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Gynecologic cancers occur in the female reproductive organs. Women often experience symptoms of abdominal pain or bloating, or abnormal vaginal bleeding that prompt them to seek medical attention.

Gynecologic cancers are detected in various ways. A suspicious finding may be noted in an examination or imaging study, such as a pelvic sonogram or computerized tomogram (CT), or a routine Pap smear may be abnormal. If an abnormality is noted, a tissue sample or biopsy must be obtained to determine if cancer is present. This can be done in the office or during a pelvic examination under anesthesia in an operating room. /p>

The initial examination is most often done by an ob-gyn specialist. If invasive (more advanced) cancer is diagnosed, the patient will usually be referred to a gynecologic oncologist for further evaluation, treatment and follow-up care.

There are seven main types of gynecologic cancer. They include cancers of the uterine corpus, ovary, cervix, vulva, fallopian tube, vagina and placenta. Combined, this group of cancers is the fourth most common site of cancer in women after breast, lung and colon cancers.