Gynaecological cancers
Cancers of the female reproductive system
Be aware of changes
Attend regular cervical screening, report irregular bleeding, discharge or bloating.
We investigate and treat a variety of gynaecological cancers which include womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancers.
Signs and symptoms
Cervical cancer develops very slowly from abnormal cell changes in the cervix. These changes do not cause any symptoms, but they may be found with cervical screening tests. If the tests show abnormal cell changes, treatment can prevent cancer developing.
For more information about cervical screening read the ‘Understanding cervical screening and CIN‘ booklet from Macmillan Cancer Support.
Read more about cervical cancer via the Macmillan Cancer Support website or via their ‘Understanding cervical cancer‘ booklet.
The ovaries are 2 small, oval-shaped organs in the pelvis (lower area between the hips). They are on either side of the womb (uterus), close to the fallopian tubes. These link the ovaries to the womb.
Read more about ovarian cancer via the Macmillan Cancer Support website.
Cancers that start in the vagina (primary vaginal cancer) are rare. Around 250 women are diagnosed with vaginal cancer in the UK each year.
Read more about vaginal cancer via the Macmillan Cancer Support website.
The vulva is the name given to the visible sex organs that surround the opening of the vagina outside the body.
Read more about vulval cancer via the Macmillan Cancer Support website and via their booklet, ‘Understanding cancer of the vulva‘.
Usually the first sign of womb cancer is unusual vaginal bleeding. Less common symptoms are pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, or pain during sex.
Read more about womb cancer via the Macmillan Cancer Support website.
Tests to diagnose gynaecological cancers
The tests needed to diagnose gynaecological cancers will be undertaken at Harrogate District NHS Foundation Trust or at Leeds Teaching Hospitals.
A CT scan uses x-rays and a computer to produce detailed images of the inside of your body. The department performs a wide range of CT examinations including brain, body and limb imaging. Interventional procedures such as biopsies, joint injections and drainage insertions are also performed under CT control.
MRI is an advanced imaging technique which uses a very strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce high quality pictures of your body. These images are much more detailed than ordinary X-rays, and don’t do not utilise radiation. We may offer you an MRI scan when other types of scan haven’t given the full picture.
During an ultrasound scan, a warmed gel is applied to the skin and high frequency sound is used to provide images of the soft tissue organs of the body. A wide range of ultrasound examinations are available including liver, kidneys, breast, muscles and joints, blood vessels and pregnancy.
A PET scan uses a low dose of radiation to check the activity of cells in different parts of the body. You may have a PET scan and a CT scan together. This is called a PET-CT scan.
Read more about PET scans.
Treatments for gynaecological cancers
We give chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and other types of treatment. We will provide you with important information on what to expect, how your treatment will be given, possible side effects and what to do if you feel unwell at any time during your course of treatment. Please let us know if you if you require this information in another language or format.
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment where medicine is used to kill cancer cells.
Patients requiring chemotherapy for a gynaecological malignancy will receive treatment at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds.
Read more about ‘Understanding chemotherapy‘ in Macmillan Cancer Support’s booklet.
Hormone therapies work by altering the production or activity of particular hormones in the body.
Find out more about hormone therapy
Further information can also be found on the Macmillan Cancer Support website.
Patients requiring hormone therapy for a gynaecological malignancy will receive treatment at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds.
Patients requiring hormone therapy for a gynaecological malignancy will receive treatment at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds.
Immunotherapy treatments use the immune system to find and attack cancer cells.
Patients requiring immunotherapy for a gynaecological malignancy will receive treatment at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds.
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays, such as x-rays, to treat cancer. It destroys cancer cells in the area where it is given.
Patients requiring radiotherapy for a gynaecological malignancy will receive treatment at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds.
Surgery is when a surgeon removes all or part of the cancer. There are different types of surgery for treating cancer. Your cancer team will decide with you which treatments are likely to work best for you.
Treatment for patients requiring surgery for early endometrial cancer may be performed in Harrogate or Leeds.
Patients requiring surgery for all other gynaecological cancers will receive treatment at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds.
Mr Georgios Theophilou – from St James’ University Hospital – holds an outreach clinic once a week in Harrogate to review those patients who will have surgery in Leeds.
More general information about surgery can be found on the Macmillan Cancer Support website.
Targeted therapy uses drugs to find and attack cancer cells. There are many different types of targeted therapy. Each type targets something in or around the cancer cell that is helping it grow and survive.
Patients requiring targeted therapy for a gynaecological malignancy will receive treatment at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds.
Before starting treatment
Your cancer doctor will talk to you about your cancer, treatment options and side effects. This is important for you to understand so you can fully consent to having treatment for your cancer.
How treatment is given
The nurse looking after you will also give you anti-sickness medication and sometimes a steroid too. These may be given as a tablet, injection or an infusion.
Cancer treatments are usually given over several months this is called a course of treatment. Each session is called a cycle and are often spaced 3 weeks apart. During the course of your treatment you may have additional scans arranged to monitor your progress.
Find out more about visiting and appointments.
Meet our Multidisciplinary Team
The gynaecological cancer service is made up of a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) who work together to diagnose gynaecological cancers and to identify the best course of treatment for each patient.
We also work with the gynaecology team based at Leeds Teaching Hospitals. The service incorporates both in-patient and out-patient facilities at Harrogate District Hospital.
Find out more about the gynaecological cancer multidisciplinary team.
Your health and wellbeing
We know that living with cancer has repercussions beyond treating the cancer itself. Your mental health, your financial situation, the disruption to your family life are all important issues. The help we provide extends far beyond medical treatment. Check our range of support services and get the help you need.
