Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that starts in a woman's reproductive organs. The five main types of gynecologic cancer are cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar. Fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer are also considered part of this group but are very rare.
Legacy's team of outstanding specialists will work together to evaluate your case and develop a personalized treatment plan for you. At Legacy we understand that you have a life, not just a diagnosis
Award-winning care
Legacy ranks among the nation's top cancer programs and has received multiple quality awards including the 2010 Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons' Commission (ACS) on Cancer. The ACS ranks Legacy's cancer program as one of the best in the nation.
Treatment
There are several ways to treat gynecologic cancer. The specific type of cancer and how advanced it is will determine your treatment options and may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Patients often receive a combination of treatments.
Surgery
- Hysterectomy-robotic surgery for early stage GYN cancer
Women with cancerous gynecological conditions are often treated with hysterectomy -- the surgical removal of the uterus. If your doctor recommends a hysterectomy, you may be a candidate for our robot-assisted hysterectomy. Using the da Vinci® surgical system, this incredibly precise procedure requires only a few small incisions, so you'll experience minimum pain, scarring and downtime.
Radiation therapy
- Brachytherapy
Our technologically advanced brachytherapy program is the largest and most experienced in the region. In brachytherapy, radioactive material is placed in the body in direct contact with the tumor so that healthy tissues, farther from the radiation source, are exposed to a much lower dose. This technique allows more radiation to be given safely and can result in a much shorter and more convenient course of treatment. Used alone or with external radiation, brachytherapy is particularly useful for gynecologic tumors, among others.
At our Good Samaritan Comprehensive Cancer Center, stress management therapists are available to help patients stay calm with breathing techniques during this procedure.
Learn more about radiation therapies at Legacy Health.
Chemotherapy
Physician case review
Our multidisciplinary cancer care conferences review complex cases to provide an expert "second opinion" on diagnosis, pre-treatment evaluation, staging, treatment strategy and rehabilitation. The team includes medical oncologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, nurses, research coordinators and other cancer care staff.
You're not alone
At the Legacy Cancer Institute we offer services to support every aspect of your treatment including your physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being. We offer a wide range of support services to help you and your family. If you need help just ask us, and we'll help you find the support you need.
Nurse navigators
Our personalized support services begin with our nurse navigators. They will help you throughout your treatment, from knowing what to expect to finding the right support services and helping you manage symptoms and treatment side effects.
Support services
In addition, the following support services are also available: