Gynecologic Cancers

A gynecologic cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. You might wonder how cancer in your reproductive organs will affect your health, fertility, and vitality.

You’ll get answers to your questions — and the best available treatments — from our team. Our specialists have decades of experience diagnosing and treating cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancer.

Care for Gynecologic Cancers at Trinity Health Michigan: Why Choose Us?

From testing to treatments and through your recovery, you receive care from our skilled team. Our gynecologic cancer experts offer the latest therapies, so you have the best possible outcome.

Highlights of our program include:

• Expertise: Our gynecologic oncology team includes every specialist you need, including medical, radiation and surgical oncologists. You have a team of experts on your side who work together to customize your treatment plan.
  
  
• Access to clinical trials: You may be eligible for clinical trials that test new, innovative gynecologic cancer treatments. Many of these trials are only available in the nation’s leading cancer programs. Get more information about cancer research and clinical trials.
  
  
• Fertility-sparing treatment: A gynecologic cancer diagnosis does not have to get in the way of starting a family. We tailor your care to preserve your ability to become pregnant. You may receive hormone therapy or surgical techniques that save your ovaries. We may also recommend freezing your eggs before starting treatment.
  
  
• Nurse navigators: Our nurse navigators make life a little easier for you during treatment by coordinating the services you need. We help make appointments for tests and therapies, answer questions and lend a caring ear. We also connect you with supportive care services that promote holistic healing. Learn more about our supportive care services for cancer.

Coordinated Care for Gynecologic Cancers

We coordinate every detail of your care so you can focus on getting better. Your nurse navigator calls you before your first appointment and gathers information about your health history. If you need additional tests, we arrange them for you.

During your first appointment, our gynecologic oncologists perform a detailed assessment of your needs and treatment options. You receive a personalized care plan during the same visit. For complex cases, we work with other physicians in meetings called tumor boards to meticulously plan your care.

Surgery for Uterine Cancer, Cervical Cancer and Other Gynecologic Cancers

For most women with gynecologic cancer, treatment includes surgery. Our surgeons perform the latest procedures and offer specialized therapies to help you make a complete recovery.

Our gynecologic oncology surgery program includes:

• Minimally invasive methods: We use sophisticated techniques to remove cancer through small incisions, so you heal faster. Tiny cameras and technologies like robotic-assisted surgery enable us to treat cancer with maximum precision.
  
  
• Reconstructive surgery: We may need to remove large patches of tissue or whole organs. We work with our plastic surgeons to repair these areas using healthy tissue. We often perform reconstructions during the same procedure as the cancer treatment. Our approach helps you achieve excellent results while decreasing the need for additional procedures.
  
  
• Enhanced recovery program: We are one of the few programs in Michigan delivering focused post-surgical care that helps you go home sooner. We minimize pain with medications and techniques that are gentler on your body. And we often have you safely out of bed and walking a few hours after surgery.
  
  
• Supportive services: Our whole-person approach to care includes services to help you feel your best during and after treatment. You can work with specialists who listen and support, including social workers, spiritual care advisors and counselors. Learn more about supportive care and services.

Chemotherapy for Gynecologic Cancer

Your treatment may include medical oncology, medications that prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading. We use the latest chemotherapy and medical oncology therapies that are proven effective for gynecologic cancers. We help you prevent or manage any side effects. Read more about chemotherapy and medical oncology.

Radiation Oncology for Gynecologic Cancer

This treatment uses powerful beams of energy to destroy cancer cells. We deliver radiation therapy using special technology that targets gynecologic tumors and spares surrounding tissue. We also use implantable radiation “seeds” to deliver treatments to precisely the right spot. Get more information about radiation oncology.

Ongoing Care

After you complete treatment, our team continues caring for you through our survivorship care. We provide regular imaging tests to check for possible signs of recurring cancer (cancer that returns). And you can contact us if you have concerns between appointments.