Comprehensive Treatment for Gynecologic Cancers
For highly advanced cancer care close to home, women can count on the expertise of a specialized gynecologic cancer team at Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS). We diagnose and treat the full range of gynecologic cancers, including cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers. When patients choose the cancer experts at The Armes Family Cancer Care Center, they have an entire team fighting for them – from diagnosis through recovery.
Specialized Gynecologic Cancer Care at BVHS
Our women's health team advocates for our patients through every phase of life, helping them understand the importance of being proactive about overall health and wellness. Most importantly, it is critical to know your body and watch for any changes that occur. For women, unusual symptoms or changes may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially post-menopause, and changes in other bodily functions such as vaginal discharge, changes in bowel function, unexplained abdominal or back pain, unexpected weight loss, fatigue or loss of appetite.
Don’t wait to alert your doctor or see a specialist for any signs of concern. Cancer treatment is always most effective when found in the earliest stages. With specialization in gynecologic oncology, we offer advanced treatments for gynecologic cancers, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, advanced surgical oncology techniques and palliative care services. Our team has the expertise and experience to screen, diagnose and treat all gynecologic cancers. If you do not have a gynecologist, please call 1.844.624.9648 (1.844.OBGYN.4U). To learn more about our gynecologists please view their online profiles, gynecologic cancer team. If you are looking for a hematologist or oncologist, learn more about the providers at The Armes Family Cancer Care Center.
View Dr. Walter’s Video on Specialized Gynecologic Cancer Care at BVHS
With a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to comprehensive cancer care, our team works together to determine the most effective treatment of gynecologic cancers. We offer the latest cancer treatment technology, including advanced robotic surgery for gynecologic procedures, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, novel delivery techniques for radiation therapy and cancer-specific clinical trials.
Our patients receive the support needed across every aspect of care because we know the stress that any cancer diagnosis brings. Gynecologic cancer care at BVHS includes oncology nurse navigators and financial advocates to answer questions and help you understand what to expect for your personalized gynecologic cancer treatment.
Cervical Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
With cervical cancer, tremendous progress has been made in reducing the incidence of this type of cancer with the HPV vaccine and consistent Pap smear screenings. Early detection and a timely diagnosis before symptoms are present are critical to successful cervical cancer treatment. BVHS follows the American Cancer Society’s screening guidelines for prevention and early detection of cervical cancer based on their national standards of care. Routine Pap smears based on these guidelines are critical to a woman’s overall health and wellness. Cervical cancer survival rates are extremely high with routine screenings and early detection of abnormal cells so they can be removed before they become malignant.
Ovarian Cancer Expertise
Our BVHS team is proactive about your gynecologic health. We’re here to help you understand your risks and when to see a gynecology specialist for concerns. With ovarian cancer, personal family history can play a role in your increased risk of hereditary cancers. Your primary care provider or gynecology specialist should ask about your family cancer history, so be sure you have that conversation with your doctor. Let them know if multiple generations or several family members have experienced cancer, especially if hereditary breast or ovarian cancer has occurred more than once. About a quarter of all ovarian cancer patients have a family history of ovarian cancer – and it is critical to understand how genetics plays a role in the incidence of cancers.
In addition to understanding your family medical history, pay attention to any unusual symptoms that you may experience. Know your body and your typical patterns – and don’t ignore causes for concern such as bloating, feeling full quickly, changes in bowel habits or unintentional weight loss. Advocate for your health – be proactive about any issues that need attention. Our team at BVHS can help with any gynecologic concerns and get you the specialized gynecologic oncology care as soon as possible for the full range of cancer treatments.
Uterine Cancer Care at BVHS
The vast majority of uterine cancers are endometrial, (found in the lining of the uterus). Symptoms of uterine cancer present fairly early, especially in post-menopausal women that experience vaginal bleeding. Noticing any abnormal uterine bleeding – in any phase of life – is something that should be brought to the attention of your primary care provider or gynecologist as soon as possible. Any changes to normal function – heavier bleeding, less bleeding or more prolonged bleeding require a visit to your doctor or a board-certified gynecologic oncology specialist to determine the cause.
Heredity plays a role in many cancers, including uterine cancer. Knowing your family history is critical for cancer prevention. Make sure you have that conversation with your healthcare provider and the appropriate ultrasounds or biopsies are performed as preventive measures. By detecting uterine cancer early, our BVHS team can perform minimally invasive robotic surgery or other cancer treatments for optimal results. Early detection and less invasive treatment options allow for faster recovery and with careful monitoring and surveillance, survivorship rates are much higher.
Vaginal and Vulvar Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Most vaginal or vulvar cancers are symptom-based and require immediate medical attention. If you or a loved one experiences persistent itching or a burning sensation when urinating – or finds a lump or bump in the vaginal area, see your doctor as soon as possible. Any abnormal function or irritation requires an expert medical opinion to resolve the issue or process an accurate diagnosis through additional imaging or testing. Taking a proactive approach to your health is always a positive step for continued health and wellness.
Learn More About Gynecologic Health and Cancer Prevention
Routine screenings are critical to monitor your gynecologic health. These include a baseline Pap smear, annual physical exams and follow-up Pap smears based on your individual needs. Women must be confident that their primary care provider or gynecology specialist follows the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) guidelines for screenings, which are risk-based rather than age-based. For example, most women whose Pap smear results are normal and are at lower risk because they have received the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, have limited sexual partners and have no history of abnormal Pap smear results may only need Pap smear tests every three years.
Also, as part of preventive care, women should have the HPV test with their Pap smear. HPV is the cause of cervical cancer and both boys and girls, men and women, should have the HPV vaccine as a preventive measure. Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, it is critical that everyone between the ages of 9 and 45 receive the FDA-approved HPV vaccination.
It is important to be proactive about your gynecologic health, so see your gynecologist or our gynecologic oncology specialist if you or a loved one notices any changes in gynecologic function or if you detect any lumps or changes to your body through self-examination. Make sure you receive regular cancer prevention screenings – and don’t hesitate to bring up any concerns with your doctor. You know your body best and any changes or concerns should be discussed – and promptly addressed.
Contact Us for More Information About Gynecologic Cancer Care
We’re here to help if you have any questions or want more information about exceptional cancer care at Blanchard Valley Health System. Please contact our team at The Armes Family Cancer Care Center at canceranswers@bvhealthsystem.org.
The Armes Family Cancer Care Center is an outpatient department of Blanchard Valley Hospital.