GYN Oncology
GYN Oncologists Provide Broad Range of Complex Surgical Procedures

Subspecialty board-certified gynecologic oncologists perform a broad range of cancer treatment surgeries for patients with gynecologic cancers. These lengthy operations take place in the General Surgical Suites.

For cervical malignancies, gynecologic oncologists perform radical hysterectomies, and where appropriate, radical vaginectomies. They also care for patients with central pelvic recurrences that are not amenable to radiation, performing pelvic exenteration (removal of uterus, tubes and ovaries, along with contiguous organs). "These very aggressive surgeries also require reconstruction of the urinary, vaginal and/or intestinal tracts," says Francis Grumbine, M.D., Chief of Gyneoclogic Oncology. "We concentrate on body image, trying to eliminate external appliances so that we can enable patients to have as normal sexual function as possible."

Procedures for ovarian cancer treatment generally involve either careful surgical staging or extensive debulking surgery, which may include removal of portions of the intestinal track. Removing as much of the ovarian malignancy as possible from the abdominal cavity correlates with better response to chemotherapy and better prognosis.

Endometrial cancers are typically treated with a combination of conventional hysterectomy and adjacent lymph node dissection. Some of the endometrial cancers with better prognoses can be treated with laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingoophorectomy. Vulvar cancers may require radical surgery but more conservative approaches are being used where possible.

Our Gyn Oncologists work closely with the national Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) to offer clinical trials to eligible patients. These studies represent the latest and most advanced cancer treatments available for women with gynecologic malignancies.

For more information, contact the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at 443-849-2765.