Gynecologic cancer

Our affiliated physicians in gynecological care offer advanced diagnostic techniques and treatment methods for a variety of complex gynecological cancers. Our specialists encourage you to visit your doctor at least once a year for well-woman exams, especially if you are sexually active. Early detection of gynecological cancer can help enhance your treatment options as well as improve outcomes.

Our cancer program includes:

• Enhanced Surgical Recovery (ESR) program focused on helping you recover sooner following major surgery and helping you be actively involved in your recovery
• Genetic counseling and risk assessment
• Inpatient unit with specially trained nurses
• Minimally invasive techniques, including robotic surgery
• Multidisciplinary tumor conference for personalized treatment planning
• Oncology rehabilitation and lymphedema therapy
• Quality-based, coordinated cancer care from screening through survivorship
• Support of a gynecological nurse navigator who will advocate for you and guide you through your cancer journey

Without early detection, ovarian cancer often goes unnoticed until it has reached the pelvis and abdomen. At this stage, ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat. When caught while the cancer is only within the ovary, it is more likely to be successfully treated.

Ovarian cancer symptoms

When ovarian cancer is in its early stage, it rarely causes any symptoms. Ovarian cancer that has progressed may cause few and non-specific symptoms that can be mistaken for more common conditions.

Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Frequent urination
• Quickly feeling full when eating
• Weight loss

Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the cervix. Normally, the cells of the cervix divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing in an unregulated manner, a mass of tissue forms. This mass is called a tumor.

Cervical cancer comes in two major forms:

• Adenocarcinoma — Arises from the gland cells that are found in the inner lining of the cervical canal
• Squamous cell cancer — Arises from the cells on the outermost portion of the cervix that connects with the vagina

Cervical cancer screening

Squamous cancer is more common than adenocarcinoma. Many cases of squamous cancer are associated with infection with a virus (human papillomavirus or HPV), which, in addition to increasing the risk for cervical cancer, causes changes in the cells of the cervix. These changes can be detected by a Pap smear and indicate an increased risk for developing cervical cancer.

A vaccine has been developed to protect against infection by some (but not all) of the HPV strains associated with cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer symptoms

Early-stage cervical cancer tends to show no symptoms. However, once the cancer becomes more advanced, patients may experience:

• Pain during intercourse
• Pelvic pain
• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have an unpleasant odor

The walls of the uterus are made up of the endometrium (the inner lining) and the myometrium (the muscular, outer lining). The most common type of cancer of the uterus begins in the endometrium.

Endometrial cancer is the most common female reproductive tract cancer. However, endometrial cancer rarely occurs in women 40 years old and younger. The risk of developing it increases with age.

There are different types of endometrial cancers. All of these tumors involve the glandular cells. The most common type is endometrioid adenocarcinomas. The other types, papillary serous adenocarcinomas and clear cell adenocarcinomas, grow and spread more rapidly than endometrioid adenocarcinomas.

Types of uterine cancers

Most uterine cancers are endometrial cancers. Other, more rare types of uterine cancers include:

• Carcinosarcomas
• Leiomyosarcomas
• Malignant mixed mesodermal tumors
• Stromal sarcomas

Uterine cancer symptoms

Typical uterine cancer symptoms include:

• Difficult or painful urination
• Pain or a mass in the pelvic area
• Pain during intercourse
• Unintentional (or unexplained) weight loss
• Unusual vaginal discharge that does not have signs of blood

HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.