Radiation Therapy Centers in Phoenix, AZ
A cancer diagnosis is one of the most difficult challenges that life can throw at you – but it’s never something you have to go through alone. At Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we’ve helped countless patients battle even the most serious cancers through cutting-edge radiation therapy treatments. We operate six cancer centers spread throughout Glendale, Scottsdale, Payson, and greater Phoenix, and we strive to make our cancer centers a welcoming and warm environment. If you’ve been diagnosed with gynecologic cancer, we want to be a comprehensive resource to you – and we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions to help you start the process.
Common Questions About Gynecologic Cancer
What is gynecologic cancer?
Unlike most cancerous conditions, gynecologic cancer doesn’t refer to one specific condition. Instead, it’s a blanket term that applies to any cancer of the female reproductive system. While there are dozens of subtypes, the main categories of gynecologic cancer include:
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vulvar Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Uterine Cancer
What causes gynecologic cancer?
Generally, scientists don’t fully understand the exact causes of cancer – instead, research has pointed to a number of risk factors that increase the likelihood of any one individual developing cancer in their lifetime. The risk factors for gynecologic cancer vary depending on the specific subcondition.
That said, gynecologic cancer does have one exception to this rule. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted infection. Having HPV doesn’t guarantee that someone will or will not get cervical cancer, but most cases of cervical cancer come from HPV.
What are the symptoms of gynecologic cancer?
Unfortunately, most gynecologic cancers don’t produce symptoms until an advanced stage, making them difficult to detect early and treat. If they do produce symptoms, a few of the most common include:
- Pain during or after sex
- Bleeding after sex
- Irregular bleeding, especially outside the menstrual cycle or post menopause
- A visible lesion or sore on the vulva, vaginal wall, or cervix
How is gynecologic cancer treated?
As with most cancers, the treatment options for gynecologic cancer vary greatly from patient to patient. You and your doctor will work together to decide on the best treatment for you, and often, your doctor may choose to combine treatment methods for the best outlook. The most common treatments for gynecologic cancer include:
Surgery (this is the most common treatment)
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
Schedule a Consultation with Your Phoenix, AZ Cancer Treatment Center
A gynecologic cancer diagnosis can be devastating, but at Palo Verde Cancer Specialists, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about the treatments we offer and schedule a treatment consultation. We’ll help you create a plan for fighting cancer, overcome your condition, and return to a healthy, normal life
