Gynecologic Oncology at GBMC

What are possible warning signs of cervical cancer? 

Precancer and cancer of the cervix often have no symptoms; however, some of the warning signs include:

• Abnormal bleeding
• Spotting or discharge
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Signs of advanced cancer include pain, problems urinating, and swollen legs

How is cervical cancer treated? 

Precancers can be removed with a LEEP biopsy (loop electrosurgical excision procedure), which uses an electrified loop of wire to remove cells, cryotherapy (which freezes the cells), laser therapy (which vaporizes the cells), or a cone biopsy (in which a cone shaped wedge is removed from the cervix). Cervical cancer may also require a radical hysterectomy and radiation with or without chemotherapy. 

What is ovarian cancer? 

There are three types of ovarian cancer:

• Epithelial is the most common form of ovarian cancer; these cancers derive from cells that cover the surface of the ovaries
• Germ cell tumors form on the cells in the ovary that develop into eggs
• Sex cord-stromal tumors occur in the connective tissue inside the ovary

How is ovarian cancer treated? 

Surgery is used to remove the cancer, often followed by chemotherapy or radiation. Ovarian cancer is highly treatable when caught in its early stages. 

What is uterine cancer? 

There are two types of uterine cancer:

• Endometrial, the more common form of uterine cancer, occurs when the lining of the uterus becomes too thick
• Sarcomas tumors form from muscle or other tissue. These are more aggressive than endometrial cancer and have different clinical characteristics and management

What are the warning signs of possible uterine cancer? 

• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Spotting or discharge
• Heavy menstruation
• Postmenopausal bleeding, spotting or discharge