Women's cancer care

Ascension Saint Thomas and Tennessee Oncology provide advanced, personalized breast and gynecologic cancer 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 breast and gynecologic cancer care through a collaborative approach to women’s cancer treatment.

Comprehensive women’s cancer care

At the Women’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ascension Saint Thomas and Tennessee Oncology work together to provide personalized cancer care focused on the unique needs of women.

Our breast and gynecologic cancer specialists provide care for breast, cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Your care team connects you with the specialists and services you need, from evaluation and diagnosis through treatment, recovery and survivorship.

Throughout your cancer journey, our team listens to your concerns, answers your questions and creates a care plan centered on you. Together, we provide comprehensive, compassionate women’s cancer care and support at every step.

Your personalized cancer treatment plan

Every cancer diagnosis is different. Your care team works with you to develop a treatment plan based on your diagnosis and individual needs.

Your treatment may include:

Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Maintenance therapy
Radiation therapy
Surgery
Targeted therapy

If surgery is part of your treatment plan, minimally invasive approaches may be used when appropriate. Your cancer specialists will explain your treatment options and what to expect.

When to see a gynecologic oncologist

A gynecologic oncologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers of the reproductive system.

Your doctor may recommend seeing a gynecologic oncologist when:

A Pap or HPV test result needs further evaluation
Imaging or a biopsy shows an unexpected result
You have a pelvic mass that needs specialized evaluation
Testing suggests or confirms a gynecologic cancer
You are considering cancer surgery or another treatment
You want a second opinion about a diagnosis or care plan

Symptoms of gynecologic cancer

Symptoms vary depending on the type of gynecologic cancer. Talk with your doctor about new or ongoing symptoms, such as:

Pelvic pain or pressure
Ongoing lower abdominal or back pain
Persistent bloating or an increase in abdominal size
Feeling full quickly or having difficulty eating
Changes in bladder or bowel habits
Unexplained fatigue
Unexplained weight loss

Having these symptoms does not mean you have gynecologic cancer. Talk with your doctor about symptoms that are new, unusual or do not go away.

Types of gynecologic cancer we treat

Gynecologic oncologists provide specialized care for cancers that begin in the reproductive organs.

Often caused by HPV, cervical cancer develops in the cervix and is highly treatable when caught early.

Endometrial cancer is the most common type of gynecologic cancer and develops in the uterine lining.

Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries and is often diagnosed at later stages. If you’re diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your treatment may include a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.

Vaginal cancer develops in the vagina. Your care plan will depend on your diagnosis and other individual factors.

Vulvar cancer develops in the outer part of the female genitals area. Evaluation by a specialist can help determine the diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Gynecologic oncology specialists also evaluate pelvic masses and endometriosis when specialized surgical care may be appropriate.

Understanding your cancer risk

Family history can be an important part of understanding cancer risk. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, you may be at high risk for cancer.

If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer or a known inherited cancer risk, your doctor may recommend genetic counseling or testing.

Genetic and molecular testing may also help identify characteristics of a diagnosed cancer that can help inform treatment. Talk with your doctor about whether genetic counseling or testing may be appropriate for you.

How gynecologic cancer is diagnosed

Your evaluation will depend on your symptoms, health history, risk factors and previous test results. Your specialist will review the information available, explain what it may mean and recommend additional testing when needed.

Review of your health history and test results

Your specialist may review your symptoms, medical history, medication list and results from previous testing or treatment. This information helps your care team understand what has already been evaluated and what may need to happen next.

Pap and HPV test results may identify cervical changes that need further evaluation. Talk with your doctor about the cervical cancer screening schedule that is right for you based on your age, health history and risk factors.

Ultrasound, MRI or CT imaging may be used to evaluate your condition. The results can help your specialist better understand what is happening and guide the next step in your care.

Your care team may review existing biopsy and pathology reports or recommend a biopsy as part of your evaluation. These results can provide more information about the cells or tissue being evaluated.

Your doctor may recommend genetic or molecular testing based on your diagnosis or family history. Testing may help identify inherited risk or characteristics of a cancer that can help guide treatment decisions.

Once the evaluation is complete, your specialists use the findings to discuss the treatment options that may be appropriate for you.

How we treat gynecologic cancer

Your treatment plan depends on the type of gynecologic cancer, your diagnosis and your individual needs. Treatment may include surgery, medication therapy, radiation therapy or a combination of treatments.

Gynecologic cancer surgery

Depending on your diagnosis, surgery may include a hysterectomy or removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Robotic or laparoscopic approaches may be used when appropriate. Your surgeon will explain the recommended procedure, its possible benefits and risks, and what to expect before and after surgery.

If surgery could affect your ability to have children, talk with your cancer specialist about what the procedure may mean for you and any questions you have about fertility preservation.

Medication therapy

Medication treatment may include:

Chemotherapy
Hormone therapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy

Your gynecologic oncologist and medical oncologist will explain why a treatment may be recommended and how it fits into your overall care plan.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy may be recommended alone or in combination with surgery or medication treatment. Your radiation oncologist will explain why radiation may be part of your care and what to expect.

Clinical trial excellence

Clinical trials may provide another care option for some eligible patients.

Tennessee Oncology’s Greco Hainsworth Centers for Research is dedicated to improving cancer care through clinical research and access to promising therapies.

Ask your doctor whether a current clinical trial may be appropriate for your diagnosis and situation.

Cancer support and wellness

Cancer care includes support for your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Your cancer care navigator and other members of your care team can help connect you with resources during treatment and beyond. Depending on your needs and where you receive care, support may include:

Counseling
Exercise and yoga
Lymphedema assessment and therapy
Mindfulness and meditation
Nutrition support
Pelvic floor therapy
Rehabilitation
Spiritual care
Support groups
Symptom-management support
Post-treatment and caregiver support

Ascension Saint Thomas offers a comprehensive cancer wellness program designed to support you throughout your cancer journey. Tennessee Oncology also offers integrative oncology services focused on lifestyle, symptom management and quality of life.

Your care team can explain which services are available and help connect you with the support that is right for you.

Frequently asked questions about breast and gynecologic cancer care

Regular breast cancer screening can help find breast cancer early. Talk with your doctor about when to begin mammograms and how often to have them based on your age, health history and individual risk factors.

Gynecologic cancer is cancer that begins in the female reproductive organs. The main types include cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers.

A gynecologic oncologist specializes in diagnosing and treating cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Gynecologic oncologists may also provide specialized evaluation or surgical care for conditions such as pelvic masses or endometriosis.

An unexpected screening result may require additional evaluation, but it is not by itself a cancer diagnosis. Your doctor can explain your result and whether additional testing or specialist care is recommended.

Referral requirements can depend on the practice, your health plan and the type of care you need.

Ask the care team which records they need before your visit.

Depending on your situation, you may be asked to provide imaging and imaging reports, biopsy or pathology results, Pap or HPV results, relevant medical records, a current medication list and referral information if required.

Yes. A gynecologic oncologist can review your medical records and health history, answer your questions and discuss your diagnosis and treatment options.

Before scheduling, check with your insurance company to find out whether a second-opinion visit is covered.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.