The Gynecologic Cancer Program at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin provides highly coordinated care for women who have cancers of the reproductive organs: ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vulva and vagina as well as malignant conditions that can arise related to abnormal pregnancies, such as gestational trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma.
Our physicians focus exclusively on treating gynecologic cancer and offer a full range of treatment options, including advanced therapies, clinical trials and research.
Care Team Focused on Gynecologic Cancer
Women with malignancies of the reproductive system do best when they work with physicians who focus on gynecologic cancer. The National Institutes of Health reports women with ovarian cancer have significantly improved survival rates when treated by a gynecologic oncologist. Seeing the right specialist is important: gynecologic oncologists have extensive training and expertise in providing the complex treatment necessary to managing this specific group of diseases.
The Gynecologic Cancer Program at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin includes four board certified gynecologic oncologists, cancer specialists who have specialty training in the care and treatment of reproductive cancers, along with radiation oncologists who also focus on specifically on reproductive cancers.
Diagnosing Vulvar, Vaginal and Cervical Cancers
Gynecologic cancers can strike women of any age. The symptoms of gynecologic cancers may include abnormal bleeding, abdominal bloating, pain during intercourse and changes in bowel and bladder habits. Vaginal and vulvar cancer may also produce a lump, growth or skin change in the affected area.
In most cases, an annual gynecological exam combined with a PAP test can identify signs of vulvar, vaginal and cervical cancers at an early stage. Other cancers are harder to detect. Occasionally, a pelvic exam may reveal signs of ovarian cancer, though many women present with vague symptoms such as abdominal or back pain, constipation, fatigue, an upset stomach and bloating. Imaging studies, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or ultrasound, and blood work may be used to identify suspected ovarian cancer. Most gynecologic cancers are diagnosed through a surgical biopsy.
Advanced Treatment Options
Treatment for gynecologic cancer can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, used individually or in combination. Medical College of Wisconsin gynecologic oncologists and radiation oncologists offer advanced treatment options tailored to each individual. Some of the therapies offered through the Gynecologic Cancer Program are not offered anywhere else in southeastern Wisconsin.
Second Opinion for Gynecologic Cancer
Second opinions provide patients with the reassurance that a diagnosis is accurate and that they know all of the treatment options available to them. The Gynecologic Cancer Program team offers second opinion appointments within 48 business hours. In addition to in-person visits, we offer virtual second opinion visits if appropriate for your situation.
Learn more about our Cancer Second Opinion Program.
Clinical Trials and Research
Our experts collaborate with researchers and academic medical centers around the country to advance the understanding and treatment of ovarian, cervical, uterine, vulvar and vaginal cancers. Their patients, and the entire region, are the direct beneficiaries of on-going research.
We are an active member of the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), an organization that coordinates multi-center clinical trials to advance the treatment of gynecologic cancers. The program is also involved with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). Both are cooperative research groups funded by the National Cancer Institute.
Our physicians are also working to establish a Women’s Health Research Initiative and a tissue bank to advance the understanding of female cancers.
Ongoing studies provide access to the best research has to offer in advanced treatments and improved quality of life.
Virtual Visits Are Available
Safe and convenient virtual visits by video let you get the care you need via a mobile device, tablet or computer wherever you are. We’ll gather your medical records for you and get our experts’ input so we can offer treatment options without an in-person visit. To schedule a virtual visit, call 1-866-680-0505.
Rated as High Performing by U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report rated Froedtert Hospital as high performing in seven adult specialties and 21 procedures and conditions, including cancer and gynecological cancer surgery.
