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Medically reviewed by Blair McNamara, M.D.
Gynecologic cancer is defined as any type of cancer that begins within the reproductive organs of a woman or a person assigned female at birth.
In 2024, there will be an estimated 116,930 new cases, as well as 33,850 deaths from gynecologic cancers in the U.S.
5 Types of Gynecologic Cancer
1. Uterine Cancer
Starts in a woman’s uterus
The most common type of uterine cancer is called endometrial cancer because it starts in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus
Most common in postmenopausal women
Ways to reduce risk of uterine cancer
Maintain a healthy weight
Stay physically active
Take progesterone if you are on estrogen (manage hormone therapy with a board-certified gynecologist)
Use birth control pills (oral contraceptives)
Symptoms of uterine cancer
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Bleeding after menopause
Pain or pressure in the pelvic area
Treatment options for uterine cancer
Surgery
Radiation
Chemotherapy
Clinical trials
Watch: How Endometrial Cancer Is Diagnosed >>
2. Ovarian Cancer
Develops in the ovaries or in cells in the far end of the fallopian tubesA woman’s lifetime chance of developing this cancer is 1 in 78Most common in women ages 63 and older
Ways to reduce risk of ovarian cancer
Use birth control pills (oral contraceptives)Get genetic testing and possibly take action if you have a family history
Getting your tubes tied or having a hysterectomy reduces your risk for ovarian cancer, but these procedures are generally recommended only for medical reasons and not solely to prevent cancer.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer
Bloating, abdominal swelling or weight lossFeeling an urgency to urinate or having to urinate frequentlyAbdominal or pelvic painFeeling full fast and difficulty eatingExtreme fatiguePain during intercoursePeriod changesConstipationUpset stomach
Treatment options for ovarian cancer
SurgeryRadiationChemotherapyHormone therapyTargeted drug therapy
3. Cervical Cancer
Starts in the cells that line the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus
Most often linked to human papillomavirus virus (HPV), the most commonly transmitted sexually transmitted infection (STI)
Can be detected by a Pap test, HPV test or combo test
Ways to reduce risk of cervical cancer
Get the HPV vaccine
Use condoms
Don’t smoke
Get screened regularly, starting at age 21 — Cervical cancer screenings can help catch precancerous or cancerous cells early when the cancer is more treatable and curable
Read: HPV Vaccination Is Cancer Prevention >>
Symptoms of cervical cancer
Early stages often have no symptoms, which is why screenings are important
Later stage symptoms can include:
abnormal vaginal discharge
abnormal bleeding
bleeding or pain during sexual intercourse
Treatment options for cervical cancer
For precancer (also called cervical dysplasia)
Laser ablation: A beam of high-energy light is used to vaporize abnormal tissue
Cryotherapy: Abnormal cells are frozen
Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): Abnormal tissue is removed using a wire loop
Cone biopsy (also called cold knife conization): A cone-shaped part of the cervix (the bottom and part of the center) is removed
For cancer
Surgery
Radiation
Chemotherapy
Targeted drug therapy
Immunotherapy
4. Vaginal Cancer
Starts in the vaginaA rare form of cancer, accounting for 1% to 2% of cancers in the female genital tractOccurs mainly in older women — the average age of diagnosis is 67Up to 90% of vaginal cancers and pre-cancers are linked to HPV
Ways to reduce risk of vaginal cancer
Get the HPV vaccineUse condomsDon’t smoke
Symptoms of vaginal cancer
Abnormal vaginal bleeding, often after sexAbnormal vaginal dischargePainful intercourseFeeling a mass or lump in the vaginaAdvanced stage symptoms can include painful urination, leg swelling, back pain, pelvic or lower body pain, constipation
Treatment options for vaginal cancer
For precancer
Laser ablation: A beam of high-energy light is used to vaporize abnormal tissueTopical therapy: Drugs like chemotherapy drug Fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod cream can be placed on affected areas
For invasive vaginal cancer
Radiation therapySurgeryChemotherapy
5. Vulvar Cancer
Involves the outer part of the female genitals, known as the vulva, and the vaginaVery rare: 6% of female reproductive organ cancer and .7% of all cancers in femalesMore than 1 in 2 cases are linked to high-risk HPV
Ways to reduce risk of vulvar cancer
Get an HPV vaccineUse condomsDon’t smokeKeep up with regular pelvic check-upsPerform regular self-exams of the vulva — Hold a mirror up to your vulva and look for changes in skin, like areas that are white, irritated or red, as well as new sores, growths or bumps
Symptoms of vulvar cancer
An area of the vulva that looks abnormal — lighter or darker than normal skin, red or pink skinA red, pink, or white bump or lump that may have a wart-like surface or feel rough and thickItchingThickening of vulvar skinBurning or painAbnormal bleeding or dischargeAn open sore that typically lasts for longer than a month
Treatment options for vulvar cancer
Topical creams therapy, including chemotherapy drugs fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimodSurgeryRadiationChemotherapy”}]]
