Changes in your menstrual cycle such as unusual bleeding, physical pain during sexual activity, or unexplained discomfort in your pelvic area may be signs of a gynecologic cancer. Bloating and discomfort in your stomach and changes in your bathroom habits may also be signs of gynecologic cancer. If your symptoms last for two weeks or get worse, it may be time to see a doctor. At Mount Sinai, we have experts who can diagnose and treat any type of gynecological cancer you may have. We can also help with noncancerous conditions.

Diagnosis

To discover the cause of your symptoms you may need a physical exam, bloodwork, and imaging tests. If your test results and symptoms point to the possibility of cancer, it’s time to see a specialist whose expertise is diagnosing and treating cancers of the reproductive system—a gynecologic oncologist.

Cancer Conditions We Treat

In general, gynecological cancers are the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the female reproductive organs. There are a variety of types of cancer. The ones we see most often at Mount Sinai are:

• Cervical cancer develops in the lower narrow part of the uterus that connects the uterus and the upper part of the vagina
• Fallopian tube cancer affects the tube that connects the ovaries to the uterus, transporting the eggs to the uterus
• Ovarian cancer happens in the two small oval-shaped organs that produce hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and the eggs (ova) that may be fertilized to become babies.
• Uterine cancer affects the pear-shaped muscular reproductive organ that we call the womb. This is where an embryo grows during pregnancy.
• Vaginal cancer develops in the vagina or birth canal.
• Other cancers can develop in the peritoneum (the membrane that lines the cavity of the abdomen and covers the abdominal organs in the pelvic area) or in the vulva (the external tissues that are part of the reproductive system).

Noncancerous Gynecologic Conditions We Treat

If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or other changes in how you feel, it does not necessarily signal cancer. Some symptoms may be signs of another noncancerous (benign) condition. Your gynecologic oncologist will recommend the appropriate treatment.

Your symptoms may be signs of a benign condition such as:

• Dysplasia—a precancerous condition signaled by a change in the skin of the cervix and may affect the vagina, vulva, or anus. If left untreated, may become cancerous
• Endometriosis—when the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. May affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines, or other pelvic areas. May cause pain and infertility in some women
• Fibroids—round growths on the uterus that affect many women with a family history of fibroids.
• Ovarian cyst—closed sac within the ovary that contains fluid or solid material often occurring when as the ovary is producing an egg (ovulation). May cause pain, but often go away on their own over time
• Pelvic mass—swelling in the pelvic area that may be caused by various benign or cancerous gynecologic conditions
• Peritonitis—inflammation of the lining of the abdominal wall that’s usually caused by an infection

Whatever your diagnosis, Mount Sinai offer the most innovative, comprehensive, and coordinated care. Your gynecologic oncologist will either treat you or refer you for treatment. We make sure you have the best possible experience and outcome.