Types

In order to play an active role during your treatment, you should try to learn as much as possible about your gynecologic cancer diagnosis. Each section will introduce you to the people who may be part of your treatment team and identify the different types of treatments for that cancer type.

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Cervical Cancer

Cancer occurs when cells in an area of the body grow abnormally. Cervical cancer begin in the part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It is the part of the uterus that dilates to allow a baby to pass into the birth canal. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which can integrate into the DNA of the cells in the cervix

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Ovarian Cancer / Primary Peritoneal

Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer among people with gynecologic systems worldwide. It is important to understand that ovarian cancer is not just one disease and every patient’s experience and specific treatments may differ. There are three major categories of ovarian cancer: epithelial ovarian cancer, germ cell cancer, and stromal cell cancer, and there are numerous types of epithelial and stromal cancers.

Uterine / Endometrial Cancer / GTD

Endometrial cancer is cancer of the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium). The uterus (or womb) is where a baby grows during pregnancy. The fallopian tubes and ovaries are on both sides of the uterus. The cervix is the mouth of the uterus (or womb) that connects it to the vagina. These reproductive organs are located in the pelvis, close to the bladder and rectum.

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Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer begins in the vagina, the muscular tube, also called the birth canal, that connects the outer genitalia to the uterus. Most of these cancers are in the lining (squamous epthelilum) of the vagina and usually affect people between 50-70 years old.

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Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer begins in the vulva, which is the external genitalia that comprises of the inner and outer labia (“lips”), clitoris, urethra where urine exits, opening of the vagina and its glands, as well as the area of skin between the vagina and anus. It is a rare cancer that can be associated with smoking, human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, as well as conditions of the vulva associated with chronic irritation and inflammation.