Gynecologic Cancer

Unlike at other health systems, gynecologic oncologist specialists at Ochsner diagnose cancer and also administer chemotherapy to patients. This level of personalized care helps to ensure the best patient outcomes. Our board-certified physicians also offer comprehensive multidisciplinary care in collaboration with a team of providers and doctors, including:

• Nurses

• Nurse navigators

• Nurse practitioners

• Physician assistants

• Radiation oncologists

• Surgical oncologists

We also regularly team up with our ophthalmology colleagues because several newer medications require intense eye surveillance as part of the treatment regimen.

Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that affects a woman’s reproductive organs. There are several types of gynecologic cancer:

• Cervical cancer: Cervical cancer grows in the cervix, which connects the uterus and the vagina. Most cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer. Regular HPV or Pap tests can also detect cervical cancer before it spreads.
• Endometrial cancer: The most common form of uterine cancer, endometrial cancer forms in the lining of the uterus, which is called the endometrium. Endometrial cancer is the most common type of gynecologic cancer, affecting around 27 in every 100,000 women.
• Fallopian tube cancer: This ovarian cancer starts in the fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from your ovaries to the uterus.
• Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: This rare type of cancer is a form of gestational trophoblastic disease, when an invasive mole or tumor forms from tissue created after an egg is fertilized in the uterus. Symptoms of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia may appear during pregnancy or months later.
• Ovarian cancer: A type of cancer that affects the ovaries, ovarian cancer usually affects postmenopausal women. It is the most common cause of death among gynecologic cancers.
• Primary peritoneal cancer: This ovarian cancer grows in the peritoneum, the tissue lining the part of your abdomen surrounding your reproductive organs.
• Uterine sarcoma: This rare type of uterine cancer affects the muscular wall of the uterus.
• Vaginal cancer: This rare cancer affects the birth canal, or vagina. Vaginal cancer often affects women over 50 and can be caused by HPV.
• Vulvar cancer: This rare form of cancer, often caused by HPV, affects a woman’s external genitalia.

Many things can cause gynecologic cancer. Risk factors include genetics and family history, endometriosis, HPV, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), taking tamoxifen for breast cancer and being overweight or obese. Many gynecological cancers do not have signs or symptoms until they are in advanced stages. Common symptoms can include abnormal bleeding outside menstruation or after menopause, pain during sex, abdominal pain, bloating and fatigue.

Ochsner was one of the first health systems in the nation to perform robotic gynecologic surgeries, and our pioneering gynecologic cancer treatments continue today. We specialize in robotic and minimally invasive surgery whenever possible. Gynecologic cancer treatment will depend on the type of cancer and the tumor stage. Often patients will need a combination of treatment therapies, such as surgery and chemotherapy or radiation. Standard treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy: This is oral or intravenous therapy that kills cancer cells over a period of time.
• Hysterectomy: This surgery removes the uterus (partial hysterectomy) or cervix and uterus (total hysterectomy).
• Immunotherapy: This is a treatment that uses a patient’s immune system to target cancer cells.
• Laser surgery: This treatment removes cancerous tissue.
• Pelvic exenteration: This surgery is for advanced cancers that removes the cervix, vagina and ovaries, along with the bladder, lower colon, rectum and nearby lymph nodes.
• Radiation: This is a therapy that uses targeted radiation beams to kill cancer cells.
• Radical hysterectomy: This surgery removes the uterus, cervix, both ovaries and fallopian tubes, and surrounding tissue.
• Salpingo-oophorectomy: This surgery removes one or both ovaries and fallopian tubes. This surgery is often combined with a hysterectomy.
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy: This procedure is the removal of the primary lymph node near the tumor.
• Targeted therapy: These are medications that attack only specific molecules or proteins to eliminate cancer.
• Trachelectomy: This surgery removes the cervix but not the uterus, so a woman may be able to still get pregnant.
• Vaginectomy: This is a surgery to remove the vagina.
• Vaginoplasty: This is a procedure to reconstruct the vagina.
• Vulvectomy: This is a surgery to remove part or all of the vulva.

Ochsner provides access to advanced clinical trials for qualified gynecologic cancer patients, including some early-phase trials. Additionally, we offer comprehensive genetic cancer testing for all patients and next-generation sequencing testing of all tumors. This practice allows us to best know if patients should have maintenance treatment after their first treatment or if patients with cancer that returns can benefit from alternative therapies.

A gynecologic cancer diagnosis affects more than just your fertility and sex life. Cancer treatment can impact your entire body, and your mental and emotional health will likely be challenged. That’s why Ochsner provides extensive supportive care for gynecologic cancer patients, including:

• Healing yoga classes

• Integrative oncology services, including sexual wellness services and massage

• Mental wellness services

• Nutrition services

• Oncology acupuncture

• Palliative care

• Social workers

Ochsner also assists patients with finding housing near treatment locations, if needed, including at the Brent House Hotel and the American Cancer Society’s Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge.

You're likely being referred to a gynecological oncologist because of an abnormal test result, a suspicious growth or mass, or a confirmed diagnosis of a gynecological cancer or a serious precancerous condition.

A gynecologic oncologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats cancers of the female reproductive system, including cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer.

Yes, gynecologic oncologists can diagnose and treat breast cancer, particularly in cases involving high-risk genetic factors like BRCA mutations, which are also associated with ovarian cancer.