Gynecologic cancer refers to a group of cancers that begin in a woman’s reproductive organs. These cancers include cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, and endometrial or uterine cancers. Each of these cancers is unique with different causes, risk factors, and treatment options. However, across all of the gynecologic cancers, treatment is most effective when the cancer is found early. Understanding more about women’s cancers, their risk factors, and symptoms can lower your chance for developing an advanced stage gynecologic cancer.
Ovarian (or tubal cancers) can develop on the external surface of the ovary or tube, or inside the ovary or tube itself.
Endometrial cancer, or uterine cancer, typically originates in the lining of the uterus and is the most frequently diagnosed gynecologic cancer.
Cervical cancer forms in the cells lining the cervix or the lower part of a woman’s uterus that connects to the vagina.
Each type of gynecologic cancer has a different set of treatments available. Your cancer care team will create a plan that typically uses one or more of the following:
Surgery, performed by a gynecologic oncologist
Radiation, provided by a radiation oncologist
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapies
The combination of treatments used depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, possible side effects, the woman’s future plans for her family, and her general health.
External radiation therapy uses high-intensity beams of radiation, directed at a very specific area of the body, to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. For gynecologic cancers, a large machine directs radiation at your pelvis or other tissues where the cancer has spread. The treatment is done in our clinic. You may receive external radiation 5 days a week for several weeks. Each treatment takes only a few minutes.
Side effects from external beam radiation therapy may include fatigue, diarrhea, mild skin reactions, upset stomach, and loose bowel movements. External-beam radiation therapy will also result in your ability to become pregnant. If you are premenopausal and your ovaries have not been surgically removed, you will most likely enter menopause, even if just temporarily.
Intracavitary brachytherapy places the radioactive material inside a tube that is then placed into the vagina and/or uterus for short periods of time over the course of several days. The specific dose and number of treatments will be decided by the radiation oncologist.
The most common side effect of internal radiation therapy is irritation of the vagina. You may also experience other side effects such as fatigue, irritation of the bladder, and diarrhea.
