At Mount Carmel fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologists work directly with specialists in radiation oncology, radiology, pathology and others to develop personalized treatment plans that offer the most precise and effective therapy available. Our Clinical Trial and Cancer Risk Programs alongside our expert physicians give patients every possible advantage.

Treatment for gynecologic cancers depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, its extent (stage), its location and your overall health. Talk with your doctor about the treatment options available to you.

Surgery

In addition to use in staging cancers procedures for endometrial and cervical cancers, Mount Carmel’s gynecologist oncologists are now using laparoscopy to treat cancers. Laparoscopy is used in the treatment of endometrial cancers, which involves the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, and can be used to perform a lymph node sampling as well to determine the extent of the cancer. Radical hysterectomies for the treatment of cervical cancer can also be performed laparoscopically. This less-invasive approach results in decreased pain and recovery time, allowing patients to more quickly return to their normal routines – in two weeks rather than the traditional four to six weeks.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy is a generally a collaboration between the gynecologic oncologists and radiation oncologists. Radiation therapy is used to try to cure cancer, to control cancer growth or to relieve symptoms, such as pain.

Radiation therapy works within cancer cells by damaging their ability to multiply. When these cells die, the body naturally eliminates them. Healthy tissues are also affected by radiation, but they are able to repair themselves in a way cancer cells cannot. If at any time you develop side effects, tell your doctor or nurse. He or she can give you medicine to help.

• External Beam Radiation Therapy – Each treatment is painless and is similar to getting an X-ray. This treatment involves a series of outpatient treatments to accurately deliver radiation to the cancer. They are often given in a series of daily sessions, each taking less than half an hour, Monday through Friday, for five to six weeks.
• Brachytherapy – This treatment involves placing radioactive sources in or next to the cancer. This is usually done at the same time or after external beam radiation therapy. Brachytherapy is very important in the treatment of vaginal, cervical and uterine cancers. Low-dose rate brachytherapy is delivered over the course of 24 to 72 hours. You will be admitted into the hospital to receive this treatment. Depending of the type of cancer you have, you may need to have several sessions of brachytherapy to cure your cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment option when the cancer has spread outside of its original location or when other therapies have failed. Chemotherapy may shrink the cancer or slow its growth and relieve symptoms. Typically, a combination of two or more drugs is given to decrease the chance of cancer cells becoming resistant to the therapy.