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Gynecologic Cancer

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Specializing in Pelvic Cancers and Conditions

Gynecologic cancers begin in the female reproductive system. Compared to other types of cancers, these cancers are relatively uncommon. However, all women are at risk of developing gynecologic cancer, especially as they age.

Types of Gynecologic Cancer We Treat

There are five main types of gynecologic cancer. Depending on which areas are affected, you may be diagnosed with: 

Sanford Health also provides services for precancerous conditions and complex pelvic conditions.

What Does a Gynecologic Oncologist Do?

Unlike with other cancer types, gynecologic oncologists will manage both your surgery and chemotherapy. If it’s necessary, they may also consult with a radiation oncologist. Following a referral from your primary care provider, your gynecologic oncologist will begin with a variety of tests and exams to determine what type of cancer you have and the best way to treat it. Diagnostic and treatment services include:

  • Pelvic exams
  • Ultrasound imaging tests
  • Lab tests
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Surgery

Find a Gynecologic Oncologist

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time. It begins in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Over time, abnormal cells may appear in the cervix and then begin to grow uncontrollably. 

The most common cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus. The HPV vaccine can help prevent people from acquiring the infection. 

Download the cervical cancer guide.

Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

Risk factors for cervical cancer include:

  • Being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Being exposed in the womb to DES, a drug given to some pregnant women to prevent miscarriage in the 1950s

For those infected with HPV, the following risk factors increase the risk of cervical cancer:

  • Smoking cigarettes
  • Not having recommended screenings

There are also risk factors that increase the risk of HPV infection:

  • Having a weakened immune system
  • Being sexually active at a young age
  • Having many sexual partners

Cervical Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Some signs and symptoms of cervical cancer include:

  • Vaginal bleeding (including after sex)
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain during sex

There are often no signs or symptoms of cervical cancer early on, so women between the ages of 21 and 65 should receive regular screenings. Talk with your primary care provider to establish a screening schedule that makes sense for you.

Cervical Cancer Treatments

Surgery allows doctors to remove the cancer.

Radiation therapy targets abnormal cells with radiation, which damages them and keeps them from reproducing. 

Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells to slow down their growth and eliminate the disease.

Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to attack cancer cells without harming normal cells.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy uses medications to teach your immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells.

Ovarian Cancer

The ovaries are a pair of almond-sized organs on either side of the uterus that make eggs and female hormones. Ovarian cancer happens when cancer cells form and multiply in the tissues of the ovaries. Fallopian tube and peritoneal cancers are very similar to ovarian cancer and are treated comparably. Ovarian germ cell tumors, or tumors found in the egg cells, are also treated similarly.

Download the ovarian cancer guide.

Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors

Those with a first-degree relative, like a mother, daughter or sister, who have a history of ovarian cancer have an increased risk of developing it. 

For those with a first-degree relative and a second-degree relative, like a grandmother or aunt, with a history of ovarian cancer, the risk of developing ovarian cancer is even higher.

And for women who have two or more first-degree relatives with a history of ovarian cancer, this risk is even higher yet.

Hereditary ovarian cancer makes up about one in five diagnoses of ovarian cancer. Genetic testing can help determine the right treatment for you and help family members know of their own risk for the future.

Ovarian Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Ovarian cancer may not cause early signs or symptoms. When they do appear, the cancer is often advanced. Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Bloating
  • Pain in the pelvis or abdomen
  • Having a hard time eating or feeling of fullness
  • Frequent or sudden need to urinate

If you’re concerned you may have ovarian cancer, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.

Ovarian Cancer Treatments

Surgery allows doctors to remove as much of the tumor as possible. A common surgical option is a hysterectomy, which is surgery to remove the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Radiation therapy targets abnormal cells with radiation, which damages them and keeps them from reproducing. This is rarely used to treat ovarian cancer.

Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells to slow down their growth and eliminate the disease.

Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells.

Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer

Endometrial, or uterine, cancer is when cancer cells form in the lining of the uterus, a pear-shaped organ in the female pelvis. Most endometrial cancers are found in those who are experiencing or who have gone through menopause.

Download the endometrial cancer guide.

Endometrial Cancer Risk Factors

Risk factors for endometrial cancer include: 

  • Taking estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy 
  • Taking tamoxifen to prevent or treat breast cancer 
  • Living with obesity
  • Having a family history of endometrial cancer in a first-degree relative (mother, sister or daughter) 
  • Having certain genetic conditions, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometrial hyperplasia or metabolic syndrome
  • Exposing endometrial tissue to estrogen made by the body. This may be caused by: 
    • Never giving birth 
    • Menstruating at an early age 
    • Starting menopause at a later age

Endometrial Cancer Signs & Symptoms

These signs and symptoms may be caused by endometrial cancer:

  • Vaginal bleeding or discharge not related to menstruation
  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause
  • Difficult or painful urination
  • Pain during sex
  • Pain in the pelvic area

If you’re concerned you may have endometrial cancer, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.

Endometrial Cancer Treatments

Surgery allows doctors to remove as much of the tumor as possible. A common surgical option is a hysterectomy, which is surgery to remove the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Radiation therapy targets abnormal cells with radiation, which damages them and keeps them from reproducing. 

Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells to slow down their growth and eliminate the disease.

Hormone therapy is a cancer treatment that removes or blocks hormones to stop cancer cells from growing.

Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy uses medications to teach your immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells.

Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer is an uncommon cancer type that forms when cancer cells develop uncontrollably in the vagina, the canal that leads from the cervix to the outside of the body.

Download the vaginal cancer guide.

Vaginal Cancer Risk Factors

Risk factors for vaginal cancer include: 

  • Being age 60 or older
  • Smoking 
  • Being exposed in the womb to DES, a drug given to some pregnant women to prevent miscarriage in the 1950s
  • Having human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or pre-cancer conditions

Vaginal Cancer Signs & Symptoms

Some signs and symptoms of vaginal cancer include:

  • Bleeding or discharge not related to menstruation
  • Pain during sex
  • Pelvic pain
  • A lump in the vagina
  • Pain when urinating
  • Constipation

Vaginal cancer often does not cause early signs or symptoms, but it can be found during a routine pelvic exam and Pap test. Talk with your primary care provider about establishing a screening schedule that makes sense for you.

Vaginal Cancer Treatments

Surgery is an option for treating early vaginal cancer. Different surgical procedures are designed to remove the tumor, part or all of the vagina, or other pelvic organs. 

Radiation therapy targets abnormal cells with radiation, which damages them and keeps them from reproducing.  

Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells to slow down their growth and eliminate the disease.

Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy uses medications to teach your immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells.

Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is a rare disease in which cancer cells develop in the tissues of the vulva, usually slowly over several years. It forms in the external female genitalia including the vaginal lips, the clitoris, the vaginal opening and glands, the mons pubis, and the perineum. 

Download the vulvar cancer guide.

Vulvar Cancer Risk Factors

Risk factors for vulvar cancer include:

  • Having vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)
  • Having human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
  • Having a history of genital warts
  • Smoking

Other possible risk factors include:

  • Having many sexual partners
  • Having sex at a young age
  • Having a history of abnormal Pap tests

Vulvar Cancer Signs & Symptoms

Vulvar cancer often does not cause early signs or symptoms, but some may include:

  • A lump or growth on the vulva
  • Changes in the vulvar skin, such as color changes or growths that look like a wart or ulcer
  • Itching in the vulvar area that does not go away
  • Bleeding not related to menstruation
  • Tenderness in the vulvar area

If you’re concerned you may have vulvar cancer, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.

Vulvar Cancer Treatments

Surgery is the most common treatment of vulvar cancer. Different surgical procedures are designed to remove the tumor, part or all of the vulva, or other pelvic organs. 

Radiation therapy targets abnormal cells with radiation, which damages them and keeps them from reproducing. It’s often used in conjunction with surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. 

Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells to slow down their growth and eliminate the disease. 

Immunotherapy helps your body create more immune cells, which find and kill cancer cells.

Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy uses medications to teach your immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells.