The gynecologic oncology doctors at Affiliated Oncologists are board-certified in both surgical oncology and medical oncology. They lead the treatment process for patients with gynecologic cancer, serving as the surgeon and the medical oncologist overseeing treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Surgery is often one of the first steps in treating a gynecologic cancer, such as ovarian, cervical, or uterine cancer. From preparation to recovery, we aim to find the least invasive approach that meets your medical and personal needs. The tumor and nearby lymph nodes will be tested to determine the stage of the cancer. This guides the oncologists in choosing the best treatment plan using drug therapies.
Our gynecologic cancer doctors use minimally invasive surgeries whenever possible to remove the cancer and, if necessary, reproductive organs such as the uterus or ovaries. State-of-the-art cameras and instruments are used to locate and remove the cancer. This approach allows gynecologic surgeons to reduce the size and number of incisions and, using robotic-assisted instruments, access areas that may be difficult to reach otherwise.
Laparoscopy is the current standard for treating various gynecologic issues, whether cancer is suspected or if there is another concern that leads to a surgical procedure. The surgeon makes a few small incisions instead of one large one. A long, thin tube equipped with a tiny camera called a laparoscope is inserted through one of the small incisions. This camera projects images inside the body onto a monitor, giving the surgeon better visibility so they can use specialized surgical tools inserted to remove the tumor or, in some cases, the entire uterus and/or ovaries. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery can often return home the same day.
The da Vinci® robotic system is an enhanced form of laparoscopic surgery that uses specialized robotic tools and a unique 3D high-definition view inside the body. A magnified, 3D high-definition vision system and robotically controlled instruments are inserted through the small incisions on the abdomen. The Affiliated Oncologists' gynecologic surgeons control the instruments inside the abdomen to perform the necessary procedures. Da Vinci gives the surgeon a wider range of motion and better visualization to access hard-to-reach areas around the female reproductive organs and surrounding structures such as the liver, spleen, and intestines.
The majority of robotic-assisted surgeries for patients with gynecologic conditions at Affiliated Oncologists—including those with cancer— involve a hysterectomy. This surgical procedure removes the uterus. Patients with cervical cancer may need surgery to remove the cervix, and in some cases, the uterus as well. If one or both ovaries are affected by cancer, they will be removed. This is called an oophorectomy.
During the surgery, the laparoscopic camera will also provide a view of how far the cancer may have spread to determine what should be removed.
If necessary, the gynecologic oncologist will perform a procedure called debulking. In this case, any visible tumors on the pelvic area will also be removed, which includes the omentum – the fatty tissue around female reproductive organs. The surgeon will also check the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and intestines to see if cancer has spread, removing it if possible during a debulking surgery.
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is highly effective at removing gynecologic cancer. However, some patients will require neoadjuvant therapy. This is cancer treatment given before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor, making it easier to remove and less likely to spread cancer cells into the abdomen. Common types of neoadjuvant therapy include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.
Depending on the stage of cancer, surgery may be combined with radiation therapy and/or medical oncology treatments to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and lower the likelihood of cancer recurrence. This treatment, given after surgery, is referred to as adjuvant therapy.
For some patients who have undergone optimal surgical resection with minimal remaining cancer, the gynecologic oncologist can administer chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity. This method is known as intraperitoneal chemotherapy
At Affiliated Oncologists, we offer second opinions for women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer in Chicago. We can discuss the recommended surgical plan and any other treatments suggested.
Watch the video to learn the importance of seeking a second opinion for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Our gynecologic cancer specialists will discuss your test results, cancer diagnosis, and treatment options.
The Gynecologic Cancer Institute of Chicago is a division of Affiliated Oncologists located in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago. As dual-certified gynecologic oncologists, our physicians provide highly specialized surgical and medical oncology cancer care. They work collaboratively with the entire Affiliated Oncologists team, providing a multidisciplinary approach to gynecologic cancer treatment.
Our gynecologic cancer centers are located in Downers Grove and Chicago Ridge, Illinois.
