Gynecologic Cancer

Overview

Every year, more than 80,000 women in this country discover that they have some form of gynecologic cancer that affects their reproductive organs. The most common forms include cervical cancer, vaginal or vulvar cancer, uterine or endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Though gynecologic cancers can affect any woman, some may be at greater risk. Risk factors may include age, family history, smoking history, sexual history, and other conditions. Recognizing the risk factors can help you take advantage of health screenings that can detect problems before they become serious. More importantly, many risk factors signal a need to make lifestyle changes that can eliminate behaviors or conditions that can lead to cancer.

Symptoms

Though gynecologic cancers don’t always have obvious symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible if you experience:

A sore that doesn’t heal
Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, particularly after menopause
A thickening or lump that either causes pain or can be seen and felt
Persistent indigestion or bloating
Pain in the pelvic area
Changes in bowel or bladder habits

If these or other symptoms require evaluation or care, your primary care physician or obstetrician/gynecologist may recommend that you see a gynecological oncologist, a specialist in caring for women with cancer of the reproductive system.

Having annual gynecological examinations and pap tests can help protect you. You should discuss any concerns or changes with your doctor.

Learn more about gynecologic cancer and its treatments.

Wilmot Cancer Institute

UR Medicine's Approach

UR Medicine’s Gynecologic Oncology team helps patients take steps that can prevent some types of cancer or detect it early enough to make a difference.

Our services include:

Evaluation of abnormal pap smears and tumors of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva
Assessment of abdominal or pelvic masses
Development of care plans based on individual needs
Surgery to reconstruct abnormalities caused by cancer treatment
Minimally invasive surgery

UR Medicine offers the latest in minimally-invasive robotic surgery: the da Vinci® Surgical System. This leading-edge technology enhances your surgeon’s precision, dexterity, and control while requiring only one- to two-centimeter incisions, meaning a faster recovery and return to daily activities.

What Sets Us Apart?

Gynecologic Oncology’s physicians are fellowship-trained—the highest level of education in their field—and are subspecialists in this form of cancer. Our physicians are also leaders in minimally invasive and robotic procedures, giving patients the most and best treatment options. Our surgeons perform more minimally invasive, robotic gynecological surgeries than anyone else in the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region.

UR Medicine's Wilmot Cancer Institute provides world-class cancer treatment and care and conducts pivotal research. Established in 1974, it has a long history of outstanding clinical care and research breakthroughs. Wilmot features an 87-bed flagship cancer center, 13 outpatient locations, and one of the state’s largest blood and marrow transplant programs.

Highland Hospital has been performing robotic surgeries since 2008; its gynecologic oncology surgeons were the first in the area to provide minimally invasive options for gynecologic conditions. Minimally invasive surgery can mean quicker recovery, less pain and scarring, and fewer complications.

The Joint Commission–the nation’s top health care accrediting organization–has awarded Highland’s Gynecologic Oncology program the Gold Seal of Approval; this certification demonstrates Highland’s commitment to the highest standards of excellence for uterine and ovarian cancer.