Comprehensive Gynecologic Cancer Care

Look to TriHealth for expert care of all gynecologic cancers, including:

• Cervical cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine or endometrial cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulvar cancer

TriHealth offers care for all types of gynecologic cancer, including complex cases.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge are the most common signs of gynecologic cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, such as longer or heavier periods or bleeding after menopause.

Other symptoms include:

• Abdominal or back pain
• Bloating
• Constipation and/or a frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Feeling full too quickly or having difficulty eating
• Pelvic pain or pressure

Itching, burning, pain or tenderness of the vulva, and changes in vulva color or skin (such as a rash, sores or warts) are found only in vulvar cancer.

Make an appointment with your primary care provider or gynecologist if you have any of these symptoms.

Risk Factors

Certain lifestyle and genetic factors can increase your risk of developing gynecologic cancer:

• A family history of breast, ovarian, uterine or colon cancer can increase a woman’s risk of developing gynecologic cancers. 
• Being overweight or obese is associated with ovarian and uterine cancer.
• Genetic mutations can increase your risk for ovarian cancer.
• Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is linked to almost all cervical cancers.
• Smoking increases your risk for cervical cancer.
• Your risk for ovarian and vaginal cancer increases with age.

Learning about your Risk Factors

You can reduce your risk for cervical cancer by getting an HPV vaccine. Talk to your primary care provider or gynecologist about whether the vaccine is right for you.

TriHealth offers cancer genetic testing and counseling to help you understand your inherited risk for many types of cancer, including gynecologic cancers. You don’t need a referral, and many insurance plans cover this service.

Learn more about hereditary cancer genetic counseling at TriHealth

During your appointment, the gynecologist will ask you about your medical history, symptoms and how you feel. They will do a pelvic exam and other in-office tests to learn more.

After your appointment, your gynecologist may order additional tests or refer you to a specialist. The following tests help providers make an accurate diagnosis of gynecologic cancer.

• A biopsy to test cells for cancer
• Blood tests 
• Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Genetic tests to help predict which treatments will work best for your specific cancer

These tests can help diagnose cancer and determine if cancer has spread in your body. They provide information to help your care team develop a personalized treatment plan.

Get a Second Opinion

If you recently learned you have gynecologic cancer at another institution, consider seeking a second opinion at the TriHealth Cancer & Blood Institute. A second opinion can provide new information about your care options, including clinical trials. It can also provide peace of mind knowing you have explored all your options before starting treatment.

Personalized Treatment Planning

Gynecologic cancers are often treatable, especially when detected early. Your care team will personalize your treatment plan based on many factors, including what type of cancer you have and the stage of the cancer as well as your overall health.

At TriHealth, your case is reviewed by our multidisciplinary tumor board — a team of experts that includes specialists in oncology, genetics, surgery and nursing. Together, they design a comprehensive treatment strategy tailored specifically to you.

For patients who need both surgery and chemotherapy, our team helps coordinate every aspect of your care, ensuring your treatments are timed and managed for the best possible outcome. This helps make sure your surgery and treatments like chemotherapy are well coordinated so your care feels smooth and connected.

Learn about our multidisciplinary approach

Gynecologic Oncology Treatments

Your personalized treatment plan may include one or several types of treatment. Surgery alone can cure many early-stage cancers. For more advanced cancers, patients may need surgery, then radiation therapy or chemotherapy to prevent any remaining cancer from spreading.

TriHealth offers comprehensive and coordinated treatment options for gynecologic cancer:

• Chemotherapy
• Precision oncology
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery

Learn more about chemotherapy, radiation therapy and precision oncology 

Clinical trials can provide new hope for some people whose cancer has not responded to traditional treatment. They also provide cancer specialists with information to develop new therapies for people facing cancer. Your care team can talk to you about clinical trials at TriHealth and whether you may be eligible to participate.