Gynecologic Oncology
Gynecologic oncology involves the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the female reproductive system. The Gynecologic Oncology Program at CTCA provides innovative treatments for women with gynecologic cancers and/or those who are at high-risk for developing gynecologic cancers, including:
- Cervical cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Vulvar cancer
- Gestational trophoblastic tumor
- Genetically high-risk patients
Individualized treatment for gynecologic cancer
Before you begin treatment, our gynecologic oncologists and pathologists work together to perform a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, which may include a pelvic examination, ultrasound, lab and/or other imaging and tests, to determine the exact type and stage of the cancer. We perform staging surgery and cytoreductive (debulking) surgery to find and remove tumors that have spread in the pelvic and abdominal areas.
Since gynecologic cancers are complex, treatment often involves multiple modalities, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. We understand every woman is different, so your treatment plan will include procedures and therapies tailored to your unique needs and treatment goals.
For example, for patients with cancer that has spread through the abdomen, our gynecologic oncologists may perform a procedure called intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy, which delivers chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity. We may also recommend minimally invasive alternatives to complex surgery, such as laparoscopic and robotic surgeries.
Once a diagnosis is determined, our gynecologic oncologists discuss their findings with the patient, outline available treatment options and develop an individualized plan keeping the patient and her needs in mind. Our gynecologic oncologists also may inform patients of fertility-sparing options, if oncologically appropriate, if they express a desire to have children in the future.
Fertility-sparing options
If you want to have children, it's important to know that certain gynecologic cancer treatments may interfere with your fertility and prevent or complicate pregnancy. Our team is here to address your questions and concerns so you can decide what’s best for you. If you decide you want to preserve your fertility, we'll discuss with you a variety of fertility-sparing health care options as early in the treatment process as possible while weighing all the risks and benefits with regards to your oncologic care.
Managing side effects
Patients are educated on common reproductive cancer and treatment-related side effects, which can take a toll on their sense of self as well as their physical, emotional and sexual health. As part of our whole-person model of care, the gynecologic oncologists help patients connect with supportive care clinicians in the behavioral health, nutritional support and other integrative care departments to help manage these challenges.