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Gynecologic cancer care

What is gynecologic cancer?

Gynecologic cancer refers to any cancer that starts in a woman’s reproductive system. At Beacon, we diagnose and treat a full range of gynecologic cancers, including:

  • Cervical cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Fallopian tube cancer
  • Uterine/endometrial cancer
  • Vaginal cancer
  • Vulvar cancer
  • Precancerous HPV-related conditions
  • Rare gynecologic sarcomas, also called rhabdomyosarcoma

Providers treating gynecological cancer

Prevention and early detection

All women are at risk of developing gynecologic cancer with the risk increasing with age. Every year, approximately 90,000 women are diagnosed with a form of gynecologic cancer. Early detection and prevention are key to a positive outcome. Visiting your doctor for routine gynecologic exams and screenings such as a Pap test and HPV test can lead to early diagnosis. The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens (both boys and girls) aged 11 to 12 to prevent future HPV-associated cancers.

If someone in your family has been diagnosed with gynecologic cancer, you may have an increased risk of developing it too. Talk to your doctor about genetic counseling for guidance about how to protect your health.

Learn about genetic counseling

 Signs and symptoms of gynecological cancer

It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of gynecologic cancers. Many have vague or differing signs that may go undetected. Talk to your physician right away if you notice irregular bleeding between periods. Other possible symptoms may include:

  •   Bloating
  •   Back pain
  •   Constipation
  •   Abnormal bleeding or discharge
  •   Pelvic pressure/pain

Contact your physician if these symptoms are new to you and last two weeks or longer.

Our approach to care

The team at Beacon Health System provides the highest quality treatment options for gynecologic cancer care using state-of-the-art technologies. We offer innovative, comprehensive and compassionate care to every one of our patients. Our specially trained Gynecologic Oncologists are prepared to collaborate with you to develop a comprehensive care plan which may include surgery, chemotherapy and possibly radiation therapy. During your consultation, you’ll be able to discuss your questions and concerns and talk about your care plan with your oncology team. Your Beacon provider can also arrange for a second opinion through the Mayo Clinic at no charge.

We understand that cancer affects more than just your body. That is where the Beacon support team can help. Our team of social workers, dietitians and navigators are available to offer supportive care to you and your family every step of the way.

Why choose Beacon?

Beacon offers advanced, compassionate care for gynecologic cancers. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Multidisciplinary expertise: You’ll receive care from a collaborative team of gynecologic oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, and other specialists who coordinate every step of your care.
  • Personalized treatment planning: Each patient’s case is reviewed during weekly tumor board meetings, where multiple specialists provide input to develop the most effective treatment plan.
  • Support at every step: Our care doesn’t stop with treatment. We offer emotional, nutritional, physical, and logistical support for you and your loved ones throughout your cancer journey.
  • Mayo Clinic second opinions: Beacon is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. That means your provider can consult with Mayo Clinic experts at no additional cost to you.

The importance of our tumor board

Each patient’s case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumor board, a team of specialists who meet regularly to discuss complex cancer diagnoses and recommend personalized treatment options.

The same specialists that make up your care team meet weekly to discuss diagnosed gynecologic cancer cases. They have access to the details of your case and discuss treatment options so that you receive a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Benefits of our approach to gynecologic cancer care

Advanced surgical treatments for cervical and uterine cancer

Surgeons are highly trained in innovative surgical approaches using robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and other image-guided minimally invasive techniques to remove a tumor and preserve healthy tissue.

Cervical cancer – For cervical cancer treatment, gynecologic surgeons use less invasive robotic surgery with high-definition 3D visualization to remove abnormal growths. If hysterectomy is recommended as part of your care plan, you and your doctor will discuss all options and what they mean for you. Our gynecologists also provide treatment options for early-stage cervical cancer and for women of childbearing years. Radical cervix removal (also called radical trachelectomy) may help preserve fertility.

Uterine cancer – This cancer, also called endometrial cancer, is the most common of the gynecologic cancers. Whenever possible, Beacon’s gynecologic surgeons perform minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery with the goal of removing tumors and sparing healthy tissue. If your surgery may impact your ability to have children, such as if a hysterectomy is recommended as part of your care, you and your doctor will discuss all of your options and what they mean for you.

Other gynecologic cancers – Multidisciplinary cancer specialists deliver combination therapies—surgery combined with the latest chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment options for early and late-stage disease, including BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm or sBRCAm) epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer.

Genetic and molecular tests

Advanced genetic and molecular tests can identify abnormal cell growth and can help your doctor analyze how your type of cancer may respond to different treatments or travel (metastasize) to distant organs.

Diagnostic imaging

Ultrasound, MRI and CT are common radiology tests for gynecologic cancers. Your doctor connects you with an imaging center close to home.

Image-guided technology for biopsy and ablation

Highly trained gynecologic oncologists use advanced imaging techniques for tissue biopsy. Image-guided ablation is used to help treat recurrent cancer that is detected in the tissue lining a reproductive organ.

Medical oncology

Medical oncologists work with your gynecologic oncologist to deliver advanced care, such as low-dose sensitizing chemotherapy to enhance the effects of radiation therapy. Working together, your gynecologic oncologist and medical oncologist provide hormone therapy and targeted immunotherapy to help prevent recurrence and to help stop cancer spread.

Radiation oncology

Our cancer care team can connect you with advanced radiation therapies (brachytherapy, 3D conformal, and IMRT). Radiation oncologists apply targeted radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.

Oncology rehabilitation

Physical therapists trained in lymphedema therapy and pelvic therapy provide rehabilitation therapies to help relieve pelvic pain and lymphedema symptoms after surgery.

Support programs and resources

Your cancer care team provides support—from nutrition education and counseling to cancer support groups, exercise programs and spiritual care. We provide supportive care and activities for the whole you.