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Gynecologic Cancer

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What is Gynecologic Cancer?

What is Gynecologic Cancer?

Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that begins in a woman's reproductive organs. Internal parts of a woman's reproductive system (such as the uterus and ovaries) and the external genitals (called the vulva) may be susceptible to the rapid growth and spread of abnormal cells resulting in gynecologic cancer.

Types of Gynecologic Cancers

Types

The different types of gynecological cancers are:

  • Cervical cancer begins in the lower, narrow end of the uterus called the cervix. Cervical cancer starts with the growth of abnormal cells or the formation of a tumor in the cervix.
  • Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries (located on either side of the uterus). Ovarian cancer can be one of three different types, depending on where on the ovaries the cancer cells are located.
  • Uterine cancer: A group of cancers that begin inside a woman's uterus. Endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining) occurs most frequently and is the result of cell mutations in the uterine lining.
  • Vaginal cancer begins in the vagina, the hollow channel connecting a woman's uterus with the outside of the body. Although other cancers can spread to the vagina, cancer that begins in the vagina is rare.
  • Vulvar cancer begins in the external genital area called the vulva. Vulvar cancer often forms as a lump or sore on the surface of the genitalia.
  • Fallopian tube cancer begins in the fallopian tubes that connect the ovaries and the uterus. Fallopian tube cancer is similar to ovarian cancer and is often treated in much the same way.

Signs & Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancer

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of gynecological cancer may differ from person to person. They will also vary depending on the organ that is involved and may include any combination of the following:

  • Pelvic pain or pressure: Recurring or persistent pain or pressure in the pelvic area can occur with both uterine and ovarian cancers.
  • Itching or burning of the vulva: Itching, burning, pain, or tenderness of the vulva, often occurring with a visible sore on the skin's surface, can be symptoms of vulvar cancer.
  • Changes in vulvar color or skin: Changes in the skin of the vulva (such as warts, sores, a rash, or changes in skin color) can be an indicator or vulvar cancer.
  • Changes in bathroom habits: Changes in bathroom habits can include constipation, bloating and/or an increase in the need to urinate. These changes are sometimes associated with ovarian and vaginal cancers.
  • Bloating: A persistent bloated feeling, sometimes accompanied by feeling full quickly or difficulty eating, is a common symptom of ovarian cancer.
  • Abnormal discharge and/or bleeding: Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding is a common symptom associated with all gynecologic cancers except vulvar cancer.
  • Pain in the back or stomach: Abdominal and back pain, with or without a feeling of bloating, are symptoms commonly associated with ovarian cancer.

More to explore

What Causes Gynecologic Cancer?

Causes

Gynecologic cancers happen when cells that line one of the reproductive organs change. These abnormal cells then begin to multiply, causing cancer to spread. Although health experts still do not know what causes this abnormality to occur, there are some factors known to make gynecological cancers more likely. The most common of these factors is HPV infection, but other factors include genetics, smoking, and environmental exposures.

Risk Factors

Risk Factors

Known risk factors for gynecological cancer include genetic, environmental, and behavioral hazards.

These factors include the following:

  • HPV infection: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a primary risk factor for cervical cancer; almost all cervical cancer can be linked to persistent HPV infection. HPV is also a contributing factor in the development of vaginal and vulvar cancers.
  • HIV: Living with HIV substantially increases the risk of cervical cancer.
  • Diabetes: Diabetes or high blood glucose (too much sugar in the blood) are known risk factors for uterine/endometrial cancer
  • Family history: A family history of cancer, including endometrial, colon, ovarian, fallopian tube, and premenopausal breast cancer is a contributing factor to the development of gynecological cancers, specifically ovarian cancer and uterine cancer
  • Estrogen therapy: An excess of estrogen is strongly linked to the development of uterine cancer. This is the case whether the excess occurs naturally (obesity) or is the result of post-menopause hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
  • Exposure to diethylstilbestrol: Diethylstilbestrol (DBT) is a synthetic estrogen that was prescribed to pregnant women between 1940 and 1971 (before DBT was found to be unsafe to use). Some gynecologic cancers have been linked to exposure to DBT while in utero.
  • Prior radiation to the pelvic area: Radiotherapy to the pelvic area may increase the risk of developing gynecological cancer later on
  • Age: The risk of developing ovarian and vaginal cancers increases with age. This is especially true around the time of menopause.
  • Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excess alcohol consumption, or being overweight or obese can increase gynecological cancer risk

Prevention

Prevention

Understanding ways to reduce risks can help women prevent gynecological cancers. These ways include:

  • Understanding your body: Every woman knows what is normal for her body. This understanding allows women to recognize when something out of the ordinary might be a warning sign or symptom of gynecologic cancer.
  • Getting routine Pap tests: Pap tests are used to screen for cervical cancer, often finding it at the earliest stages when it is most treatable. Pap tests most often detect precancers, changes to the cells of the cervix that might become cervical cancer without the proper treatment.
  • Getting HPV Vaccine (women between 9 and 45 years old): HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that can cause gynecologic cancers.
  • Getting routine HPV tests (women over 30 years old): An HPV test looks for HPV infection. Since persistent HPV infections can lead to various gynecologic cancers treating them is important.
  • Knowing your family history: Having a family history of some gynecologic cancers can mean a higher risk of developing one of them. Knowing your family history will enable you and your doctor to discuss tests you may need and when you should begin getting them in order to identify potential cancers in their earliest stages.
  • Protecting yourself from HPV and having safe sex: Because human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted disease, practicing safe sex (using a condom) is a key in the prevention of many gynecological cancers
  • Practicing a healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle is comprised of such things as not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, keeping a healthy body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring proper diet and nutrition. These healthy habits can reduce the risk of developing certain gynecological cancers.
  • Opting for preventative surgery: In rare cases, women may be at high risk for developing gynecological cancers due to a combination of risk factors including family history. For women in this high-risk category, elective, preemptive surgery, such as removing the ovaries, may reduce the risk of cancer.
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Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Gynecologic Cancer Care

Learning more about the options available for treatment is an essential first step if you have questions or are experiencing symptoms associated with gynecologic cancer. New York-Presbyterian, top-ranked in the country for cancer treatment, is home to one of only four National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in New York State.

Patients are provided with compassionate, expert care and access to the latest cancer treatments and therapies. The diverse team of cancer experts at New York-Presbyterian is dedicated to providing the highest quality, most comprehensive care, from screening to treatment to recovery for many different cancer types. Other conditions treated by New York Presbyterian include cancer of the blood, bone cancer, kidney and lung cancers, leukemia, lymphoma, and pancreatic cancer.