- Home
- Cancer Institute
- Gynecologic Cancer
Gynecologic Cancer
State-of-the-Art Gynecologic Cancer Care
Questions? Call 216-778-7328LocationsOur TeamState-of-the-Art Gynecologic Cancer Care
Questions? Call 216-778-7328LocationsOur TeamAt MetroHealth, our multidisciplinary team offers personalized, state-of-the-art treatment for gynecologic cancers: ovarian, cervical, uterine, endometrial and vulvar cancers.
If you’ve been diagnosed with gynecologic cancer, turn to MetroHealth’s experts for specialized cancer care.
While gynecologic cancers are uncommon, they are diagnosed in about 100,000 women in the United States each year.
Most gynecologic cancers are commonly diagnosed in post-menopausal women. However, there are always exceptions, and we are seeing younger women diagnosed with uterine cancer and cervical cancer.
For gynecologic cancers—cancers that start in the female reproductive organs—it is important to pay attention to symptoms and seek regular care from an OB/GYN.
If you are experiencing menopausal bleeding, abnormal menstruation, bloating, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, back pain, or any changes to urination, schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN to discuss your symptoms.
While one of the biggest risk factors for gynecologic cancer is your family history, there are still a number of things you can do to help prevent cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
Regular pap smears—usually every 3 years for women ages 21-65 — are the most important screening tool available for gynecologic cancers.
Some gynecologic cancers are caused by genetic makeup, so knowing your family history is important. If you have a family history of gynecologic cancer, talk to your OB/GYN about having blood work to understand your risk and prevention options.
Common symptoms of gynecological cancers include:
Remember, it’s never normal to bleed after menopause and your period doesn’t simply “come back.” If you are experiencing post-menopausal bleeding, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Additionally, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your OB-GYN or Primary Care Provider (PCP) as soon as possible and be open and honest about your symptoms.
Different types of gynecologic cancers may be treated in different ways, and we rely on a range of advanced therapies to meet your individual needs, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. At your first visit, your doctor will review your medical history, imaging and lab results, and pathology reports. Your doctor will also perform a physical exam and a pelvic exam. Using all this information, your doctor will put together a personalized treatment plan that takes into consideration your lifestyle and future plans while treating your gynecologic cancer as effectively as possible.
The most important part of treatment at MetroHealth is the relationship you build with your provider. We have the tools of a large academic cancer center with the friendly feel of a community hospital. For instance, if you need chemotherapy, you may have the same nurse give you your treatment each time. This close, one-on-one relationship is vital to understanding your symptoms, how you’re responding to treatment, and how to walk alongside you during your care journey.
Your surgery and following treatment will take place at The MetroHealth Glick Center, our new 11-floor hospital on the system’s main campus.
Your treatment options may include:
Your surgery will be performed at The MetroHealth Glick Center on a floor dedicated to cancer care. That means your entire care team knows how to best care for cancer patients.
Often we can perform minimally invasive surgeries—like robotic or laparoscopic surgery. That way you can recover faster and spend less time in the hospital.
After you’ve had surgery, you may need additional treatment. All chemotherapy and radiation therapy happens at the Outpatient Services Pavilion at MetroHealth Main Campus. With a team devoted to your cancer care, your treatment happens quickly with short wait times. We also provide chemotherapy at two satellite locations: MetroHealth Parma and MetroHealth Cleveland Heights.
Our team will schedule every appointment you need, so you never need to worry about follow-up appointments, scans and lab work.
Some cancer treatments can affect your fertility after cancer. Our gynecologic oncologists can work with our reproductive endocrinology specialists to help you meet your family planning goals.
At MetroHealth, you’ll receive care from our oncology team that has been recognized by the American College of Surgeons for the highest possible level of training and expertise.
Our team will talk to you about survivorship – going over your diagnosis in detail, including what to expect from treatment, long-term side effects and how to prevent recurrences.
You’ll benefit from integrated behavioral health services every step of the way, because mental health plays a vital role in well-being.
We partner with American Cancer Society, The Greater Cleveland Food Bank, and other community organizations to provide support, resources, and care for patients and families.
MetroHealth provides a social worker to help patients navigate their gynecologic cancer journey and connect with resources. Call 216-778-8204 to connect with a social worker.
MetroHealth partners with The Gathering Place to provide individual, group, and family support services, including nutrition and exercise programs, the Regina Brett Wig Salon, special programs, and legal or financial consultation.
Have you recently received a gynecologic cancer (female cancer) diagnosis that you would like a second opinion on? The MetroHealth Gynecologic Cancer team is here to help. Please fill out our form, and one of our care team members will follow up with you to discuss next steps.
Request a Second Opinion
At MetroHealth, every oncologist participates in research, bringing advances in cancer care directly to your bedside. Our experts work tirelessly to discover new treatments so all women can survive and thrive after gynecologic cancer diagnosis.
For more information about our studies, or to enroll in a study that might be right for you, contact our oncology team at 216-77-TREAT.
The MetroHealth Cancer Institute team is setting a new standard of cancer care in northeast Ohio. MetroHealth offers unmatched, state-of-the-art, and personalized cancer care.
Meet the Institute Team
"We've Got This"
Hear Joanne Messeri describe her experience with Dr. Kimberly Resnick and the MetroHealth gynecological cancer team.
The MetroHealth Cancer Institute is accredited by The Commission on Cancer and The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.
Both accreditations are through the American College of Surgeons and reflect our team’s high level of expertise and quality care.
This block contains white text
Our gynecologic cancer specialists work closely with our obstetrics and gynecology providers to prevent, detect and treat gynecologic cancers.
Most of these cancers are commonly diagnosed in post-menopausal women.
However, there are always exceptions, and we are seeing younger women diagnosed with uterine and cervical cancers.
Learn More
Though rare, ovarian cancer is challenging to detect and treat. Finding it early and connecting with advanced specialists using innovative treatments are your best bet to beating it.
Learn More
Most of these cancers are commonly diagnosed in post-menopausal women.
However, there are always exceptions, and we are seeing younger women diagnosed with uterine and cervical cancers.
Learn More
Though rare, ovarian cancer is challenging to detect and treat. Finding it early and connecting with advanced specialists using innovative treatments are your best bet to beating it.
Learn More