Symptoms of Gynecolgic Cancers

Important!! Pap Tests, commonly given at annual check-ups are highly successful in detecting Cervical Cancer; however, Endometrial Cancer, Uterine Sarcoma, Ovarian Cancer, and Vulvar Cancer are not detected with the Pap Test. Therefore, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms below you should make certain to discuss them with your physician and not simply rely on the default tests associated with your check-up to discover that there is a problem.

There is much more information available through the Women's Cancer Network at www.wcn.org. Please check out that site, or contact your health care provider for more information.

Multi-colored flowers in a stone enclosed garden belonging to cancer survivor Sharrie Heibl.

Endometrial Carcinoma Symptoms

  • Any bleeding after menopause
  • Unusual bleeding or discharge from vagina
Tall yellow and red flowers along a fence.

Uterine Sarcoma Symptoms

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge - especially after menopause
  • Pain or feeling of "fullness" in pelvic area or abdomen
  • Fibroids that grow quickly - especially after menopause
Close up of a yellow flower with long petals.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

  • Bloating
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Difficulty eating or feeling full too quickly
  • Urinary Symptoms (urgency or frequency)
Daisies, in one of Sharrie Heibl's gardens.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after intercourse
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Odor - strange / unpleasant
  • Pain during sex
  • Pain in the pelvic area unrelated to sex or other activities
A colorful plant with red and pink leaves trimmed in green.

Vulvar Cancer Symptoms

  • Vulvar itching that does not improve
  • Change in skin color around vulva
  • Wartlike bumps or sores on vulva or clitoral area
  • Pain when urinating
  • Burning, bleeding, or discharge, un-related to menstral cycle
  • Enlarged glands in groin