from worsening.
Through regular exams, vulvar cancer can easily be identified in the pre-cancerous phase or
stage 1 phase.

Vulvar Cancer Risk Factors

● Having VIP, HPV infection, and/or having a history of genital warts.
● Being over the age of 70.
● Being exposed to pelvic radiation.
● Smoking.
● Having a precancerous condition.
● Having a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer

● Bumps or lumps, which can be red, pink, or white, and have a wart-like or raw surface.
● Pain, burning, or itching.
● Skin that appears lighter or darker than usual.
● Bleeding or discharge unrelated to the normal menstrual period.
● Open sores.
● Ulcer in the genital area.

Bottom Line

Gynecologic cancers, which include cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, affect
thousands of women each year. Early detection, regular screenings, and being aware of risk
factors like family history and lifestyle choices can significantly improve outcomes. Maintaining
a healthy lifestyle, knowing the symptoms, and seeking regular medical care are essential steps
in reducing your risk. Take charge of your health and make informed decisions about prevention
by contacting Nova Vita Wellness Centers today.