Personalized care for gynecologic cancers

When you choose Ascension St. Vincent’s, you get a multidisciplinary team of doctors, prioritizing early and customized treatment: board-certified, fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, a care navigator, and a dedicated team of oncology nurses, dietitians, and cancer specialists. At Ascension St. Vincent’s, we provide comprehensive pelvic exams, and advanced diagnostic tests and treatments for all types of gynecologic cancers, including:

• Cervical cancer
• Endometrial (uterine) cancer
• Fallopian tube cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulvar cancer
• Precancerous human papillomavirus infection (HPV) in the cervix and vulva
• Rare gynecologic sarcomas, also called rhabdomyosarcoma

At Ascension St. Vincent’s Cancer Care in Jacksonville, Florida, our experienced gynecologic (GYN) oncologists are part of a national team of doctors, sharing best practices and advanced treatment options for gynecologic cancer care – bringing the best of oncology to you, close to home.

Our gynecologic oncologists specialize in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries. By using smaller incisions, you may experience a shorter recovery time.

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

Cancer is personal, so is the way we care for you. When you choose Ascension St. Vincent’s cancer care, you’re never alone. You’ll have face-to-face visits with your doctor, and you’ll have an entire care team, dedicated to your care – connecting the dots for you. Your doctor and care team will 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. And with a plan, comes hope. Our goal is to help you recover faster so you can get back to home, family, life and self.

Team approach helps navigate tests and support services

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

Benefits of our approach to gynecologic cancer care

Cancer specialists on your care team review your treatment and progress. They work together to customize your overall care plan to support your physical well-being and mental and emotional health. Ascension St. Vincent’s Cancer Care offers comprehensive gynecologic oncology cancer care, including:

Advanced surgical treatments – Surgeons are highly trained in innovative surgical approaches using robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and other image-guided minimally invasive techniques to remove a tumor and preserve healthy tissue.

• Cervical cancer – For cervical cancer treatment, gynecologic surgeons at Ascension St. Vincent’s use less invasive robotic surgery with high-definition 3D visualization to remove abnormal growths. 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 St. Vincent's specialists also offer treatment options for early-stage cervical cancer and for women of child-bearing years. Radical cervix removal (also called radical trachelectomy) may help preserve fertility.
• Uterine cancer – This cancer, also called endometrial cancer, is the most common of the gynecologic cancers. Whenever possible, gynecologic surgeons at Ascension St. Vincent’s perform minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery with the goal of removing tumors and sparing healthy tissue. If your surgery may impact your ability to have children, such as if hysterectomy is recommended as part of your care, you and your doctor will discuss all of your options and what they mean for you.
• Other gynecologic cancers – Multidisciplinary cancer specialists at Ascension St. Vincent’s deliver combination therapies – surgery combined with the latest chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment options for early and late-stage disease, including BRCA-mutated (gBRCAm or sBRCAm) epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer.

Genetic and molecular tests – Your doctor may refer you for advanced genetic and molecular tests that help identify abnormal cell growth and analyze how your type of cancer may respond to different types of treatments or travel (metastasize) to distant organs.

Imaging – Ultrasound, MRI and CT are common diagnostic tests for gynecologic cancers. At Ascension St. Vincent’s, we connect you with imaging that helps your doctor personalize your care plan.

Image-guided technology for biopsy and ablation – Our highly trained gynecologic oncologists use advanced imaging techniques for tissue biopsy. Image-guided ablation is used to help treat recurrent cancer that is detected in the tissue lining a reproductive organ.

Medical oncology – 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.

Radiation oncology – Advanced radiation therapies (brachytherapy, 3D conformal, IMRT, and SBRT) are used to target and destroy cancer cells while reducing the impact on the surrounding healthy tissue.

Clinical trials – 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.

Oncology rehabilitation - such as lymphedema therapy – Specially trained physical therapists deliver therapy to help relieve pelvic pain and lymphedema symptoms after surgery.

Support programs and resources – Your cancer care navigator and team provides support – from nutrition education and counseling to cancer support groups, and spiritual care. And, at Ascension St. Vincent’s sites of care, our healing gardens and chapels are always open to patients and your loved ones. We offer supportive care and activities for the whole you. For more information, please call 904-308-7546.

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 St. Vincent’s. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.

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 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 that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.

GET A SECOND OPINION

Frequently asked questions about our gynecologic oncology services