At Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, our Department of Gynecology includes physicians who specialize in gynecologic cancer and work together to develop treatment plans for each woman’s needs, including expertise in risk factors and symptoms.

Gynecologic cancers are the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells that originate in the female reproductive organs (cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, and vulva). At Lahey, our gynecologic oncologists are board certified and have specialized training in treating these types of female cancers.

Our gynecologic oncologists treat the following gynecologic cancers and conditions:

  • Cervical cancer
  • Endometrial cancer
  • HPV and cervical dysplasia (precancerous conditions)
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Peritoneal cancer
  • Recurring gynecologic cancers
  • Uterine cancer
  • Vaginal cancer
  • Vulvar cancer

Depending on the type and stage of cancer, gynecologic cancers are usually treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. Lahey gynecologists are experience in the latest techniques to treat gynecologic cancers and are experts in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.

Our gynecologists work together with specialists in radiation oncology, medical oncology, and Lahey’s Familial Cancer Risk Assessment Center to develop a specialized course of treatment for each woman.

About Gynecologic Cancer

Any woman is at risk for developing a gynecologic cancer, and risk increases with age. Since each cancer has its own general risk factors and may affect women in different ways, it is important to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. Treatment is most effective when gynecologic cancers are found early.

Some common risk factors include:

  • Family history of breast, ovarian, or colon cancer
  • Having had other cancers (such as colon, rectal, or breast)
  • Being postmenopausal
  • Obesity
  • Early age of first menstruation
  • Never having been pregnant
  • Endometrial hyperplasia
  • Cervical dysplasia

Some of the symptoms of gynecologic cancers include:

  • Gastrointestinal or urinary disturbances
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
  • Persistent pelvic or lower back pain
  • Lumps, sores or thickening in the pelvic area

If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult a gynecologic oncologist – but keep in mind that because these also could be symptoms of a benign (noncancerous) condition, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer.