Gynecologic Cancer Types

The Alta Bates Summit Comprehensive Cancer Center in the East Bay area offers a full-time program for gynecologic oncology and women’s cancer services. Our board-certified gynecologic oncologist is available for consultation on cancer of the female reproductive organs including the cervix, fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries, vulva and vagina.

Other services include pre-treatment planning, treatment and follow-up care. A variety of other services are also offered when needed, including surgery, coordination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy and other complimentary therapy programs such as acupuncture, yoga, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Therapeutic Massage Therapy, and Guided Imagery.

Everyone on the Cancer Center’s team is focused on easing the patient's journey by minimizing the time spent in treatment and supporting all aspects of the patient experience. They believe that patients respond best when treated with a comprehensive, integrated strategy that treats the whole patient—physically, psychologically, and emotionally.

The PDF links below require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you are unable to
open the PDF files you may need to Download Adobe Reader .

• Cancer of the Ovaries
• Cancer of the Uterus
• Cancer of the Cervix
• Cancer of the Vulva
• Cancer of the Vagina
• Cancer of the Fallopian Tube

Cancer of the Ovaries

Cancer of the ovaries has been called the “silent” killer. Ovarian cancer most frequently affects older women. Chances increase significantly at the time of menopause. Ovarian cancer gained its 'silent killer' reputation because until recently it was thought that symptoms did not develop until the later stages of the disease. Recent clinical studies have shown that there are very distinguishable early warning symptoms of the disease that can signal early detection and treatment.

Symptoms:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

Studies show that women who have these symptoms on a daily basis, for two weeks or more should see their doctor or gynecologist. As with any cancer, prompt diagnosis equates improved prognosis.

Download the following documents for more detailed information:
Everyone's Guide for Cancer Therapy - Ovary (PDF, 57k)
Everyone's Guide for Cancer Therapy - Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors (PDF, 43k)

Back to top

Cancer of the Uterus

Cancer of the uterus, also called endometrial cancer, is the most common women’s reproductive cancer. This cancer affects the inner lining of the uterus. The majority of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer have already gone through menopause, but it can occur in younger women as well. Why some women get this cancer and others don’t is still a mystery, but recent studies show that women who are exposed to more estrogen, either naturally or from outside sources, are more likely to develop endometrial cancer.

Symptoms:

• Abnormal bleeding or discharge from the vagina
• Cramps in the belly area that wont’ go away
• An unexplainable weight loss or gain
• Pelvic or back pain
• Pain on urination
• Pain on sexual intercourse

Many endometrial cancers are found at an early stage of development. It's important to seek a doctor's advice for any unexplained vaginal bleeding. Women should receive annual pelvic exams for cervical and ovarian cancer screening.

Download the following documents for more detailed information:
Everyone's Guide for Cancer Therapy - Uterus: Endometrial Carcinoma (PDF, 56k)
Everyone's Guide for Cancer Therapy - Uterus: Uterine Sarcomas (PDF, 54k)
Everyone's Guide for Cancer Therapy - Trophoblastic Disease (PDF, 49k)

Back to top

Cancer of the Cervix

Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that affects young women, mostly in their twenties or even their teens. This cancer occurs in the lower part of the uterus. There are several known risk factors for cervical cancer, but no one knows for sure why some women get it and others don’t. The good news is cervical cancer is considered a preventable disease. Effective screening programs (Pap tests) have led to the dramatic decline in the numbers of cervical cancer deaths.

Symptoms: Unfortunately the early stages of cervical cancer do not have any easily defined symptoms. That’s why it is important to have regular screenings. However, general symptoms can include:

• Abnormal bleeding
• Chronic pelvic or back pain
• Pain when urinating
• Blood in stool or urine

Women who have had the HPV infection, genital warts, or women who have had, or their partners have had, many sexual partners are more at risk for cervical cancer.

Download the following document for more detailed information:
Everyone's Guide for Cancer Therapy - Cervix (PDF, 55k)

Back to top

Cancer of the Vulva

Cancer of the vulva represents less than 1% of all female related cancers. It occurs most commonly in women over 50 years of age. Essentially, vulvar cancers are skin related cancers; that is they develop around the labia, the clitoris, and possibly the sensitive skin area between the vagina and anus.

Symptoms:

• Vulvar itching
• Vaginal discharge
• Painful urination

Risk factors for cancer of the vulva include: Smoking, HPV infections, multiple sexual partners, cervical cancer, immune deficiency, presence of chronic vaginal and/or vulvar irritation. Regular gynecological examinations are the best way to diagnose this cancer.

Download the following document for more detailed information:
Everyone's Guide for Cancer Therapy - Vulva (PDF, 62k)

Back to top

Cancer of the Vagina

Vaginal cancer is a rare cancer, representing less than 2% of all female gynecologic cancers. This cancer is an abnormal growth of malignant cells in a woman’s vagina. The vast majority of vaginal cancers evolve over a period of many years. Normally, vaginal cancers affect older women between the ages of 65-70 years of age. The biggest risk factor for contracting vaginal cancer can be attributed to the diagnosis of cervical cancer. Also, vaginal irritation and the HPV virus are attributing factors to the disease.

Symptoms:

• Painless vaginal bleeding unrelated to menstrual cycles
• Vaginal discharge
• Painful or difficult urination
• Painful sexual intercourse

Regular gynecological examinations are the best way to diagnose this cancer.

Download the following document for more detailed information:
Everyone's Guide for Cancer Therapy - Vagina (PDF, 40k)

Back to top

Cancer of the Fallopian Tube

Statistics show that primary fallopian tube cancer is the rarest of all gynecologic cancers, representing less than 1%. It is an abnormal growth of malignant cells in one or both of a woman’s fallopian tubes. Fallopian tube cancers are found in women between 60-64 years of age, but can also manifest itself in women in their mid 80’s. Because of its rarity, the risk factors for developing this cancer are hard to determine, however there has been some association of the cancer with chronic infection or inflammation of the fallopian tubes.

Symptoms:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain

Since fallopian tube cancer is so rare, coupled with the difficulty of seeing an abnormal growth inside the tube, this type of cancer is harder to diagnose than some other types of gynecologic cancers. A regular pelvic exam is always the best way to monitor your gynecologic health.

Back to top