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Overview of Gynecologic Cancers

Posted: May 1, 2009

• Cervical cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the cervix.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the major risk factor for development of cervical cancer.
• There are usually no noticeable signs of early cervical cancer but it can be detected early with yearly check-ups.
• Possible signs of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.
• Tests that examine the cervix are used to find and diagnose cervical cancer.

• Endometrial cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the endometrium.
• Taking Tamoxifen for breast cancer or taking estrogen alone (without progesterone) can affect the risk of developing endometrial cancer.
• Possible signs of endometrial cancer include unusual vaginal discharge or pain in the pelvis.
• Tests that examine the endometrium are used to find and diagnose endometrial cancer.

• Ovarian epithelial cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissue covering the ovary.
• Ovarian germ cell tumor is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the germ (egg) cells of the ovary.
• Women who have a family history of ovarian cancer are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
• Some ovarian cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations (changes).
• Women with an increased risk of ovarian cancer may consider surgery to prevent it.
• Possible signs of ovarian epithelial cancer include pain or swelling in the abdomen.
• Possible signs of ovarian germ cell tumor are swelling of the abdomen or vaginal bleeding after menopause.
• Ovarian low malignant potential tumor is a disease in which precancerous cells (cells that may, or are likely to, become cancer) form in the tissue covering the ovary. In most cases, ovarian low malignant potential tumor can be treated successfully.

• Uterine sarcoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the muscles of the uterus or other tissues that support the uterus.
• Being exposed to X-rays can affect the risk of developing uterine sarcoma.
• Possible signs of uterine sarcoma include abnormal bleeding.
• Tests that examine the uterus are used to find and diagnose uterine sarcoma.

• Vaginal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the vagina.
• Age and exposure to the drug DES (diethylstilbestrol) before birth affect a woman’s risk of developing vaginal cancer.
• Possible signs of vaginal cancer include pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Tests that examine the vagina and other organs in the pelvis are used to find and diagnose vaginal cancer.

• Vulvar cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the vulva.
• HPV infection and older age can affect the risk of developing vulvar cancer.
• Possible signs of vulvar cancer include bleeding or itching.
• Tests that examine the vulva are used to find and diagnose vulvar cancer.

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