Gynecologic Cancer

Gynecologic Cancer

If you or a loved one need care for gynecologic cancer or related conditions, Bassett's Gynecologic Oncology Clinical team is ready to provide you with highly specialized care, support, and treatment. We offer:

• Diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancers (cancers that involve the female reproductive organs):
  • Cervical cancer, found in the cells of the cervix, which is located in the lower part of the uterus
  • Ovarian cancer, located in the ovaries, the glands where a woman’s eggs are stored
  • Cancer of the fallopian tubes, the narrow passages connecting the ovaries to the uterus
  • Uterine cancer, situated in the uterus, the organ in which the fetus develops
  • Cancer of the vagina, the tube connecting the uterus with outer genitals
  • Vulvar cancer, which forms on the outer surface of female genitalia
  • Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, rare tumors associated with pregnancy
  • Peritoneal cancer, a cancer of the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen
• Care and treatment of pre-invasive or pre-cancerous disease
• Care for patients at increased genetic risk for gynecologic cancers
• Care for patients in need of complex pelvic surgery, minimally invasive and robotic surgery

Gynecologic Cancer Treatment

Every member of our team works together to offer every patient a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan that combines cutting-edge technologies with the expertise of specialists from many fields. Each treatment plan depends on the type and stage of the cancer, but in many instances will involve:

• Surgery to remove the tumor
• Targeted therapy to destroy specific cancerous cells
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Radiation therapy and brachytherapy (internal radiation)
• Hormone therapy to lower levels of cancer-abetting hormones in your body

If you need evaluation or treatment for a gynecologic cancer, please talk to your primary care practitioner or general gynecologist about a referral. You may also call (607) 547-3336 to learn more about our gynecologic oncology services or to refer a patient.

About Dr. Pelkofski

Dr. Elizabeth Pelkofski is a gynecologic oncologist and senior attending physician at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. She received her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia and is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Pelkofski completed a fellowship at the University of Virginia Medical School and a residency at University of Massachusetts Medical School. Dr. Pelkofski, who joined Bassett in 2023, is highly specialized in caring for patients with gynecologic cancers, including patients who are at increased genetic risk for gynecologic cancers, patients with preinvasive disease and those needing complex pelvic surgery, minimally invasive and robotic surgery. She has expertise in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, clinical trials, radiation oncology, and palliative care for gynecologic cancers.

Gynecologic Cancer Symptoms & Risk Factors

Not all cancers have noticeable symptoms. Make sure to follow your gynecologist's recommended schedule for any cancer screenings.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of gynecologic cancer, but can include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding or vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Pelvic or back pain
• Bloating
• Changes in bowel movements or urination
• Skin itching or burning, or vulva color changes can also be signs of vulvar cancer.

If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your gynecologist.

While experts may not have found the exact causes of gynecologic cancer, we do know that the following risk factors exist:

• Family history of certain cancers
• Obesity and excess exposure to estrogen are linked to uterine cancer
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a risk factor for some gynecologic cancers, including cervical cancer

Get Treatment for Your Gynecologic Cancer

If you need evaluation or treatment for a gynecologic cancer, please talk to your primary care practitioner or general gynecologist about a referral. You may also call (607) 547-3336 to learn more about our gynecologic oncology services.

Bassett Healthcare Network offers treatment for gynecologic cancers in Cooperstown, NY.