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Gynecologic Cancer Screening, Diagnosis and Prevention

If you or your loved one are diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, your care team will guide you through the treatment process with information and support. Our gynecologic oncologists will develop a custom treatment plan to address all your cancer-related needs.
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From routine exams and genetic testing, to cancer screenings and diagnostics, Lancaster General Health offers women comprehensive services for the prevention and early detection of cancer and other gynecologic disorders, with an experienced team to guide you every step of the way.

Screening and Reducing Your Risk for Cervical Cancer

Current guidelines recommend that women begin to have pelvic examinations at age 21 and continue getting exams every year throughout their lives to help detect cancer and other types of gynecologic disorders. The Pap test is the gold standard in cervical cancer detection.

Almost all cervical cancer is associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV) — a common sexually transmitted infection. The good news is there is a vaccine to protect against it. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends girls and women ages 9-26 get vaccinated.

Cancer Risk Evaluation Program (CREP)

At the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, our Cancer Risk Evaluation Program helps patients and their families understand their inherited risk for cancer, and the steps they can take to mitigate that risk. We offer genetic screenings for uterine and ovarian cancers, as well as for breast and other cancers.

Free Screenings Through HealthyWoman

The HealthyWoman Program (HWP) is a free breast and cervical cancer early detection program funded by the PA Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, offering free pelvic exams, Pap tests, mammograms and clinical breast exams for low income women. We offer the HealthyWoman Program at these LG Health Physician Family Medicine practices: Crooked Oak, Family & Maternity Medicine.

Advanced Diagnostic Options

If a routine pelvic examination, Pap smear, or other screening reveals an abnormality, our team works together to ensure you get the appropriate follow-up testing and consultation. Ovarian and endometrial cancers may involve different cell types. Laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging can help determine the type of cancer and its stage, or how far it has spread, to help make decisions about surgical treatment. Testing may include biopayor diagnostic imaging.

Biopsy

To confirm whether cancer is present, your doctor may order a biopsy, which involves removal of a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope. Whenever possible, our doctors use minimally invasive procedures. Biopsy procedures include:

  • Colposcopy: Examination of the cervix to look for abnormalities and/or to take a tissue sample.
  • Endocervical curettage: Removal of tissue from the lining of the canal inside the cervix.
  • Cone biopsy: Using an electrical wire loop (loop electrosurgical excision procedure, or LEEP) or a surgical scalpel (cold knife cone biopsy) to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue.
  • Endometrial biopsy: Using a flexible tube to remove a tissue sample from inside the uterus.
  • Dilation and curettage (D&C): Collection of tissue samples from the uterine lining and inside the cervical canal.
  • Punch biopsy: Removal of a small section of vulvar tissue for examination.
  • Ultrasound-guided needle biopsy: Using an ultrasound (sound wave) image to guide a thin needle into selected tissue for sampling.
  • MRI-guided needle biopsy: Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to guide a thin needle into selected tissue for sampling.
  • Sentinel node biopsy: Injection of a dye near a previously identified tumor to determine whether the cancer has spread to the lymphatic system.

Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic imaging options include:

  • Ultrasound: Imaging that uses the echoes from high-frequency sound waves to allow your doctor to see whether an abnormality is a tumor, a fibroid, or a fluid-filled cyst.
  • Transvaginal ultrasound: Using a transducer placed inside the vagina to generate images of the uterus and endometrium.
  • X-rays
  • Computed tomography (CT): A type of X-ray scan that captures detailed pictures of structures inside of the body.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Using a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body to help determine the extent of the disease and detect any hidden tumors.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET): A scan that uses radioactive-tagged sugar in the bloodstream to detect small tumors or to measure treatment results.
  • Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): X-rays of the kidneys and urinary tract, taken with a contrast dye.

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