Our team of renowned surgeons, medical oncologists, and advanced practice nurses are dedicated to caring for patients with gynecologic cancers. We treat all types of gynecologic malignancies as well as a variety of pre-malignant conditions and hereditary syndromes that predispose patients to cancer. We know that the diagnosis of cancer can be a difficult time for our patients and their families. We’re here to help you understand what you or your loved one might be going through.
What are gynecologic cancers?
Gynecologic cancer is the growth and spread of abnormal cells in reproductive organs such as the vagina, vulva, ovaries, cervix, fallopian tubes, and uterus. There are five main types of gynecologic cancer:
There is also a subtype of gynecologic cancer that can occur after pregnancy, called Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia, that our clinic specializes in. You can learn more about each type of cancer using the tabs above.
We also treat conditions related to gynecologic cancer, such as
- Cervical
- Uterine/Endometrial
- Ovarian
- Vulvar
- Vaginal
There is also a subtype of gynecologic cancer that can occur after pregnancy, called Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia, that our clinic specializes in. You can learn more about each type of cancer using the tabs above.
We also treat conditions related to gynecologic cancer, such as
- Cervical dysplasia
- Precancer of the uterus (endometrium)
- Complex ovarian masses
- Hereditary breast/ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations)
- Lynch syndrome
- Von Hippel-Lindau Disease
What causes gynecologic cancers?
Over time, medical research has discovered that there are some classes of genes, called oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, that promote the growth of cancer. These genes can be inherited, or they can develop from factors such as smoking, aging, and environmental influence. Cervical cancers, as well as some cancers of the vagina and vulva, are caused by a virus known as HPV, or human papillomavirus.
How we can treat gynecologic cancers?
We tailor each patient’s treatment based on their unique circumstances to provide personalized patient-centered care. The gynecologic oncologists at Northwestern are trained in both surgery and chemotherapy which allows for continuity of care from diagnosis through survivorship.
Our team includes a medical oncologist who specializes in gynecologic cancer therapies and works to translate basic science research into the latest treatment options. Our division has experience with a variety of treatment approaches. These include:
In addition, as part of our comprehensive approach to cancer treatment, our physicians work in partnership with a variety of different specialists to provide tailored treatment. These partnerships include:
Our team includes a medical oncologist who specializes in gynecologic cancer therapies and works to translate basic science research into the latest treatment options. Our division has experience with a variety of treatment approaches. These include:
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Radical debulking surgery
- Sentinel lymph node mapping
- Laser surgery
In addition, as part of our comprehensive approach to cancer treatment, our physicians work in partnership with a variety of different specialists to provide tailored treatment. These partnerships include:
Why choose Northwestern Medicine?
To provide the best possible care to oncology patients, their families and caregivers, the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, along with the sections of Hematology/Oncology, Surgical Oncology, and the Northwestern Ovarian Cancer Early Detection Prevention Program (NOCEDPP) have joined with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Cancer Center provides a full range of oncology services and access to specialized research, clinical trials, and diagnostic services. It is the only Comprehensive Cancer Center in Illinois, as designated by the National Cancer Institute.
In addition The Northwestern Medicine Gynecologic Oncology Tumor Board meets weekly to review patients receiving care in the Division. At the Tumor Board, specialists from gynecologic oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, genetics, and pathology collaboratively review a patient's condition and determine the best treatment plan. Through this multidisciplinary approach, patients have access to a diverse team of Northwestern Medicine cancer experts instead of relying on a single opinion. All patients undergoing surgery have their case reviewed at our Tumor Board, as well as all complex referral patients, including patients undergoing consultation in the Comprehensive Ovarian Cancer Clinic.
In addition The Northwestern Medicine Gynecologic Oncology Tumor Board meets weekly to review patients receiving care in the Division. At the Tumor Board, specialists from gynecologic oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, genetics, and pathology collaboratively review a patient's condition and determine the best treatment plan. Through this multidisciplinary approach, patients have access to a diverse team of Northwestern Medicine cancer experts instead of relying on a single opinion. All patients undergoing surgery have their case reviewed at our Tumor Board, as well as all complex referral patients, including patients undergoing consultation in the Comprehensive Ovarian Cancer Clinic.
Additional Resources
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with gynecologic cancer or been referred for care, please call 312.695.0990.
Our new patient coordinators will work to find the right cancer specialist for you.
Our new patient coordinators will work to find the right cancer specialist for you.
