Why Choose Us for Gynecologic Cancer Care
At Huntsman Cancer Institute, you receive expert, specialized treatment for cancers of the female reproductive system. Your care team includes radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, surgeons, and chemotherapy and radiation care specialists. We work together to create comprehensive treatment plans focused on your needs and goals. Our care team offers the latest treatments, groundbreaking clinical trials, and unparalleled surgical expertise for gynecologic cancers.
You’ll be cared for by a team with deep experience in treating gynecologic cancers and a genuine commitment to supporting you through every step of your journey.
“My doctor is great at listening and feels like she sees you as a real person not just another patient on her list for the day”
—Gynecologic Cancer Patient
Treatments We Offer
Treatment depends on your cancer stage, location, and preferences. These are common options:
- Surgery: We offer expertise in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques and robotic-assisted surgery.
- Radiation therapy: We utilize cutting-edge radiation technologies to target cancer cells effectively.
- Hormone therapy: We use the latest therapies available to manage hormone-sensitive gynecologic cancers.
- Heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): We are nationally recognized for being one of the few hospitals in the country to offer this cutting-edge treatment that combines surgery and heated chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy and biologic therapy: We deliver systemic treatments for advanced stages of the disease.
- Clinical trials: We offer access to new treatments, often before they are available anywhere else.
We also perform risk-reducing surgeries for individuals with inherited genetic mutations, helping to significantly lower their risk of developing certain gynecologic cancers.
Our Expertise
As the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center serving the Mountain West, we’re here to offer you the latest treatments and the highest level of care available, including expertise in the following:
- Treatment of gynecologic cancers, including cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancer
- Multidisciplinary tumor boards to coordinate specialists and optimize your care
- Access to advanced imaging, minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery, and precision radiation therapy
- Integration of clinical trials and research to expand your treatment options
- Supportive care services, including fertility preservation, counseling, and integrative therapies like acupuncture, massage, and creative arts.
Patient Care Philosophy
We believe no one should face cancer alone. Our dedicated and world-renowned doctors, nurses, and medical staff are at the forefront of patient-centered care. We treat the whole person, not just their cancer.
Each day, our medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists work together across disciplines to create and coordinate treatment plans for every patient. We understand cancer is a complex disease. That is why we use a team approach that includes social workers and support groups, as well as wellness and integrative health services such as acupuncture, massage, creative arts, and more.
Find a Gynecologic Cancer Doctor
Gynecologic Cancer Research
Huntsman Cancer Institute is a nationally recognized leader in gynecologic cancer research, driving innovations that improve detection, treatment, and survivorship. Our specialty Breast and Gynecologic Cancers Disease Center brings together doctors and scientists who work side by side to turn scientific discoveries into better outcomes for you.
We also lead and participate in clinical trials focused on promising treatments like short-course radiation therapy for endometrial cancer and antibody-based therapies for ovarian cancer. With the largest Phase 1 clinical trials program in the Mountain West, Huntsman Cancer Institute offers patients access to cutting-edge therapies not widely available elsewhere.
Clinical Trials
Our expert research teams are working to improve treatment for gynecologic cancers, especially in advanced cases. Through clinical trials, we explore new diagnostics, therapies, and supportive care strategies for gynecologic cancers that may offer better outcomes.
By participating, you play an active role in advancing care and helping others facing the same diagnosis. Interested in learning more? Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial could be right for you.
Make an Appointment with a Gynecologic Cancer Specialist
To make an appointment with a gynecologic cancer specialist, fill out our appointment form or call 801-587-7000. Our team will determine if your insurance covers treatment at Huntsman Cancer Institute or if you need a referral from a primary care doctor.
External providers can refer a patient using the online referral form or by calling 801-587-7000 to speak to a patient registration specialist.
Gynecologic Cancer Basics
Gynecologic cancer is a group of cancers that form in the female reproductive system. There are several types of gynecologic cancers, and each one has its own unique set of symptoms and treatments. These are the types of gynecologic cancers:
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells form in the tissues of the cervix.
Endometrial/Uterine Cancer
Endometrial cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells form in the tissues of the endometrium, which is part of the uterus.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells form in the ovaries.
Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells form in the tissues of the vagina.
Vulvar Cancer
Vulvar cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells form in the tissues of the vulva.
The symptoms of gynecologic cancers vary depending on the type and stage of cancer. These are warning signs of gynecologic cancers:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Pelvic pain
- Feeling full quickly or bloating
- Abdominal or back pain
- Frequent urination and/or constipation
- Pain, burning, or itchiness of the vulva
Many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. If you are experiencing any concerning signs, schedule a screening today.
These are risk factors for gynecologic cancers:
- Genetic mutations such as BRCA1
- Obesity
- Age
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Smoking
- Having a family history of gynecologic cancers
Understand your risk. Schedule a genetic counseling session today.
Doctors may use these tests to diagnose gynecologic cancers:
- Pelvic exam: A health care provider checks the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum for signs of cancer.
- Pap test: A health care provider collects cells from the surface of the cervix and vagina so they can be viewed under a microscope to make sure they are normal.
- Physical exam and history: A health care provider examines your body for signs of disease. Your personal health habits, past illnesses, and symptoms help guide the exam.
- Laboratory tests, including human papillomavirus (HPV) testing: Through testing body tissues, blood, urine, or other substances in the body, your health care team can check to see how the female reproductive system and organs are functioning. They can also look for substances that cells produce when cancer is present.
- Biopsy: The health care provider removes cell or tissue samples so they can be viewed under a microscope to check for signs of cancer.
- Imaging tests: Using dyes, X-rays, magnets, radio waves and/or computer technology, your health care provider can create detailed images of internal organs.
Cancer stages show whether cancer has spread within or around the female reproductive system to other parts of the body. Cancer spreads in the body in three ways: through tissue, the lymph system, or the blood.
Staging details depend on the specific type of gynecologic cancer.
When cancer spreads from where it started to another part of the body, it is called metastasis. These metastatic cancer cells are the same type of cancer as the primary tumor. For example, if gynecologic cancer spreads to the bone, the cancer cells in the bone are actually gynecologic cancer cells. The disease is metastatic gynecologic cancer, not bone cancer.
Need help navigating your care? The Cancer Learning Center is here to support you with resources and answers to your questions.
