Gynecologic cancer care

Ascension St. Vincent Cancer Care takes a compassionate, personalized approach to women’s health and gynecologic cancer care.

Gynecologic cancer care in Indiana

Ascension St. Vincent Cancer Care takes a compassionate, personalized approach to women’s health and gynecologic cancer care

About gynecologic cancer care at Ascension St. Vincent

When you choose Ascension St. Vincent for cancer care, you get a multidisciplinary team of doctors, prioritizing early and customized treatment. Your care team may include board-certified, fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, a care navigator and a team of oncology nurses, dietitians and cancer specialists.

At Ascension St. Vincent Gynecologic Oncology, 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
Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN)
Ovarian cancer
Vaginal cancer
Vulvar cancer
Primary peritoneal cancer (or ovarian/tubal/primary peritoneal)
Rare gynecologic sarcomas, including rhabdomyosarcoma

We also treat noncancerous conditions, including:

Definitive surgery (i.e. hysterectomy) for extensive endometriosis
Endometriosis
Genetic risks to cancer, such as BRCA and Lynch syndrome
HPV-related conditions
Hysterectomy for Uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths in the uterus)
Pelvic masses
Precancerous human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the cervix and vulva

At Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, our gynecologic (GYN) oncologists are part of a national team of doctors who share best practices and advanced treatment options for gynecologic cancer care — bringing advanced oncology care 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.

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

Cancer is personal, and so is the way we care for you. When you choose Ascension St. Vincent cancer care, you’re never alone. You’ll have face-to-face visits with your doctor and an entire care team. 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 your daily life.

Team approach helps 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’re paired with a cancer care navigator who helps you schedule appointments and connect you with the other services you need. When you have a concern or feel unsure, don’t hesitate to talk with your care team.

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 St. Vincent 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.

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 St. Vincent 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, chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.

Ascension St. Vincent 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 St. Vincent 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 St. Vincent specialists also offer fertility-preserving procedures, such as radical trachelectomy, for women of child-bearing years

Specially trained physical therapists deliver therapy, including lymphedema therapy, to help manage swelling and pelvic pain after surgery.

Multidisciplinary cancer specialists at Ascension St. Vincent 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 St. Vincent 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 St. Vincent, we diagnose and treat all types of gynecologic cancers and deliver care including surgery, radiation therapy and targeted medication therapies. When you choose Ascension St. Vincent, 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 St. Vincent, we provide comprehensive tests, pelvic exams and treatments for gynecologic cancers, including:

Colposcopy
Fine needle biopsy
Gynecologic surgery, such as hysterectomy
Lymph node dissection
Medical oncology (if you are coming from a distance, we can partner with local medical oncologists for systemic therapy)
Radiation oncology, such as TomoTherapy®

Your care team focuses on identifying if the tumor is non-invasive or invasive, and to understand 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 even the most rare cancers. And 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 St. Vincent 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 St. Vincent 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.