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Gynecological Cancer Treatment
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Multispecialty Team Offers the Most Comprehensive Treatment Options
Gynecological cancer affects the reproductive tract in women. It includes:
- Cervical cancer
- Endometrial cancer
(cancer of the lining of the uterus) - Ovarian cancer
- Uterine sarcoma
- Vulvar cancer
Patients who come to the Center for gynecological cancer treatment are offered individualized, compassionate care with a focus on wellness, stress reduction and quality of life and access to our full scope of research opportunities, with a personal guide to help the patient navgate the details.
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Fox Chase Cancer Center's multispecialty team of physicians specializes in gynecological cancer. They offer a range of treatment options and clinical trials, working together to plan the most effective gynecological cancer treatment for you.
Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Surgery
da Vinci® robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery offers the latest surgical advance for some women with gynecologic cancers. da Vinci robotic surgery is offered for cancers requiring the removal of the uterus (partial hysterectomy), uterus and cervix (total hysterectomy), fallopian tubes and/or ovaries (may be removed as part of hysterectomy or separately). (Open surgery remains the best option for most women with ovarian cancer). da Vinci also can be used to help determine the stage of the cancer.
The da Vinci robotic system allows specially-trained surgeons to improve upon laparoscopic surgery. Like robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive approach involving several small incisions to access the abdomen. The surgeon removes the organs and tissue though the openings guided by video images captured by a camera inserted through one of the openings. The smaller incisions mean less blood, which allows a more pristine field of operation.
The advantages of robotic surgery include improved visualization, dexterity, precision and control for the surgeon. Benefits of da Vinci technology compared to "open" surgery include:
- Less bleeding and scarring
- Reduced pain
- Shorter hospital stay (1-2 days instead of 3-5 days)
- Quicker recovery (1-2 weeks versus 4-6 weeks)
- Earlier return to normal activity
Not all patients are appropriate candidates for minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. It is generally best suited for women under the age of 70, who have not had prior pelvic radiation or surgery.
Clinical Trials
As a leading member of the National Cancer Institute's Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), Fox Chase offers a number of clinical trials for patients with gynecological cancers.
Research is key to developing new gynecological cancer treatments. Fox Chase is a leader as a National Cancer Institute Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. Fox Chase is the only center in Pennsylvania and the first of only 2 facilities on the East Coast to receive a SPORE grant for ovarian cancer. Robert F Ozols, MD, PhD, a world-renowned expert in ovarian cancer, is principal investigator of Fox Chase's SPORE grant.
For more information about gynecological cancer treatment and prevention at Fox Chase Cancer Center or to make an appointment, call 1-888-FOX CHASE (1-888-369-2427).
