Gynecological cancer is a group of cancers that originate in the female reproductive system. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 118,920 new cases of gynecological cancer will be diagnosed in 2025 alone.
While each type of gynecological cancer (also called gynecologic cancer) begins in part of a woman’s reproductive system, they differ quite a bit, with distinct risk factors and symptoms.
Each type of gynecologic cancer could cause unique symptoms, but many have some symptoms in common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gynecologic cancer symptoms may include:
- Abdominal or back pain
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Fullness or difficulty eating
- Increased urination
- Pelvic pain or pressure
Unlike most symptoms of gynecological cancer, which are internal, the symptoms of vulvar cancer affect the outside of the body and are often visible. This can include changes in skin color, along with bumps, rashes or sores.
While many symptoms of gynecological cancer can also be caused by less serious medical conditions, it’s important to see a medical provider if you’ve been through menopause and are experiencing vaginal bleeding. Any bleeding after menopause is abnormal.
You should also check in with your OB/GYN or another medical provider if you’re experiencing anything that seems out of the norm for you, such as heavier menstrual bleeding or periods that last longer than usual.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that may be related to gynecological cancer, a number of tests and other tools may be used to help your provider make a diagnosis. The process will begin with a thorough physical examination and review of your symptoms.
Other diagnostic tools may include:
- Biopsy to look for cancerous cells in a sample of tissue
- Blood tests to check for markers of disease
- Imaging tests, such as vaginal ultrasound, CT or MRI, to check for abnormalities
To diagnose, a medical provider may also use procedures such as conization of the cervix or hysteroscopic dilation and curettage (D&C) to examine part of the interested area or gather tissue samples.
Not every case of gynecological cancer can be prevented, but some of them can. Three types of gynecological cancer—cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers—are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV.
Up to 80 percent of sexually active men and 90 percent of sexually active women in the United States will be infected with HPV at some point in their lifetime. Most cases of HPV clear out of the body on their own, fought off by the immune system.
In some cases, though, certain strains of HPV can lead to cancer. The HPV vaccine is designed to prevent the strains of the HPV that most commonly cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
Two doses of the HPV vaccine are recommended for preteens, but the vaccine can be given in a three-dose series to anyone up to age 26. It may also provide protection for those between the ages of 27 and 45, so it’s worth talking with your medical provider if you haven’t already been vaccinated.
In addition to being vaccinated against HPV, you can take other steps to lower your risk of gynecological cancer:
- Have a well-woman exam every year, or at an interval recommended by your medical provider.
- Know your body and check in with a medical provider when you experience anything that’s out of your norm.
- Practice safe sex by using condoms to protect against HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.
- Undergo age-appropriate screenings, including Pap smears, HPV testing, or co-testing with both a Pap smear and HPV test.
You should also talk with family members, including your mother and grandmother, about their medical history. If you have a family history of gynecologic cancer, your provider would recommend other steps you can take to lower your risk.
Treatment for Gynecologic Cancer
Treatment for gynecological cancer will depend on the type of cancer you have, the stage of cancer, and other factors, including your overall health and whether you’d like to have children in the future.
NGMC offers the following programs as a part of an overall treatment plan for gynecologic cancer:
Medical Treatment for Gynecologic Cancer
NGMC’s cancer services program offers most advanced medical treatment including target therapy and immunotherapy along with conventional chemotherapy for patients with gynecologic cancers.
Radiation Therapy
Our radiation therapy program offers the most advanced radiation therapy options in several convenient locations across northeast Georgia.
Gynecologic Oncology Surgery
Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery
Whenever possible, we perform surgery for gynecological cancer using minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic or robotic surgery. These techniques, which access the body using fewer, smaller incisions, offer many benefits for patients, such as a quicker recovery, reduced risk of complications, and less pain.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery uses energy output from a high-powered light source to vaporize cancerous cells. This is optimal for cosmetics; the technique results in very little scarring.
Open Surgery
While open surgery is a more invasive approach, sometimes it’s required to provide the best outcome for a patient. If we recommend open surgery, it is because it’s the best option available to ensure long-term success.
Fertility Preserving Intervention
Radical Trachelectomy
Radical trachelectomy is a fertility preservation option offered at NGMC for cervical cancer patients.
Clinical Trials
Through an association with the largest group of Gynecological Oncologists in the United States, Northeast Georgia Medical Center has access to a variety of research trials and protocols in chemotherapy and surgical treatments. Offering clinical trials to patients provides the very latest and best treatment options available, significantly improving the care of cancer patients. View a list of our active clinical trials.
Types of Gynecological Cancer
Gynecological cancer occurs when the cells in a reproductive organ begin to grow abnormally. This can happen in any of a female’s reproductive organs. The primary types of gynecologic cancer include:
- Cervical cancer originates in the cervix, the narrow end of the uterus connecting the uterus and the vagina.
- Uterine cancer originates in the uterus. If the cancer originates from the lining of the uterus (endometrium), it is specified as endometrial cancer.
- Ovarian cancer originates in the ovaries.
- Fallopian tube cancer, also called tubal cancer, originates in the tip of the fallopian tubes.
- Vaginal cancer originates in the vagina.
- Vulvar cancer originates in the vulva, the outer part of the female genital organs.
Choose NGMC for Gynecological Cancer Care
If you’ve been diagnosed with gynecological cancer, the team of gynecologic oncologists at NGMC is here to help. We offer advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options for all types of cancer affecting the female reproductive system, as well as precancerous conditions affecting female organs.
We are committed to providing our patients with access to the latest innovations in cancer care, We also help patients access clinical trials and other resources. We have the ability to perform open complex cases on more progressive gynecologic cancers and other progressive disease processes.
Gynecologic oncologists manage a patient’s surgery and chemotherapy treatment while working closely with other specialists to ensure the patient has the highest quality medical care. Our team approach includes:
- Care by oncology-certified nurses
- Access to specialized oncology nutritionist
- Access to specialized oncology licensed social worker
- Cancer research clinical trials and protocols
- Coordination of care with radiation oncologists
Our Physicians
Contact Our Team
For more information about gynecologic oncology services available at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, call 770-219-9380.
