Gynecologic cancers are a group of cancers that affect the female reproductive system. St. Luke’s provides personalized care for female pelvic malignancies. Women benefit from a team approach tailored to meet their unique medical and emotional needs.


St. Luke’s team of gynecologic oncologists practice the surgical and medical management of gynecologic cancers through the Gynecologic Oncology program at St. Luke’s Cancer Center. Our physicians and providers focus exclusively on caring for women with gynecologic cancers, offering state-of-the-art surgical interventions for cancer and complex benign disease, including minimally-invasive surgery; innovative cancer treatments including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and biologic therapy; access to clinical trials and investigational protocols; and family risk assessment and genetic counseling.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers affecting women's reproductive organs. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of cervical cancer. There are more than 100 different strains of the virus, but only a few strains are considered to be high risk. It is potentially preventable by vaccination with the HPV vaccine. Precancerous cells can be identified by Pap smears.


There are two main types of cervical cancer:

  • Squamous cell carcinomas
    • 80-90 percent of cervical cancers
  • Adenocarcinomas
    • 10-20 percent of cervical cancers

Sometimes both types of cells are involved in cervical cancer. Very rare cancers can occur in other cells in the cervix.


Symptoms

The most common symptom of cervical cancer is vaginal bleeding. Pelvic pain can also occur.


The first indication of cervical cancer may be from an abnormal Pap smear. A biopsy can confirm the diagnosis.


Cervical cancer symptoms may include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Unusual heavy vaginal discharge
  • Pelvic pain not related to the normal menstrual cycle
  • Bladder pain during urination
  • Bleeding between regular menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse, douching or pelvic exam

Treatments

A doctor will perform a physical examination, review symptoms and perform testing for cervical cancer that can include:

If initial testing indicates the presence of cervical cancer, treatments may include:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation Therapy
    • External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
    • Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
    • High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR)
  • Participation in a clinical trial

For additional information on programs, services and locations, download and print the following PDFs:
St. Luke’s Radiation Oncology Program Guide
St. Luke’s Infusion Centers Guide

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cancer killer of women, according to the American Cancer Society. This is because ovarian cancer is usually detected when it has spread beyond the ovary, at an advanced stage. Early detection is difficult because there are no early signs, no specific symptoms and no currently available screening test.


At St. Luke’s Cancer Center, women with ovarian cancer are offered options that may maximize their survival while maintaining desired quality of life. Advanced ovarian cancer is best treated with a combination of aggressive surgery to remove as much cancer as possible followed by chemotherapy. Sometimes chemotherapy is given before surgery.


Symptoms

Many times, women with ovarian cancer have no symptoms or just mild symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage. The lack of a reliable screening test puts women at a disadvantage for finding ovarian cancer early, before the disease has progressed.


When ovarian cancer symptoms do present, they may resemble those of intestinal flu. When combined with other symptoms, like abdominal bloating, fatigue and a heavy feeling in the pelvic area, a thorough evaluation is in order.


Ovarian cancer symptoms can be mild and may not present immediately. Signs may include:

  • Sense of pelvic heaviness
  • Vague lower abdominal discomfort
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Abnormal menstrual cycles
  • Unexplained back pain that worsens over time
  • Increased abdominal girth
  • Increased gas
  • Indigestion
  • Lack of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Difficulty eating usual volumes of food
  • Bloating

Some risk factors may include:

  • Age: two-thirds of women who develop ovarian cancer are over age 55
  • Menstruation before age 12
  • No children or first child after age 30
  • Menopause after age 50
  • Prolonged use of the fertility drug clomiphene citrate, especially without achieving pregnancy, may increase the risk
  • Family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer
  • Personal history of breast cancer diagnosed before age 50

Treatments

A doctor will perform a physical examination, review symptoms with the patient and perform testing for ovarian cancer that can include:


If initial testing indicates the presence of ovarian cancer, treatment may include:

  • Intravenous (IV) chemotherapy followed by surgery.
  • Aggressive surgery to remove, or debulk, the visible tumor followed by chemotherapy.
  • Chemotherapy after surgery can be administered by IV. In some cases, it is recommended to also give chemotherapy directly into the abdomen. This is called intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy.
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Participation in a clinical trial.

For additional information on programs, services and locations, download and print the following PDFs:
St. Luke’s Radiation Oncology Program Guide
St. Luke’s Infusion Centers Guide


Uterine (endometrial) cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer occurring in the United States. The disease usually affects women over age 50 and usually occurs after menopause.


The following factors may increase the risk:

  • Age: Most endometrial cancers develop in women who are menopausal.
  • Certain types of hormone treatments.
  • Obesity: The more overweight, the higher the risk.
  • Ethnicity: Caucasian women at higher risk for developing the disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms of uterine (endometrial) cancer may include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause. This is the most common symptom.
  • Excessive menstrual bleeding
  • Irregular periods
  • Pelvic pain
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Pain with intercourse
  • Anemia
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Shortness of breath

Treatments

A doctor will perform a physical examination, review symptoms and perform testing for uterine (endometrial) cancer that can include:

If initial testing indicates the presence of uterine cancer, treatment may include:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation Therapy
    • External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
    • Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
    • High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR)
  • Hormone Therapy
  • Participation in a clinical trial

For additional information on programs, services and locations, download and print the following PDFs:
St. Luke’s Radiation Oncology Program Guide
St. Luke’s Infusion Centers Guide

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At St. Luke’s, our cancer patients benefit from all of that, plus an unparalleled level of support and compassion. You are not alone – we are with you every step of the way. Whether you are newly diagnosed or looking for a second opinion, we are here to help. Call St. Luke’s HopeLine – one number for all your needs: 484-503-HOPE.

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