Gynecologic Oncology

Gynecologic Oncology

If you’ve been diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, it’s important to be evaluated by cancer experts before beginning treatment. We can help.

Karmanos’ Gynecologic Oncology Specialists

Our Gynecologic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team includes gynecologic oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, pharmacists, specialized nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers and genetic counselors. The team is entirely focused on treating gynecologic cancers and shares its collective expertise to create a customized treatment plan for each patient.

Cancers treated include:

• Cervical Cancer
• Fallopian Tube Cancer
• Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
• Ovarian Cancer
• Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer
• Vaginal Cancer
• Vulvar Cancer

Our team of gynecologic oncology specialists makes us one of the best cancer centers in the nation. They design and conduct clinical trials and translational research, as well as contribute to publications on the surgical and medical management of gynecologic tumors. In addition, several team members are included among the nation’s "Best Doctors" and "Who’s Who in Medicine."

Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancer

The symptoms of gynecologic cancers are not the same for everyone and vary by cancer type, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, symptoms to watch out for include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge - common in all gynecologic cancers except vulvar cancer
• Feeling full quickly, bloating, difficulty eating, abdominal pain or back pain - common for ovarian cancer
• Pelvic pain or pressure - common in ovarian or uterine
• Frequency or urgency with urination and/or constipation - common in for ovarian or vaginal cancers
• Itching, burning, pain or tenderness of the vulva or changes in the vulva color or skin including rash, sores or warts - found in vulvar cancer

Evaluation and Diagnosis

Each patient receives personal attention from the Gynecologic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team. During your initial visit, a physician will review your medical records and medical history, x-rays and pathology slides. The team meets regularly to discuss patient care issues and refine individual patient treatment plans.

Patients who benefit most from a consultation with our Gynecology Oncology Multidisciplinary Team include those with:

• Newly diagnosed gynecologic cancers such as cervical cancer, fallopian tube cancer, gestational trophoblastic disease, ovarian cancer, uterine (endometrial) cancer, vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer needing surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy
• Signs suspicious for a gynecologic malignancy such as a complex pelvic mass, malignant ascites and/or elevated CA-125
• Vulvar, vaginal or cervical lesions suspicious for malignancy on pelvic exam
• Early cervical cancer interested in fertility-sparing surgery
• Pelvic masses and endometrial cancer interested in minimally invasive surgery
• Recurrent gynecologic cancers being considered for surgery, radiation or chemotherapy
• An interest in clinical trial participation
• Complicated pre-invasive disease of the lower genital tract
• Any gynecologic cancer who specifically requests being seen by the multidisciplinary team at Karmanos to initiate treatment or for a second opinion
• A personal and/or family history suggestive of hereditary gynecologic cancer

Innovative, Individualized Care

The team uses the latest technologies, including the da Vinci® Xi™ Surgical System, cryotherapy and immunotherapy, to achieve optimum success for our patients. Here's what patients can expect from our Gynecologic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team:

• A passionate, caring, expert team, giving you the best chance of success.
• A collaborative approach that considers all available treatment options, including clinical trials, for your specific type of cancer.
• A carefully constructed treatment plan designed to achieve the best possible outcome.
• Respectful, compassionate care that is responsive to your emotional needs and lifestyle.
• Proactive, timely communication with you and your loved ones, and your personal physician.

Appointment Information

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