Gynecologic cancer care

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

Personalized care for gynecologic cancers

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

Gynecologic cancer care in Wisconsin

Gynecologic cancer is personal, and so is the way we care for you. At Ascension Wisconsin Cancer Care, you’re never alone. From your first appointment, you’ll have visits with specialists who understand cancers affecting women, including ovarian, cervical, uterine, vulvar and other gynecologic cancers. You’ll also have an entire care team dedicated to your care — connecting the dots for you every step of the way.

Types of gynecologic cancer we treat

At Ascension Wisconsin, our experienced gynecologic 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. The types of gynecologic cancers we treat include:

  • Cervical cancer
  • Endometrial (uterine) cancer
  • Fallopian tube cancer
  • Gestational trophoblastic disease (tumors that develop in early pregnancy)
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Vaginal cancer
  • Vulvar cancer
  • Precancerous human papillomavirus infection (HPV) in the cervix and vulva
  • Rare gynecologic sarcomas

How we diagnose gynecologic cancer

At Ascension Wisconsin, we provide comprehensive pelvic exams, and advanced diagnostic tests and treatments. Your care team focuses on identifying if the tumor is noninvasive or invasive, understanding where the tumor began and whether it has spread.

Diagnostic blood testing, imaging, physical exam, biopsy or diagnostic surgery help your doctor diagnose your condition and determine the stage of any cancer. Our gynecology oncologists use advanced molecular studies to recognize cancer subtypes and genetic mutations, to create a personalized care plan.

Blood tests can give your doctor a lot of information. They can see if certain elements in your blood are in a normal range. But in many cases, blood tests are only part of the information your doctor needs to make a diagnosis of a health condition. The diagnostic blood test will confirm or rule out if you have a certain condition or type of cancer.

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 are common diagnostic tests for gynecologic cancers. At Ascension Wisconsin, we connect you with imaging that helps your doctor personalize your care plan.

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 Wisconsin for your care, you are connected to all the care you need — from routine screenings to advanced care.

How we treat gynecologic cancers

At Ascension Wisconsin, we provide comprehensive tests, pelvic exams and treatments for gynecologic cancers, including:

  • Colposcopy
  • Fine needle biopsy
  • Gynecologic surgery, such as hysterectomy
  • Lymph node dissection
  • Immunotherapy and advanced targeted drug therapy
  • Medical oncology
  • Radiation oncology

Gynecologic 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 Wisconsin Cancer Care offers comprehensive gynecologic oncology cancer care, including:

Our surgeons are highly trained in innovative and minimally invasive approaches, including robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery and other image-guided techniques to remove tumors and preserve healthy tissue. For some women, laparotomy (an incision into the abdomen) and debulking (removing as much cancerous tissue as possible if it has spread) may be a treatment option.

For cervical cancer treatment, gynecologic surgeons at Ascension Wisconsin use advanced surgical techniques 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. Ascension Wisconsin specialists also offer fertility-preserving procedures, such as radical trachelectomy, for women of child-bearing years.

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.

Our gynecologic oncologist delivers advanced care, such as low-dose sensitizing chemotherapy to enhance the effects of radiation therapy. Systemic therapies are offered for advanced gynecologic cancers, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy. Your gynecologist oncologist may also work with your medical oncologist close to home, so you don’t have to travel far for your treatments.

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

Depending on your cancer and your specific needs, your doctor will work with you to create a personalized care plan. We offer advanced options in surgery, chemotherapy, immunology, radiation therapy, clinical trials, new therapies and more.

If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your doctor may recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.

Advanced radiation therapies are used to target and destroy cancer cells while reducing the impact on the surrounding healthy tissue.

Your cancer care navigator and team provides support – from nutrition education and counseling to cancer support groups, yoga and spiritual care. At Ascension Wisconsin 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.

Uterine This cancer, also called endometrial cancer, is the most common of the gynecologic cancers. Whenever possible, gynecologic surgeons at Ascension Wisconsin 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.

Ask about virtual care (e.g, telehealth or online) appointments 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.

If your care may impact your ability to have children, you and your doctor will discuss all of your options and what they mean for you. Together we’ll develop a care plan that’s right for you.

Talk with your doctor about pelvic reconstruction options after a gynecologic surgery. Your doctor and care team will connect you with a surgeon to learn about procedures to help rebuild pelvic organs, such as the bladder, vagina or pelvic floor.

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. You can talk to your oncologist if you are interested in participating in clinical trials.

Cancer prevention at Ascension Wisconsin

Ascension Wisconsin sites of care in Southeast Wisconsin and the Fox Valley provide screenings to support cancer prevention and your overall wellness. Being at a higher risk for developing cancer can leave you with a lot of questions and uncertainty. Your Ascension Wisconsin doctor and care team are here to listen, support you and answer your questions.

Understanding your risk and getting the recommended screenings can help detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable. If you have risk factors for developing cancer, speak with your doctor to determine if the Ascension Wisconsin Cancer Prevention and Wellness Program is right for you.Your care team provides:

  • Personalized risk assessment – may include genetic tests, physical evaluation, screening, and other lab and imaging tests.
  • Referral to cancer specialists for follow-up care, if needed.
  • Wellness plan with health coaching and goal setting – may include medication management, nutrition and exercise counseling to support weight management, and referral to alcohol and drug addiction counseling, if needed.

To schedule an appointment, call 262-785-2273.

How to get care

stethoscope

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 team 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.

Locations for gynecologic oncology

At Ascension Wisconsin, we offer convenient parking. Talk to your care navigator if you have transportation needs.

Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Milwaukee - Water Medical Commons

Ascension SE Wisconsin - Mayfair Road

Get a second opinion

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 Wisconsin 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.

Financial assistance and support available

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.

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

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