Gynecologic cancer care in Texas

Gynecologic oncologists at Ascension Seton in Austin, TX, provide diagnosis and personalized treatment for gynecologic cancer.

Gynecologic cancer care in Austin

Gynecologic oncologists at Ascension Seton provide diagnosis and personalized treatment for gynecologic cancer

Gynecologic cancer care at Ascension Seton

Doctors and care teams at Ascension Seton have the expertise to diagnose and treat all gynecologic cancers, even the most complex. Every appointment with your oncologist or women’s health care team starts with a compassionate conversation. Your doctor answers your questions and gets to know you, so you get a personalized cancer care plan.

And with a plan, comes hope. We’ll help you navigate your care every step of the way. Our goal is to help you return to your daily life.

Our gynecologic oncologists diagnose and treat cancers, including:

Cervical cancer
Fallopian tube cancer
Endometrial and other uterine cancers
Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN)
Hereditary cancer syndromes (BRCA and Lynch syndrome)
Ovarian cancer
Precancerous conditions of the female genital tract
Vaginal cancer
Vulvar cancer

When you’re going through gynecologic cancer care, we’re by your side

Cancer is personal, and so is the way we care for you. When you choose Ascension Seton cancer care, you’re never alone. You’ll have face-to-face visits with your doctor and an entire care team who take the time to answer all your questions — big and small. By getting to know you and working together, you get a care plan that’s customized to your needs.

A team approach that helps you navigate tests and support services

Along the way, your care may include imaging, lab tests, pharmacy support, physical therapy or other specialty services. You do not have to navigate your care alone. Upon your cancer diagnosis or when you come to us during your care, you’ll be paired with a cancer care navigator who helps you schedule appointments and connect you with any other services you need. When you have a concern or feel unsure, don’t hesitate to talk with your care team.

Gynecologic cancer care, backed by research

The collaboration between Ascension Seton and UT Health Austin, the clinical practice of the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, brings together medical professionals, medical school learners and researchers. These highly specialized providers use advanced research, diagnostics and treatment techniques to personalize cancer treatment through our clinical partnership for Women's Health.

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 Seton Cancer Center 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).Genetic counselors help you better understand your risks and treatment options.

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 Seton for your care, you’re 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 Seton 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.

Gynecologic cancer treatment

Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment for gynecologic cancer may include medication, therapy or surgery.

Ascension Seton surgeons are trained in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic and laparoscopic surgery, which are used to remove tumors while preserving healthy tissue when possible.

For cervical cancer treatment, our gynecologic surgeons use less invasive robotic surgery with high-definition 3D visualization to remove abnormal tissue. If a hysterectomy is recommended as part of your care plan, you and your doctor will discuss all options and what they mean for you. Our 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.

If you’ve 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.

Multidisciplinary cancer specialists at Ascension Seton offer combination therapies — which may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy for early- and late-stage disease, including BRCA-mutated cancers.

Uterine cancer, also called endometrial cancer, is the most common of the gynecologic cancers. Whenever possible, our gynecologic surgeons 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.

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 Seton, we diagnose and treat all types of gynecologic cancers and deliver care including surgery, radiation therapy and targeted medication therapies. When you choose Ascension Seton, you get experienced cancer specialists who are part of a national team, sharing best practices and the latest in cancer care knowledge and research.

We provide comprehensive tests, pelvic exams and treatments for gynecologic cancers, including:

Colposcopy
Fine needle biopsy
Germline testing (genetic testing that looks for inherited mutations in cancer-related genes)
Gynecologic ablation procedures
Gynecologic surgery, such as hysterectomy
Hormone therapy
Lymph node dissection
Medical oncology
Radiation oncology, such as TomoTherapy®
Tumor genomic profiling

Your care team focuses on identifying if the tumor is noninvasive or invasive, understanding where the tumor began and whether or not it has spread. Diagnostic blood testing, imaging, biopsy or diagnostic surgery help your doctor diagnose your condition and stage for even the most rare cancers. We use advanced molecular studies to recognize cancer subtypes and genetic mutations, to create a care plan for your type of cancer.

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 Seton 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 Seton 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.

This service requires a referral

If you need a referral to see a gynecologic oncologist, call our care team at 512-324-7865.

Providers: Refer your patient to Ascension

Your patients can expect compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our specialists start by listening to fully understand each patient’s needs and to develop an individualized care plan. To make a doctor referral for your patient, call 833-882-2737.

REFER A PATIENT

Ascension Seton Infusion Center
1601 Trinity St #804
Austin, TX 78712

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