Gynecologic Cancer

Gynecologic cancers affect a woman’s reproductive organs. They include ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, vulvar cancers as well as fallopian tube and other rare cancers.

If you’re facing a gynecologic cancer diagnosis, you can get help and treatment close to home at UM Upper Chesapeake Health's Kaufman Cancer Center in Harford County.

Choose UM Upper Chesapeake Health for Gynecologic Cancer Care

Our gynecologic cancer care team provides a comprehensive approach to cancer care, taking care of the cancer as well as your overall health. Our team of specialists includes women’s health specialists, radiation and medical oncologists and surgeons. Together they’ll develop a treatment plan for you that’s best for your specific needs.

Your nurse navigator will guide you through each phase of treatment, helping coordinate all appointments and resources. Everyone receiving treatment at our cancer center has access to our support services, including social worker, dietitian and wellness classes.

If you have concerns about symptoms or need to talk about a diagnosis, call 443-643-3350 for an appointment.

Gynecologic Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms vary depending on the specific type of cancer. Common ones include persistent abdominal or pelvic pain, pain during sex, nausea, difficulty eating, and feeling full quickly.

To diagnose a gynecological cancer, you’ll have a physical exam with your doctor, including a pelvic exam to check for signs of cancer. Based on your symptoms and exam, your doctor will request a diagnostic test or imaging:

• Biopsy – tissue is examined closely for cancer cells 
• Colposcopy – a lighted tool that magnifies examines the vulva, vagina and cervix 
• Endoscopy – a thin tube with a lighted camera examines the inside of pelvic organs

More in-depth testing includes:

• CT scan – X-ray equipment produces images to detect cancer and areas where it may have spread
• MRI – a closer look at tumors through pictures of many areas of your body
• PET (positron emission tomography) – a small radioactive substance that cancer cells takes in is injected into your body, then a scanner creates images to show any highlighted areas where the cancer may be.
• Ultrasound – a wand that produces sound waves detects the size and location of tumors, used on the abdomen and inside the vagina.

Treating Gynecologic Cancer

Treatment may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. You may also be a candidate for targeted therapy, which uses drugs that specifically target cancer cells to preserve healthy ones, and hormone therapy, where drugs block or stop hormone production. Hormone therapy is used for cancers that are stimulated by estrogen or other hormones.

Our Specialists

Our gynecologic cancer team includes gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. They work together to develop the best treatment and care plan for your health needs.

Gynecologic Oncology