Through research and teaching, we use the most current methods for the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancers. This includes robotic-assisted surgery, laparoscopic techniques, and advanced abdominal and pelvic surgery. Our expert surgeons will consult with you about the most innovative treatment that's appropriate for your case.

Our practice provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive care, including minimally invasive surgery and chemotherapy, to women with cancers of the female reproductive tract , including:

• Cervical Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer/Fallopian Tube Cancer/Primary Peritoneal Cancer
• Uterine/Endometrial cancer
• Vaginal Cancer
• Vulvar Cancer
• Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (molar pregnancies).
• Hereditary Diseases That Affect the Reproductive Tract

Cervical Cancer

In its early stages, cervical cancer may have no symptoms. As it progresses, signs include:

• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge with foul odor
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

Contact your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Regular screenings are recommended beginning at age 21. During the screening your doctor will look for precancerous cells or changes in your cervix. If changes are found, youll undergo testing to determine if you have cervical cancer. Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on test results and the extent of the disease.

• James Pavelka MD talks about cervical cancer, its risk factors and prevention

Ovarian Cancer, Fallopian Tube Cancer, Hereditary Diseases That Affect the Reproductive Tract, Primary Peritoneal Cancer

This cancer usually occurs in women over age 50, but it also can affect younger women. The most common symptoms are:

• Abdominal/pelvic pain
• Increased abdominal size/abdominal bloating
• Difficulty eating/feeling full quickly
• Urinary frequency/urgency

Ovarian cancer often causes no symptoms until in advanced stages. When symptoms do appear, they tend to worsen gradually. If you have one or more of the symptoms listed above for no obvious reason, contact your doctor. Early detection increases your chances for survival. Surgery is the primary treatment.

Uterine/Endometrial Cancer

This is the most common cancer to affect a woman's reproductive tract. This cancer begins in the lining of the uterus. It is most often (but not exclusively) found in women who no longer have periods. The most common symptoms are:

• Bleeding after menopause
• Bleeding between periods
• Abnormal discharge from the vagina not related to your period
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse

Contact your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Tests can be performed to determine if you have this type of cancer. Because uterine/endometrial cancer usually is detected early, it often can be cured with surgery to remove the uterus.

Vaginal Cancer

Less than 1 percent of gynecologic cancers are vaginal. It is most common in women older than 60. In its earliest stages you may have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur they include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding (i.e. after intercourse or menopause)
• Watery/bloody discharge
• Lump in your vagina
• Pelvic pain
• Painful urination
• Constipation

Contact your doctor if you have some or all of these symptoms. If found early, vaginal cancer can be cured.

Vulvar Cancer

Between 2 and 4 percent of all female cancers are vulvar cancer. It is a cancer on the outside of the genitals. It develops slowly, over years, and often is found during routine exams. Vulvar cancer can be present long before symptoms appear. Symptoms may include:

• Itching, burning or tenderness
• Bleeding other than during your period
• Lump, wart or open sore

Contact your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Treatment depends on your overall health and on how far the cancer has progressed.

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

Gestational trophoblastic disease is a group of rare disorders that typically affects young women, usually less than 40 years old. Commonly referred to as a "molar pregnancy", they encompass multiple diseases that occur when abnormal cells in the placenta grow and potentially spread beyond the uterus. Most of these diseases are not cancerous, but some of them can be.

The most common symptoms and findings are:

• Abnormal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy
• A rapidly enlarging uterus early in pregnancy
• A greater than expected level of the blood pregnancy hormone HCG

This disease is commonly identified on ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy when these symptoms arise. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Hereditary Diseases That Affect the Reproductive Tract

Many genetic syndromes (diseases that are passed down from parents to their children) can put women at a higher than average risk for developing certain gynecologic cancers, including ovarian, fallopian tube, and endometrial cancers.  Some of these diseases include:

• Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome (BRCA gene mutations)
• Lynch Syndrome or Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Carcinoma (HNPCC)
• Cowden Syndrome

If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with any of these diseases, talk to your doctor about the implications for your healthcare.