How bariatric surgery restored a Rutherford mom's life
August 5, 2026
After years of struggling, Rutherford resident Larina lost over 200 pounds following bariatric surgery with Dr. Stephen Rich at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford.
Gynecological cancers
Ascension Saint Thomas and Tennessee Oncology provide advanced, personalized care through a collaborative approach to women’s cancer treatment.
Comprehensive women’s cancer care in Nashville
Ascension Saint Thomas and Tennessee Oncology provide advanced, personalized care through a collaborative approach to women’s cancer treatment
About gynecologic cancer
At the Women’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, a collaboration between Ascension Saint Thomas and Tennessee Oncology, our dedicated team of breast and gynecologic cancer specialists provides personalized care from early screenings to survivorship. Our multidisciplinary cancer care team focuses on treating the unique needs of women diagnosed with cancer. We offer advanced treatment options, including surgical, medical and radiation oncology, as well as cancer support for the whole you. Together, we ensure you receive comprehensive, compassionate care throughout your entire cancer journey.
In partnership with
Comprehensive breast health and cancer care
Women diagnosed with breast cancer have access to personalized care. Our team treats the full range of breast cancers, including:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Noninvasive breast cancer in the milk ducts
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): Cancer that has spread into breast tissue beyond the milk ducts
- Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): Rare, invasive cancer that blocks the lymph vessels
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): Cancer that begins in milk-producing glands
- Male breast cancer: Cancer that forms in the breast tissue of men
- Metastatic breast cancer: Also known as stage 4 (IV) breast cancer, advanced cancer that has spread to other organs of the body
Types of gynecologic cancer
Our gynecologic oncology specialists provide advanced care for cancers of the female reproductive system. Gynecologic oncologists offer an integrated approach to the diagnosis and surgical management of cancerous and noncancerous (benign) conditions, including:
- Cervical cancer
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cancer
- Pelvic masses
- Uterine cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Vulvar cancer
From prevention and screening to treatment and recovery, we focus on early detection and evidence-based treatment options. Depending on your risk factors, your screening may include:
- Pap smear (cervical and uterine cancer)
- Pelvic exam (cervical and ovarian cancer)
- Endometrial tissue sample (uterine cancer)
Understanding your cancer risk
If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, you may be at high risk for cancer. Genetic testing and counseling may be recommended to help address the underlying cause for your cancer diagnosis, help target chemotherapy drugs, extend appropriate screening for other organs that might be at-risk for a second cancer and help convey information to family members about their own cancer-risks.
Clinical trial excellence
Tennessee Oncology’s Greco Hainseworth Centers for Research is dedicated to improving care through clinical trials that give patients access to promising new therapies, including CAR-T cell therapy.
By offering access to the latest advancements in care, Tennessee Oncology helps patients receive innovative treatment.
Cancer support and wellness
At Ascension Saint Thomas, we care for the whole you. That’s why we offer a comprehensive cancer wellness program designed to support your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being throughout your cancer journey.
Tennessee Oncology offers patients access to integrative oncology services, which focuses on lifestyle, symptom management and improved quality of life.
Together, these programs offer support through:
- Exercise and yoga
- Lymphedema assessment and therapy
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Nutrition support
- Pelvic floor therapy
- Post-treatment and caregiver support
- Personalized guidance on nutrition, physical activity, and supplement use
- Referrals to trusted community providers for massages, acupuncture, reflexology, and hypnotherapy
- Symptom management for fatigue, menopause, GI issues, and more
- Women’s wellness and support groups
Whether through our on-site Ascension Saint Thomas Cancer Wellness Center or Tennessee Oncology’s Integrative Oncology offerings, you’ll find a support plan personalized for you.
How we diagnose gynecologic cancer
Your care team works together to review your condition and personalize your care plan to support your physical, emotional and mental health. Ascension Saint Thomas offers comprehensive gynecologic cancer care, including
If you want to learn more about other possible cancer care options, talk to your doctor. You may want to ask whether cancer clinical trials are the right option for you.
Your doctor may refer you for advanced genetic and molecular testing that helps identify abnormal cell growth and how your cancer may respond to different types of treatments or spread (metastasize).
Our highly trained gynecologic oncologists use advanced imaging for tissue biopsy and treating recurrent cancer.
Ultrasound, MRI and CT scans help your doctor diagnose and guide treatment planning.
Getting regular pelvic exams may help find cervical cancer and other gynecologic cancers early, when they’re most treatable. Talk with your doctor about the screenings that are right for you, based on your age, family history and risk factors.
For cervical cancer screening, women in their 20s should begin getting a regular Pap test, also called a Pap smear. In your 30s and as you age, women should continue getting the Pap test and add the HPV test, as recommended by your doctor. When you choose a women’s health specialist at Ascension Sacred Heart for your care, you are connected to all the care you need — from routine screenings to advanced care.
Your cancer care navigator and team provides support – from nutrition education and counseling to cancer support groups, and spiritual care. At Ascension Saint Thomas sites of care, our healing gardens and chapels are always open to patients and their loved ones. We offer supportive care and activities for the whole you.
Ask about virtual care (e.g, telehealth or online) appointments for your first consultation and as part of your ongoing care. You can have these virtual visits from the comfort of your home. You'll be able to talk with your doctor one-on-one via video from your phone or computer and get the care that's right for you.
How we treat gynecologic cancer
Your treatment for gynecologic cancer may include medication, therapy or surgery.
Ascension Saint Thomas surgeons are trained in minimally invasive techniques, including robotic and laparoscopic surgery, which are used to remove tumors while preserving healthy tissue when possible.
For cervical cancer treatment, gynecologic surgeons at Ascension Saint Thomas use less invasive robotic surgery with high-definition 3D visualization to remove abnormal tissue. If hysterectomy is recommended as part of your care plan, you and your doctor will discuss all options and what they mean for you. Ascension Saint Thomas specialists also offer fertility-preserving procedures, such as radical trachelectomy, for women of child-bearing years
Procedures such as hysterectomy may involve removal of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes depending on your condition.
Medical oncologists work with your gynecologic oncologist to deliver advanced care, such as low-dose sensitizing chemotherapy to enhance the effects of radiation therapy. Working together, your gynecologic oncologist and medical oncologist provide hormone therapy and targeted immunotherapy to help prevent recurrence and to help stop cancer spread.
Specially trained physical therapists deliver therapy, including lymphedema therapy, to help manage swelling and pelvic pain after surgery.
Multidisciplinary cancer specialists at Ascension Saint Thomas offer combination therapies — which may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy for early- and late-stage disease, including BRCA-mutated cancers.
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your doctor may recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.
Advanced radiation therapies, including brachytherapy, IMRT and SBRT, are used to target cancer cells while limiting exposure to healthy tissue.
Uterine cancer, also called endometrial cancer, is the most common of the gynecologic cancers. Whenever possible, gynecologic surgeons at Ascension Saint Thomas perform minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery to remove tumors and spare healthy tissue. If your surgery may impact your ability to have children (such as if hysterectomy is recommended as part of your care), your doctor will discuss all of your options and what they mean for you.
Get a second opinion on your cancer diagnosis or care plan
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Saint Thomas. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options.
When you are facing a new gynecologic cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our gynecologic oncologists in Nashville can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national team.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Frequently asked questions about our gynecologic cancer care services
Your doctor and care team get to know you well, and you’ll receive care for the whole person – your physical and mental health. We also provide compassionate, personalized support for your family and caregivers. At Ascension Saint Thomas, we diagnose and treat all types of gynecologic cancers and deliver care including surgery, radiation therapy and targeted medication therapies. When you choose Ascension Saint Thomas, you get experienced cancer specialists who are part of a national team, sharing best practices and the latest in cancer care knowledge and research.
At Ascension Saint Thomas, we provide comprehensive tests, pelvic exams and treatments for gynecologic cancers, including:
- Colposcopy
- Fine needle biopsy
- Gynecologic ablation procedures
- Gynecologic surgery, such as hysterectomy
- Hormone therapy
- Lymph node dissection
- Medical oncology
- Radiation oncology, such as TomoTherapy®
Getting regular pelvic exams may help find cervical cancer and other gynecologic cancers early, when they’re most treatable. Talk with your doctor about the screenings that are right for you, based on your age, family history and risk factors.
For cervical cancer screening, women in their 20s should begin getting a regular Pap test, also called a Pap smear. In your 30s and as you age, women should continue getting the Pap test and add the HPV test, as recommended by your doctor. When you choose a women’s health specialist at Ascension Saint Thomas for your care, you are connected to all the care you need – from routine screenings to advanced care. Find a gynecologist.
We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Your cancer care navigator can connect you to a financial counselor.
At Ascension Saint Thomas cancer center and clinics, we offer convenient parking. Talk to your care team if you have transportation needs.
Surgical oncologists and anesthesiologists provide enhanced recovery pathways as part of your surgical care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs. Each pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatment, to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.
Featured locations
Women’s Comprehensive Cancer Center at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown
2004 Hayes St
Nashville, TN 37203
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
All registered marks are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Stories you'll love
Fulfilling an opera lover's final wish
July 22, 2026
To fulfill an Ascension Living Alexian Village Tennessee resident’s dying wish, activities coordinator Amber Beam brought the New York Metropolitan Opera to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Songwriter David Schmelhaus found life-saving care and spiritual strength during his battle with acute leukemia at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown in Nashville, Tenn.
Esophageal cancer care for Tennessee man
April 24, 2026
Middle Tennessee resident Roy Zacharias found life-saving care for Stage 3 esophageal cancer from Dr. John Lazar at Ascension Saint Thomas West in Nashville.
Young mother experiences AFib during pregnancy
January 28, 2026
At just 26 years old, a Nashville mother receives specialty heart care for women at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Women’s Center during her second pregnancy.
Women’s heart care helps great-grandmother get more time
January 28, 2026
After two decades of seeking care for her heart symptoms, a referral to the Women's Heart Center at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart in Nashville, TN, gives a great-grandmother more time to enjoy her growing family.
Neck pain helped local business owner find cancer early
January 26, 2026
Dr. Robert Rampp, general and endocrine surgeon at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, helped a Murfreesboro native detect thyroid cancer and saved his life.
Couple received life changing care
December 31, 2025
A Lascassas, Tenn., couple received a heart bypass and kidney transplant at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West on the same day, then recovered and went home together.
A Murfreesboro woman’s bariatric transformation
December 11, 2025
After years of struggling with her weight, Stephanie turned to Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford in Murfreesboro for bariatric surgery that changed her life.
Middle Tennessee man’s life with 115 lbs. weight loss
December 5, 2025
In 2024, Dr. Stephen Rich, helps a patient with his bariatric journey at the Ascension Saint Thomas Bariatric Center.
Lung scan saves Nashville man’s life
November 17, 2025
A routine lung scan at Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville revealed a hidden tumor in 63-year-old Greg Hall, leading to life-saving treatment and recovery.
Bariatric surgery transforms Murfreesboro woman's life
October 31, 2025
After undergoing bariatric surgery at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, Ellen regained the energy to fully enjoy life again.
Routine lung scan saves Murfreesboro woman’s life
October 24, 2025
Using advanced ION robotic technology, the care team at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford helped a Murfreesboro resident detect and treat lung cancer early.
In June 2016, Mt. Juliet, Tennessee resident Sharon Nowlin began her fight against ovarian cancer with Ascension Saint Thomas and Tennessee Oncology doctors Johnetta Blakley and Alpa Nick in Middle Tennessee.
Now 27, Morgan reflects on her journey with breast cancer and the care she received at the Ascension Saint Thomas Women’s Comprehensive Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Joint surgery helps Nashville horsewoman get back in the saddle
September 17, 2025
With the help of the Ascension Saint Thomas Joint Replacement Institute, a Nashville woman overcame joint pain and is now thriving on the set of ABC’s 9-1-1 Nashville.
General surgery at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford helps patient heal after misdiagnosis
July 8, 2025
Dr. Mark Manwaring, colon and rectal surgeon at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford in Murfreesboro, Tennessee helps a patient find answers to symptoms that suggest Crohn’s disease.
If incidents occur this Fourth of July, knowing where and when to get immediate and emergency care is important.
Four summer activities that often lead to injuries
June 23, 2025
Ascension urgent care and orthopedic teams are here to help you manage your summer injury.
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2023, a Nashville resident turned to Ascension Saint Thomas West, where expert urologists Dr. Adnan Dervishi and Dr. Mark Sittig provided advanced prostate cancer care.
Over a decade later, Saint Thomas is relaunching the Nothing Shall Be Impossible campaign rooted in faith, driven by medical excellence, and growing to meet the needs of tomorrow.
Ascension Saint Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, TN, quickly responds to patients experiencing strokes and provides neurology and rehabilitation care to help with recovery.
In January 2024, longtime CNA discovered she had an ischemic stroke, and Dr. Lani Thomas performed a life-saving thrombectomy at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford in Murfreesboro, TN.
Dr. Bobby Rampp, general surgeon at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, performed robotic bilateral hernia surgery to relieve a former Foundation board member’s severe abdominal symptoms.
A Nashville woman shares her story of overcoming rectal cancer with early detection and support from Ascension Saint Thomas for Colon Cancer Awareness Month.
Murfreesboro woman receives help after MRI finds thyroid nodule
February 7, 2025
Dr. Robert Rampp, an endocrine surgeon with Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, helped treat a mother of three who found a thyroid nodule during a routine MRI.
Dr. Hannah Fish-Trotter, a cardiologist at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart, helped treat a mother of two with a diagnosis and treatment of a heart defect found after pregnancy.
Ascension Saint Thomas Heart is launching the Women's Program to transform cardiovascular care for women through prevention, early detection and a multi-disciplinary approach in Middle Tennessee.
Hayley Wielgus had a premature birth at Ascension Saint Thomas, where support from the care team helped her daughter thrive after a four-week NICU stay.
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West performs first robotic tracheobronchoplasty in Tennessee
November 8, 2024
Thoracic surgeon Dr. John Lazar at Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville, Tennessee treated a patient’s severe airway condition with a robotic-assisted tracheobronchoplasty.
Legendary musician credits Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West for life-saving cardiac surgery
October 14, 2024
John McEuen, a founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Bands is celebrating his life, thanks to the expert cardiac care he received at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West in Nashville.
Middle Tennessee mother completes her treatment for ovarian cancer
September 26, 2024
Dr. Jason Barnett, a gynecologic oncologist at Tennessee Oncology, helped treat a mother of two with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer that had spread to other parts of her body while receiving care at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown.
John Spooner, MD, neurosurgeon at Howell Allen Clinic with Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville, TN, helps a grandmother with a large brain aneurysm get back to creating art.
Lung cancer teams at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West in Nashville, TN, perform Ion robotic bronchoscopy and resection for the first time in hospital history.
Mark A. Zenker, MD, cardiologist at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart's Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Clinic, research with CAMZYOS helps grandmother feel better.
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West Kidney Transplant Center helps Nashville mom get a second chance with a hepatitis C kidney transplant.
Brooke got a second chance with a kidney transplant at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West Kidney Transplant Center in Nashville, TN.
Retired Tennessee farmer's life saved by innovative wireless pacemaker
September 26, 2023
Cardiologist Dr. Ricardo Lugo becomes Tennessee's first cardiologist to insert the Micra™ VR2 wireless pacemaker in a patient.
Knoxville man urgently receives a new heart and a second chance at life at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart in Nashville, TN.
Murfreesboro man gets emergency heart care when going into cardiac arrest during a prostate cancer removal at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford.
Nashville woman donates kidney to her husband
April 5, 2023
A Nashville couple turns to Ascension Saint Thomas Kidney Transplant Center for a kidney transplant, where a patient receives his wife's kidney.