Resources

What is Gynecologic Oncology?

Gynecologic Oncology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on cancers of the female reproductive system, including ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, cervical cancer, and vulvar cancer. As cancer specialists, our gynecologic oncologists have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of these cancers.

Early detection of breast, uterine, cervical and vulva cancer are critical at getting the optimal outcome.  We recommend regular mammograms and women’s wellness screenings.  If you have a family history consider genetic testing.

Our gynecologic oncologists are fellowship trained surgeons.  They perform surgery on many gynecologic conditions, including:

Pelvic Mass

A pelvic mass is an enlargement or swelling in the pelvic region. Most pelvic masses are discovered during routine gynecologic or physical examinations. Pelvic masses may originate from either the gynecologic organs, such as the cervix, uterus, uterine adnexa, or from other pelvic organs, such as the intestines, bladder, ureters, and renal organs

Primary Peritoneal, Fallopian Tube, and Ovarian Cancers

Ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancers are diseases in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum. The peritoneum is the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers organs in the abdomen

Ovarian Mass

The ovaries are the sex organs that produce female hormones, and store and release eggs between puberty and menopause. An ovarian mass may be a cyst or a tumor growth (which may be non-cancerous i.e. benign, or cancerous) that develops in one or both of a girl’s/woman’s ovaries.

Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancers can be of two types: endometrial cancer (common) and uterine sarcoma (rare). Endometrial cancer can often be cured. Uterine sarcoma is often more aggressive and harder to treat.

Abnormal Bleeding after Menopause

After menopause, you may have too much estrogen and too little progesterone. As a result, the endometrium gets thicker and can bleed.

Cervical Cancer and Lesions

A precancerous cervical lesion, which is also called an intraepithelial lesion, is an abnormality in the cells of your cervix that could eventually develop into cervical cancer. There are two main types of cervical cells, squamous and glandular, and abnormalities can occur in either type.

Uterine Sarcoma

Uterine sarcoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the muscles of the uterus or other tissues that support the uterus. Past treatment with radiation therapy to the pelvis can increase the risk of uterine sarcoma.

Vaginal Cancer and Lesions

Vaginal cancer is an uncommon cancer of the female reproductive system. Vaginal cancer begins when healthy cells in the vagina change and grow out of control, forming a mass called a tumor. A tumor can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor is a tumor that can grow but will not spread.

Vulvar Cancer and Lesions

Vulvar cancer is named for the type of tissue where the cancer started. The most common is squamous cell carcinoma. Other, less common vulvar cancers include adenocarcinoma, melanoma, sarcoma, and verrucous carcinoma.

If you have received a cancer diagnosis from your primary care physician or an OBGYN, feel free to schedule an appointment with one of our Gynecologic Oncology providers.
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