Gynecologic cancer

You are at greater risk of developing gynecological cancer if you:

• Are 50 years old or older
• Are obese
• Don't have regular Pap screenings
• First had intercourse before the age of 16
• Have a family history of gynecological cancers
• Have a history of abnormal Pap smears
• Have had multiple sexual partners
• Have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Have human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Have hypertension, diabetes, chronic vulvar irritation or late menopause
• Have never been pregnant or have had infertility problems
• Use the medication tamoxifen or use unopposed estrogen
• Use tobacco

With gynecological cancer, you may experience symptoms that include:

• Abdominal bloating, gas, indigestion, nausea or vomiting
• Abnormal bleeding, especially between periods or after menopause
• Abnormal discharge that is heavy, clear, white or tinged with blood
• Changes in vulva's color or skin, including rash, sores, warts or ulcers
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Feeling tired all the time
• Frequent, difficult, urgent or painful urination
• Heavy or irregular periods
• Loss of appetite
• Pain during intercourse or vaginal bleeding after intercourse
• Pain in the back or stomach
• Pain, swelling, pressure or feeling heavy in the abdomen or pelvis
• Quickly feeling full when eating
• Severe itching or burning of the vulva
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss
• Vaginal discharge with an unusual odor
• Vaginal or abdominal lump or mass

We offer some of the area's most advanced treatment options for gynecological cancer, including specialized surgical care, in a safe, comfortable environment.

Chemotherapy

Depending on your condition, we might use chemotherapy to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells. Your care plan may include targeted and combination therapies with partner centers.

Radiation therapy

For gynecological cancer, we use radiation therapy to treat areas where the cancer has spread, not to address the primary tumor. We can administer radiation therapy from outside the body or by placing a radioactive substance in or near the tumor.

Robotic surgery

As needed, we are able to treat many types of gynecological cancer through robot-assisted surgery. When performing complex cancer procedures, our surgeons are guided by robots that enable them to achieve precise, accurate surgical outcomes. Because of our available surgical technologies and techniques, you may benefit from a shorter hospital stay, quicker overall recovery and reduced scarring.

We are proud to provide you with continued support well after your initial cancer diagnosis. In partnership with your physician, your nurse navigator will give you a survivorship care plan for home. This document is a comprehensive summary of all aspects of your care, including diagnosis and test results, procedures and follow-up treatments. You will also find contact information for your entire care team. In addition, a large portion of the plan includes resources to help you keep yourself healthy and strong as you enter the survivorship phase of your journey.

You may also benefit from more resources, such as:

• American Cancer Society (ACS)
• Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC)
• Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO)

Cancer clinical trials

At our hospitals, we give you access to various clinical trials that could be a part of your care plan. If you're eligible to participate in a clinical trial, your physician and nurse navigator will help you make the best possible decision and guide you through the process. You can find more information about our cancer clinical trials and discuss them with us.

HCA Healthcare Sarah Cannon Cancer Network delivers you exceptional cancer care through cutting-edge, specialized treatments, multidisciplinary collaboration and care that is tailored to you. Our teams of passionate caregivers and global oncology experts across the United States and United Kingdom offer services and expertise that extend across many types of cancer. Together with the full support of HCA Healthcare – a leading provider of cancer care and research – we’re with you and your family from diagnosis through survivorship.