
Gynecologic cancer occurs when cancer starts in a woman’s reproductive organs, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, vulva, and vagina. Depending on the location of origin, each gynecologic cancer presents with different signs and symptoms.
Talk to a doctor right away if you have any of the following warning signs and they last for 2 weeks or longer.
10 common warning signs of gynecologic cancer
Common signs of gynecologic cancer include the following:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (after intercourse or menopause) or blood-tinged vaginal discharge
- Feeling full too quickly or loss of appetite
- Bloating and abdominal or back pain (ovarian cancer)
- Pelvic pain or pressure (ovarian and uterine cancer)
- Unexplained or unintentional weight loss
- Constant fatigue
- Persistent indigestion or nausea
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation (ovarian and vaginal cancer)
- Itching, burning, pain, or tenderness in the vulva or skin changes such as rash, sores, or warts (vulvar cancer)
- Changes in the breast (lumps in the breast or armpit, changes in the skin on the breasts, changes in the look and feel of breasts, and abnormalities in the nipples)
What are different types of gynecologic cancer?
There are five main types of gynecologic cancer:
- Cervical cancer: Begins in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow end (or the mouth) of the uterus
- Ovarian cancer: Begins in the ovaries, which are located on each side of the uterus
- Uterine cancer: Begins in the uterus, which is the pear-shaped organ in the pelvis (womb)
- Vaginal cancer: Begins in the vagina, which is the hollow, tube-like channel between the bottom of the uterus and outside of the body
- Vulvar cancer: Begins in the vulva, which is the outer part of the female genital organs
Can you prevent gynecologic cancer?
Women of all ages are at risk of gynecologic cancer, and the risk increases with age. While there is no way to prevent gynecologic cancer, you may be able to reduce your risk with preventative measures such as:
- Screening tests: These are tests done to look for a disease before the presence of any symptoms, which can lead to earlier and more effective treatment:
- Pap test: Screening test done to detect cervical cancer by finding precancerous stages and cell changes on the cervix that may become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) test: Looks for HPV infection that can be used for screening women who are 30 years and older
- Recognize warning signs: Because there is no simple and reliable way to screen for any gynecologic cancer except cervical cancer, it is particularly important to understand and recognize warning signs.
- Talk with your doctor if you are at increased risk: Be aware of your family’s health history of breast or ovarian cancer. If you have a family history of these types of cancer, your doctor may recommend genetic counseling and testing.
- HPV vaccination: Cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer can be caused by HPV. HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or diseases, which is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV.
- HPV vaccination is recommended for children aged 11-12 years but can be given to anyone older than 9 years.
- HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than 26 years. Some women aged 27-45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination.
- If vaccination is started before the age of 15 years, a two-dose schedule is recommended, with the doses given 6-12 months apart. However, for people who start the series after age 15, the vaccine is given in a series of three shots.
How is gynecologic cancer treated?
Regular screening and early detection are key when it comes to cancer treatment. Depending on the type of cancer and whether it has spread, gynecologic cancer treatment options may include:

SLIDESHOW
Skin Cancer Symptoms, Types, Images See SlideshowWhat Is Gynecologic Cancer? CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic/basic_info/what-is-gynecologic-cancer.htm
10 cancer symptoms women shouldn't ignore. MD Anderson Cancer Center: https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/cancer-symptoms-women.h17-1589046.html
Top Signs of Cancer in Your Reproductive System Related Articles
Can You Be Fully Cured of Ovarian Cancer?
Around two in ten women with advanced-stage ovarian cancer are effectively cured and survive at least 12 years after the treatment as per the research. Your response to cancer therapy and chances for a cure depend on the type and the staging of ovarian cancer at the time of diagnosis.Cancer
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.Cervical Cancer Quiz
How is cervical cancer different from other cancers? Take this quiz to learn the basics of cervical cancer.Cervical Cancer Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment
Cervical cancer is typically caused by HPV infections. Learn about vaccines to prevent cervical cancer. Get information about cervical cancer symptoms, stages, life expectancy, and available treatment options.How Do You Rule Out Vaginal Cancer?
Vaginal cancer can be ruled out or confirmed through an analysis of your medical history, symptoms, pelvic exam, pap test, and biopsy if necessary.Ovarian Cancer Slides
Ovarian cancer symptoms and signs include abdominal pain, bloating, frequent urination, and a feeling of fullness. Ovarian cancer treatment depends on the stage and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy.Ovarian Cancer Quiz
How common is ovarian cancer and who is at risk? Take our Ovarian Cancer Quiz to learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment for this disease.Rubraca (rucaparib) for Ovarian Cancer
Rubraca is a prescription medicine used for the maintenance treatment or treatment of adults with ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer. The most common side effects of Rubraca include nausea, tiredness or weakness, vomiting, decrease in hemoglobin (anemia), changes in how food tastes, constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhea, low blood cell counts, mouth sores, and others.Uterine Cancer Picture
A malignant tumor of the uterus (womb), which occurs most often in women between the ages of 55 and 70. Abnormal bleeding after menopause is the most common symptom. Cancer of the uterus is diagnosed based on the results of a pelvic examination, Pap test, biopsy of the uterus, and/or dilation and curettage (D & C).What Are the Early Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer?
Ovaries are small glands on each side of the uterus responsible for producing eggs as well as the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. In ovarian cancer, a mutation in the genetic material of ovarian cells leads to uncontrolled, abnormal cell growth.What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer in the Early Stages?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix (mouth of the uterus that opens in the vagina). This cancer can affect the deeper tissues of the uterus and may spread to other parts of the body, which are often the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina and rectum.What Are the Symptoms of Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer?
At stage 1 of ovarian cancer, the cancer is present only in the ovaries i.e. it has not spread in any other organs. Signs and symptoms at this stage may include a mass felt in the abdomen, distension or swelling of abdomen, abnormal vaginal bleeding (between menstrual periods or after menopause) and other signs. Stage 1 ovarian cancer has no symptoms in many women, however; often they may not experience symptoms until the cancer has spread significantly.What Does Uterine Cancer Pain Feel Like?
Patients with uterine cancer may complain of moderate-to-severe pain in their pelvic region. The pain usually radiates to their abdomen as well as chest as cancer grows. However, pain in the pelvic region may develop only in the later stages of uterine cancer. In more than 90 percent of women, unexpected abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common early sign of ovarian cancer.What Were Your First Signs of Uterine Cancer?
In more than 90 percent of women, unexpected abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common early sign of uterine cancer. However, the early signs and symptoms of uterine cancer may vary from person to person.