What Does An Early-Stage Gynecologic Cancer Diagnosis Mean?

Your diagnosis of an early-stage (Stage 1) gynecologic cancer means that cancer has been found in one of the organs of your reproductive system, but it is confined to the original site. This is a very positive factor, as early detection significantly improves the chances of a successful outcome. The specific organ where the cancer originated will determine the type of cancer you have. The most common types include:

• Ovarian Cancer: This cancer begins in the ovaries, which are responsible for producing eggs and hormones. Early-stage ovarian cancer is often difficult to detect because symptoms can be subtle.
• Endometrial Cancer: This is the most common type of gynecologic cancer, originating in the lining of the uterus. It is often detected early due to noticeable symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Cervical Cancer: This cancer starts in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is often detected in its early stages through routine Pap tests.
• Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers: These are less common types of gynecologic cancer that start in the vagina or vulva (the external genital area). They are often detected when a patient or doctor notices an unusual lump, sore or change in the skin.

How Gynecologic Cancer Is Diagnosed: Tests and Procedures Patients Should Know

Diagnosis is a critical first step that helps your healthcare team understand the specific type of cancer and its extent. It often begins with a physical exam and a discussion of your symptoms, followed by several specialized tests.

• Imaging Tests: These tests create pictures of the inside of your body to check the size of the tumor and see if it has spread. Common imaging tests include ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is the definitive way to diagnose cancer. A small sample of the suspicious tissue is removed and examined by a pathologist under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells. For cervical cancer, this can be done during a colposcopy. For endometrial cancer, a small sample of the uterine lining is taken. For ovarian cancer, a biopsy may be done during surgery.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests, such as a CA-125 test for ovarian cancer, can provide additional information, though they are not used alone to diagnose cancer.
• Surgical Staging: This is a crucial part of the diagnostic process for many gynecologic cancers. During a surgical procedure, your surgeon will not only remove the tumor but also check nearby lymph nodes and other organs to determine the exact stage of the cancer. This helps to guide the best treatment plan.

“Ovarian cancer is hard to find early, often because it doesn't cause symptoms until the disease is large enough to actually cause the symptoms. ... So, a key acronym to remember, and something that's been out there is, is ‘BEAT,’ so bloating for B, E for early satiety, or the feeling of fullness earlier, A for abdominal pain or pelvic pain, and T for toilet changes, so changes in urination or bowel movements. So, these are all symptoms that women may experience early on or as the cancer progresses,” Dr. Ryan Kahn, a gynecologic oncologist at Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health Cancer Care, said in an interview with CURE during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Gynecologic Cancer Treatment Options for Early-Stage Diagnosis

For early-stage gynecologic cancers, the primary goal of treatment is to remove the cancer completely with surgery. The specific treatment plan is highly personalized and depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, its stage, and your overall health.

Treatment for Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer

• Surgery: The standard treatment for early-stage endometrial cancer is a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), often with a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes). Lymph nodes may also be removed to check for cancer spread.
• Radiation Therapy: After surgery, some patients may receive radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Hormone Therapy: For certain types of endometrial cancer, hormone therapy may be used to block the growth of cancer cells that rely on hormones to grow.

Treatment for Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer

• Surgery: For early-stage ovarian cancer, the primary treatment is surgery to remove the cancerous ovary, fallopian tube and often the uterus and other pelvic tissues. This procedure is also used to determine the exact stage of the cancer.
• Chemotherapy: After surgery, chemotherapy may be given to kill any cancer cells that were not removed. This is often a combination of drugs given intravenously.

Treatment for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer

• Surgery: For very early-stage cervical cancer, a procedure like a conization (cone biopsy) or a hysterectomy may be performed to remove the cancer.
• Radiation and Chemotherapy: In some cases, a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used as the primary treatment or in addition to surgery, depending on the specifics of the tumor.

New and Emerging Treatments for Gynecologic Cancers

While surgery remains the foundation of early-stage treatment, cancer research is a constantly evolving field. Novel therapies such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy are being explored in clinical trials for many types of cancer, including gynecologic cancers.

These new treatments are more commonly used for advanced or recurrent disease, but they may be considered for early-stage patients who meet certain criteria. Targeted therapies are drugs that specifically attack certain features of cancer cells, while immunotherapy helps your own immune system fight the cancer. Your oncologist is the best resource for information about whether you might be eligible for a clinical trial exploring these newer options.

“I think [these new treatments] are opening the door for newer medications and newer therapies which could be effective for these women,” Kahn noted in the interview.

Side Effects of Gynecologic Cancer Treatments and How to Manage Them

Like any medical treatment, therapies for gynecologic cancers can cause side effects. It's important to discuss these with your oncologist, as many can be managed with supportive care.

• Surgical Side Effects: These can include pain, fatigue and potential complications related to the specific surgery, such as lymphedema (swelling) after lymph node removal.
• Chemotherapy Side Effects: Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, hair loss and a higher risk of infection due to low white blood cell counts.
• Radiation Therapy Side Effects: These can include skin irritation, fatigue and changes to bowel or bladder function, depending on the area being treated.

“The best thing is to speak with your doctor and your medical care team about what side effects to potentially expect and to monitor for it,” Dr. Ritu Salani told CURE. “Sometimes we tolerate side effects a little bit better when we know that the cancer treatment is working or doing its job; however, we can also help mitigate or reduce some of these side effects like diarrhea, nausea and pain.”

Salani is the Director of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), UCLA Health, and is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist, and she sat down for an interview with CURE in January, during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Living With Gynecologic Cancer: Next Steps After Diagnosis

A diagnosis of gynecologic cancer can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that it is a very treatable condition, especially when caught early. Your treatment plan will be carefully tailored to your specific needs, and with ongoing research, new and more effective therapies are becoming available. This overview is just the beginning of your journey.

The most important step you can take is to partner with your healthcare team. Ask questions, share your concerns, and be open about any side effects you experience. This will help your oncologist make the best decisions for your care, ensuring you have the highest quality of life throughout your treatment.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don’t forget to subscribe to CURE®’s newsletters here.

References

1. “An Expert Discusses Ovarian Cancer Basics, From Staging to Treatment,” by Alex Biese. CURE, Sept. 2, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/an-expert-discusses-ovarian-cancer-basics-from-staging-to-treatment
2. “Expert Discusses Treatment Advances During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month,” by Dr. Ryan Kahn. CURE, Sept. 2, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/expert-discusses-treatment-advances-during-ovarian-cancer-awareness-month
3. “An Expert Shares Her Advice For Managing Side Effects in Cervical Cancer,” by Dr. Ritu Salani. CURE, Jan. 28, 2025. https://www.curetoday.com/view/an-expert-shares-her-advice-for-managing-side-effects-in-cervical-cancer