Gynecologic cancers are located within or near the female reproductive organs. In Lansing, our specialists manage treatment plans for:
Cervical Cancer
The cervix is in the lower part of the uterus. Cervical cancer is the growth of cancer cells in the tissue of the cervix. Only females can develop cervical cancer. Women usually do not have symptoms during the early stages of cervical cancer. The most common signs and symptoms of cervical cancer are:
- Irregular vaginal bleeding, including between periods, after sex and after menopause
- Pelvic or back pain
- Pain during intercourse
Fallopian Tube Cancer
The fallopian tube connects the ovaries to the uterus. It is the path where eggs travel within the female reproductive system to the uterus from the ovaries. Women may or may not experience symptoms of fallopian tube cancer. Some signs are:
- Irregular vaginal bleeding, including between periods and after menopause
- Lower abdominal swelling, pressure or pain
- Discharge that is not normal
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
The trophoblast is a layer of cells that grow in the placenta. Sometimes, tumors form within the trophoblast, usually during pregnancy. This is a rare occurrence. One of the most common types of gestational trophoblastic disease is gestational choriocarcinoma. Signs and symptoms of gestational trophoblastic disease are:
- Preeclampsia, or similar symptoms of preeclampsia
- An overactive thyroid, or similar symptoms of an overactive thyroid
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Vaginal bleeding that may also cause you to feel dizzy, tired, or have shortness of breath
- Enlarged uterus, which may cause women to show sooner than normal when pregnant
- Pain or pressure in the pelvis
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is the growth of cancer cells in the ovary tissue. The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. They produce female hormones, estrogen, and progesterone. Only females can develop ovarian cancer. Women may not have symptoms during the early stages. Ovarian cancer signs and symptoms are:
- Abdominal swelling or discomfort (gas, bloating, cramps) that does not go away
- Back or leg pain that does not go away
- Feeling tired all the time
- Irregular vaginal bleeding, including between periods, after sex and after menopause
Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer
Uterine cancer starts in the tissue and muscle of the uterus. The inner layer of the uterus is the endometrium. Endometrial cancer is one of the most common types of uterine cancer. Signs and symptoms of uterine or endometrial cancers are:
- Irregular vaginal bleeding, including between periods, after sex and after menopause
- Pain or pressure in the pelvis
- Abnormal lump or mass in the pelvic region
- Weight loss
Vaginal Cancer
Cancer that develops in the vagina is considered vaginal cancer. Signs and symptoms include:
- Irregular vaginal bleeding, including after sex
- Discharge that is not normal
- Pain when you urinate
- Abnormal lump or mass in the vagina
- Constipation
- Pain during intercourse
- Pelvic, back or lower belly pain
- Swollen legs
Vulvar Cancer
Vulvar cancer normally develops in the inner skin folds around the vagina, though it can also develop in the clitoris. These skin folds are known collectively as the vulva, which is located on the outer parts of the vaginal opening. The labia majora and labia minora, the outer and inner lips of the vagina make up the vulva. Signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer include:
- Itching
- Light, dark, red or pink skin that looks abnormal
- A lump or sore located on the skin folds around the vagina
- Skin that has thickened
- Pain, discomfort or burning
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
Primary Peritoneal Cancer
Primary peritoneal cancer can spread from the abdomen to the ovaries. When this happens, our gynecologic oncologists can develop a treatment plan. The peritoneum is a tissue located in the abdomen. If a woman is diagnosed with primary peritoneal cancer, the disease started in this tissue and was not spread from anywhere else in the body. Women may or may not have symptoms during the early stages. Signs and symptoms of primary peritoneal cancer are:
- Abdominal swelling or discomfort (cramps) that does not go away
- Gastrointestinal problems (gas, constipation, bloating)
- Abnormal lump or mass in the pelvic region
- Frequent urination
- Feeling full or having trouble eating