An accurate diagnosis is critical for planning the best possible treatments. At the Abramson Cancer Center, our gynecologic oncology experts specialize in evaluating and diagnosing all types of cancers that affect a woman’s reproductive organs.
Using sophisticated tools and technology, we diagnose cancer and determine its stage for more effective treatment. A cancer's stage describes the size and location of a cancer and how far it has spread.
Gynecologic Cancer Diagnosis: The Penn Medicine Advantage
At the Jordan Center for Gynecologic Cancer, you can expect:
- Specialists in gynecologic cancers: With a focus on gynecologic cancers, our nationally recognized oncologists have developed extensive expertise in detecting signs of cancer. The team includes dedicated pathologists (doctors who specialize in diagnosing disease) who diagnose only gynecologic cancers.
- Collaborative approach: The team meets to discuss every patient, providing input to make diagnosis, staging and treatment recommendations. You benefit from our specialists’ multidisciplinary expertise as they develop your personalized care plan. Meet the gynecologic oncology team.
- Latest diagnostic technologies: We combine our expertise with the most advanced tests, biopsy methods and diagnostic imaging for gynecologic cancer. In our thorough evaluation process, our specialists identify rare forms of cancer that can be difficult to detect. We provide an accurate diagnosis and staging for gynecologic cancer to help plan personalized care.
- Genetic counseling and testing: Some gynecologic cancers, such as ovarian cancer, have genetic factors. Our nationally recognized cancer geneticists provide comprehensive risk evaluation services to help you and your family understand possible risks. Learn more about our services at the Mariann and Robert MacDonald Cancer Risk Evaluation Center.
How We Diagnose Gynecologic Cancer
We begin by asking you about your family and personal medical history and symptoms. We then do a complete physical exam that includes a pelvic exam to check for signs of problems in your reproductive organs.
To confirm a diagnosis, we usually order one or more tests, which may include:
Tests for gynecologic cancer
- Biopsy: Using a variety of methods, we take small samples of suspicious tissue, which our pathologists examine for signs of cancer. Biopsy methods vary depending on the type of cancer.
- Colposcopy: We use a colposcope (lighted, magnifying instrument) to examine the vulva, vagina and cervix for signs of cancer or abnormal tissue.
- Endoscopy: For some types of gynecologic cancer, we examine inside the pelvic organs using various types of scopes. Endoscopes are thin tubes with lighted cameras to see inside the body.
Diagnostic imaging
- Computed tomography (CT): These scans use special X-ray equipment to create cross-sectional images inside your pelvic area. CT scans can show the size of tumors and whether cancer has spread.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI scan uses radio waves and strong magnets to create cross-sectional pictures of your body. We use MRI to examine tumors more closely and check for signs that cancer has spread.
- Positron emission tomography (PET)/CT: You receive an injection of small amount of a radioactive substance, which is taken up by cancer cells. A special scanner creates images that show the highlighted areas to provide details about cancer, especially where it has spread.
- Ultrasound: This imaging uses sound waves to show details of pelvic organs and any tumors, such as size and location. Ultrasound methods that we use for gynecologic cancer include:
- Transabdominal, with the wand placed on the abdomen (belly)
- Transvaginal, with the wand placed inside the vagina
Diagnostic Tests for Gynecologic Cancer
Each type of gynecologic cancer has its own symptoms and signs, and our specialists do a thorough evaluation to diagnose each type. Learn more about our diagnostic tools and techniques for specific gynecologic cancers:
Request an Appointment
Call 800-789-7366 to schedule an appointment with one of our gynecologic cancer experts. You can also request an appointment using our online form.