A gynecologic cancer diagnosis can leave you with several questions about the next steps in the treatment process. Our goal is to help you address some of the questions head-on, so you can properly prepare for your first oncology appointment. We hope this guide will make your path to gynecologic cancer treatment a bit smoother.
Typically, women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer receive their diagnosis from their gynecologist or PCP (primary care physician). A doctor who specializes in these cancers called a gynecologic oncologist, will step in to recommend a course for treatment. A gynecologic oncologist is highly specialized in treating cancers of a woman’s reproductive organs.
As a patient of Compass Oncology, you will have access to our gynecologic cancer specialists located in Portland, Tigard, OR, and Vancouver, WA. Your cancer care team will likely include the following:
This cancer specialist oversees the entire cancer care plan and, in many cases, also performs surgery to remove the cancer using advanced surgical techniques. They will coordinate with other physicians and caregivers who will be a part of the overall treatment process.
This type of oncologist plans and oversees any radiation therapy used as part of the cervical cancer treatment process.
The oncology social workers help patients with their mental and emotional health throughout the treatment process and beyond. They can also help identify important community resources, including in-home care, transportation services, and other support groups and services.
You will encounter many other cancer care professionals you can trust throughout the treatment process, including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, infusion nurses, radiation therapists, and more.
Get helpful tips from our team on what to expect and how to prepare your mind and body for gynecologic cancer treatment.
We hope this guide will make your path to gynecologic cancer treatment a bit smoother.
Gynecologic cancer is a group of cancers that affect the tissue and organs of the female reproductive system. Each will have its own set of treatments, although most include surgery and radiation therapy as well as medical oncology therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
A type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, which are the female reproductive glands located on each side of the uterus.
Cancer that begins in the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus (where a fetus grows) that leads to the vagina (birth canal).
A type of cancer that begins in the uterus, which is the hollow, pear-shaped pelvic organ in women where fetal development occurs.
Cancers that begin in the vagina are called vaginal cancer. Most vaginal cancers are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
Occurs on the vulva, the external part of the female genitals, including the clitoris, the vaginal lips, the opening to the vagina, and the surrounding skin and tissue.
Also known as GTD; it’s a rare form of gynecologic cancer that causes tumors to form in the tissues of the uterus that surrounds an egg (the placenta) after its fertilized.
Each type of gynecologic cancer has several sub-types that will be determined after diagnosis, along with the stage of cancer, so that a treatment plan can be developed.
Gynecologic cancer stages are typically expressed as a number on a scale of 0 through IV--with stage 0 representing contained, non-invasive cancers and stage IV representing cancers that have spread. The results of the biopsy and images taken will allow your oncologist to determine the extent of your gynecologic cancer. Read more about how ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers are staged.
Your cancer care team will discuss treatment options with you. Treatments will be based on a variety of factors including the type, stage of your gynecologic cancer, and your age. Gynecologic cancer treatment options include: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Your team at Compass Oncology will evaluate your individual situation and recommend the most effective treatment options.
At your first oncology appointment, you are going to get a lot of information in a short period of time. Here are some useful tips on how you can remember what you're told and keep track of questions you'd like to ask your gynecologic cancer specialist.
Your oncologist will be sharing a lot of important details with you and it can be hard to remember it all. To stay organized, we suggest getting a notebook to keep a record of important information. This can include information such as how you’re feeling and what medicines or supplements you’re taking, to any questions, thoughts, or observations you have regarding appointments and procedures. Try to put a date on everything you log down.
If a method other than paper works better for you, then commit to using it regularly. Having information written down (and on hand) can help keep the lines of communication open between you and your doctors.
Feeling confident about your gynecologic cancer diagnosis is extremely important, which is why many patients choose to get a second opinion before beginning a specific treatment plan. At Compass Oncology, our physicians provide many second opinions on both gynecologic cancer diagnosis and treatment options. Many insurance companies will cover a second opinion assessment, but it is still a good idea to contact your insurance provider for verification of coverage.
To schedule a second opinion with one of our physicians, find a Compass Oncology location that is convenient for you and call our office to make an appointment.
5050 NE Hoyt St., Suite 256, Portland, OR 97213 Near Providence Hospital