Gynecologic Oncology is a subspecialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the female reproductive system.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Florida is one of the top Obstetrics and Gynecology departments in the nation. With over 50,000 patients seen in our clinics and over 3,000 babies delivered each year, the department still maintains a highly personalized approach to each patient and was recently awarded a five-star award for patient satisfaction.

As experts in gynecologic cancers, the board-certified University of Florida physicians at the gynecologic cancer program have a long history of treating the most challenging patients. They provide specialized treatment, delivered in one of the most advanced cancer facilities in the nation.

The gynecologic cancer program provides a truly multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, the kind of approach available only at an academic medical center. Our team meets weekly to discuss cases and develop the most comprehensive, multidisciplinary plan uniquely tailored to each patient.

The exchange of knowledge and opinions among team members means that patients benefit from the combined expertise of multiple cancer specialists from many disciplines who carefully review patient information and develop the best possible treatment plan for each individual.

Conditions and treatments

Gynecological cancers include gestational trophoblastic disease, cervical, uterine, vaginal, vulvar and ovarian cancers. Most gynecological cancers do not show symptoms until late in development, it is important for women to have annual examinations for early detection.

Early examination tests

• Pelvic exam
• Pap test

Signs and symptoms of gynecological cancer

• Enlargement of the abdomen
• Persistent digestive disturbances
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pelvic and abdomen pain

Types of gynecological cancers

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women. There are an estimated 16,000 new cases of invasive cancer of the cervix and 5,000 deaths in the United States each year.

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD)

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a group of conditions in which tumors grow inside a woman’s uterus.

Uterine carcinoma

Uterine carcinoma is the most common cancer in the United States among women. Risk factors include obesity and estrogen stimulation

Vaginal cancer

Vaginal cancer is the cancer of the vagina and most usually occurs when another cancer, such as cervical or endometrial cancer, spreads.

Vulvar cancer

Vulvar cancer is relatively rare and highly curable when diagnosed in an early stage. The incidence is two per 100,000 women. Risk factors include chronic vulvar irritation and sexually transmitted diseases.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, totaling more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.

Treatment options will vary by person and cancer. Our dedicated team will work with you and your family to implement the best treatment option for you.

• Robotic surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Clinical trials

From the Hope & Healing Blog

• 5 Things to Know About Uterine Cancer