The Perricone Center for Gynecologic Oncology

The Perricone Center for Gynecologic Oncology at Jersey Shore University Medical Center offers women a wide range of approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, and complete management of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions of the female reproductive organs. The Perricone Center for Gynecologic Oncology evaluates abnormal pap smears and pelvic masses and treats cancers of the ovary, uterus, cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, vulva, and vagina. We offer the most comprehensive gynecologic oncology service in the region, with access to open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, laser therapy, chemotherapy, intra-peritoneal chemotherapy, radiation, pain management, and terminal care. Our multi-disciplinary team consists of physicians who are board certified in both obstetrics/gynecology and gynecologic oncology, as well as nurses who specialize in women's cancer care. National clinical trials are available, including trials from the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOGZ), a national group studying cancer and its impact in women. Below describes some of the cancers we treat.

What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant cells are found in an ovary. There are three types of ovarian tumors, named for the tissue in which they are found:

• epithelial cell - cells that cover the surface of the ovary. Most of these tumors are benign (noncancerous). However, epithelial ovarian cancer accounts for 85 percent to 90 percent of ovarian cancer cases.
• germ cell - cells that form the eggs in the ovary.
• stromal cell - cells that form the ovary and produce female hormones.

To find out more about causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer visit our health library.

What is uterine cancer?

Cancers that occur in each part of the uterus have their own names, such as cervical cancer or endometrial cancer, but are sometimes broadly defined as uterine cancer because the structure is part of the uterus. Cancer of the uterus spreads through the bloodstream or lymphatic system and is the most common cancer of the female reproductive tract. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), about 40,880 cases of cancer of the uterine corpus (body of the uterus) will be diagnosed in the US in one year. To find out more about causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of uterine cancer visit our health library.

To find out more about causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of uterine cancer visit our health library.

What is cervical cancer?

If abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix spread deeper into the cervix, or to other tissues or organs, the disease is then called cervical cancer, or invasive cervical cancer. Cervical cancer occurs most often in women over the age of 40.

Risk Factors:

• Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Infection with HPV is most often the result of unprotected sex.



• Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or other condition that weakens the immune system. HIV is the precursor to AIDS.



• Smoking. Women who smoke are nearly twice as likely as nonsmokers to have cervical cancer.



• Age. The risk of cancer of the cervix increases between the late teens and mid-30s. However, cervical cancer can occur at any age.



• Having sexual intercourse before the age of 18. having many sexual partners, and having partners who have had sexual intercourse at a young age and/or have had many partners themselves

To find out more about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer visit our gynecological health library.

What is endometrial cancer?

The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium. Cancer of the endometrium, the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs, is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the endometrium.

Symptoms of endometrial cancer:

• bleeding or discharge not related to your periods (menstruation)
• post-menopausal bleeding
• difficult or painful urination
• pain during intercourse
• pain and/or mass in the pelvic area
• weight loss

Consult a physician if you experience any/all of the following symptoms.

To find out more about risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of endometrial cancer visit our gynecological health library.

What is vaginal cancer?

Cancer of the vagina, a rare kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which malignant cells are found in the tissues of the vagina. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), about 2,140 cases of vaginal cancer will be diagnosed in the US this year.

There are several types of cancer of the vagina. The two most common are:

• Squamous cell cancer (squamous carcinoma). Squamous carcinoma is most often found in women between the ages of 60 and 80, and accounts for 85-90 percent of all vaginal cancers.



• Adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is more often found in women between the ages of 12 and 30.

To find out more about risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of vaginal cancer visit our gynecological health library.

What is vulvar cancer?

Vulvar cancer is a malignancy that can occur on any part of the external organs, but most often affects the labia majora or labia minora. Cancer of the vulva is a rare disease, which accounts for 0.6 percent of all cancers in women. Nearly 90 percent of vulvar cancers are squamous cell cancers. Melanoma is the second most common type of vulvar cancer, usually found in the labia minora or clitoris.

Other types of vulvar cancer include:

• adenocarcinoma
• Paget's disease
• sarcomas
• verrucous carcinoma
• basal cell carcinoma

To find out more about risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of vaginal cancer visit our gynecological health library.

Want more information? Visit our test and procedures section to read what to expect before, during, and after a test or procedure.

For more information on The Perricone Center for Gynecologic Oncology, please call 732-263-7922, and if you need a physician referral, call Meridian Health Line toll free at 1-800-560-9990 or visit our online physician directory.