Gynecologic cancer

Our doctors are committed to providing you with exceptional oncological care throughout your cancer journey. Our goal is to work together to restore your quality of life through effective treatment options, and to provide you with the cancer support services you need on your path to recovery.

Our multidisciplinary cancer care team focuses on quality and personalized care with the goal for you to live a healthy and active lifestyle. As part of our comprehensive oncology program, we:

• Offer access to national clinical research trials and leading-edge therapies
• Participate in gynecologic cancer conferences to discuss individual cases
• Provide genetic assessment, counseling and testing for patients with a family history of gynecologic cancer
• Specialize in minimally invasive robotic surgery

Early detection is the key to effective treatment of gynecologic cancer. Screenings begin with your annual pelvic exam at your doctor’s office. During this exam, your doctor may complete a Pap smear and human papillomavirus (HPV) test.

Discussing any abdominal pain or urinary issues can also help your physician determine if additional tests are needed to screen for other gynecologic cancers, such as ovarian cancer. Speak with your gynecologist or primary care physician about your risk for gynecologic cancer.

Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that begins in a woman's reproductive organs, although it can also develop in a woman's pelvis, the area below the stomach and in between the hip bones. Our doctors are trained to diagnose and treat different types of gynecologic cancer, including cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer.

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina. According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in American women. However, with the increased use of the Pap smear, more doctors are able to find changes in the cervix before cancer develops.

Learning about the risk factors and symptoms of cervical cancer can also help your doctor identify this cancer in its earlier stages. Regular testing allows for early detection of cell changes, providing more time to treat diseased cells before cancer develops.

Ovarian cancer

The female reproductive system consists of two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. Ovaries produce eggs, as well as the estrogen and progesterone hormones in women. Ovarian tumors can form in various places within an ovary and include:

• Epithelial tumors — begin in the layer of tissue covering the outside of the ovaries
• Germ cell tumors — form in the egg-producing cells
• Stromal tumors — originate in the ovarian tissue that contains hormone-producing cells

Knowing risk factors and signs of ovarian cancer can allow you to seek diagnosis and treatment sooner.

Uterine cancer

Uterine cancer, also referred to as uterine sarcoma, is a rare cancer that begins in the muscles and supporting tissues of the uterus. Although doctors are unsure what causes uterine sarcomas, certain risk factors and symptoms of uterine cancer have been identified.

Whatever your course of cancer treatment involves, our gynecological oncologists are here to care for you. Our team will develop a personalized plan to provide you the most effective possible outcome for your type of cancer. Your treatment plan will most likely include chemotherapy, radiation therapy or gynecologic cancer surgery.

Gynecologic cancer surgery

When surgery is required, our gynecologic surgeons use innovative surgical techniques and minimally invasive surgery to treat many types of cancer. This advanced technology offers many benefits, including:

• Less blood loss
• Quicker recovery
• Reduced pain
• Reduced scarring
• Shorter hospital stay
• Smaller incisions

As part of Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, our family of hospitals provides comprehensive cancer services with convenient access to cutting-edge therapies for people facing cancer in our communities. From diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, our oncology expertise ensures you have access to locally trusted care with the support of a globally recognized network.

askSARAH helpline

Have cancer questions? We can help. askSARAH is a dedicated helpline for your cancer-related questions. Our specially trained nurses are available 24/7, and all calls are confidential. Contact askSARAH at (804) 591-4152.