The gynecologic malignancies are cancers which involve the female reproductive system. They include cervical cancer, endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus) and ovarian cancer. Other gynecologic cancers include tumors which arise from the skin of the vulva, as well as sarcomas of the uterus and more rarely germ cell tumors. The treatment of these diseases often involves a multimodality approach which includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.

North Shore University Hospital's program involves the Division of Gynecological Oncology for surgical management of these diseases, the Department of Radiation Oncology for patients that require radiation therapy as treatment for their disease and the Monter Cancer Center for those patients requiring chemotherapy for their disease.

Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer represents 5% of all cancers in women. It is the second most common form of gynecologic cancer but causes the most deaths, primarily because it usually presents at an advanced stage. Patients are referred to the Division of Gynecological Oncology for their primary surgical treatment which attempts to remove as much of the disease as possible. This extensive surgical procedure usually involves removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and an exploration of the abdominal cavity with multiple biopsies of lymph nodes and other tissues. North Shore University Hospital has three board certified gynecological oncologists who specialize in this type of surgical treatment.

After this procedure patients are then referred to the Don Monti Division of Medical Oncology for treatment. The vast majority of patients are recommended to undergo chemotherapy. The current standard regimen involves the use of Taxol (paclitaxel) and Carboplatin. State-of-the-art chemotherapy treatments are coordinated by the oncologists in conjunction with the GYN oncologists.

Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is a disease of the lining of the uterus. It usually occurs in older women and is the most common gynecologic malignancy. Risk factors for this disease include obesity and estrogen replacement therapy. It can be treated with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. Very often a combination of these treatments will be offered. The treatment is determined by the stage of the patient and the general medical condition of the patient.

Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a disease of the cervix of the uterus. It is often diagnosed with the PAP test. There are a number of pre-malignant lesions which can often be treated without surgery. Invasive cancer can be treated with radiation therapy and/or surgery. Chemotherapy is used much less frequently.

Clinical Trials North Shore University Hospital is a major participant in the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG). This is a national organization dedicated to research in gynecologic malignancies. Patients will be offered participation in one of the GOG clinical trial programs if it is appropriate to their situation. Clinical trials are also available from the National Cancer Institute and the pharmaceutical industry.