Services Provided
There are three board-certified gynecologic oncologists whose mission is to provide comprehensive care to women with gynecologic malignancies, including cancers and precancerous changes of the ovary, uterus, cervix, vagina and vulva. The treatment of these diseases often involves a multimodality approach that includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. While our clinical services focus on the surgical management of these conditions, we work closely with medical and radiation oncologists, nurses and social work professionals to create a coordinated approach to your care. Considerable effort is given to assist in the screening for certain gynecologic conditions (for instance, Pap smear abnormalities), and working with your primary physician to insure that optimal care is achieved. There is a close relationship with the Medical Genetics service, with whom we evaluate and care for women with hereditary (or familial) cancers, particularly those of the ovary and breast. Emphasizing our desire to look after the "whole" patient, our staff, lead by our nurse clinician who specializes in gynecologic oncology, participates in a variety of patient education and support services.

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 that 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. 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.

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 that can often be treated without surgery. Invasive cancer can be treated with radiation therapy and/or surgery. Chemotherapy is used much less frequently.

Participation in clinical and basic (or molecular) research is a significant and active part of our Division's activities. We are full members of the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), a national cooperative of institutions dedicated to the care of women with gynecologic cancer and sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. Patients who participate in GOG studies are monitored by our research nurse and data manager in addition to their doctors, effectively adding a whole extra layer of support to the care we provide.

New and established patients are seen Monday through Friday at our in-hospital office setting. This allows constant availability to our patients who may be recovering from a variety of surgical procedures, such as the complex operations required to treat gynecologic cancers and some benign conditions, as well as the latest laparoscopic techniques. Outpatient treatments, such as laser and electrosurgical procedures, are performed both in our office and at the Ambulatory Surgery Center also located on the Manhasset campus of the North Shore University Hospital.

If you or your physician feel that your care would benefit from the diverse expertise of a gynecologic oncologist, we encourage you to contact our Division for further information.

Location:

Monti Pavillion, 10^th floor
NSUH
300 Community Drive
Manhasset, New York

Contact Information:

Telephone:

(516) 562-4438

Physicians:

John Lovecchio, MD, Chief, GYN Oncologist
Andrew Menzin, MD, Associate Chief, GYN Oncologist

Clinical Nurse Oncologist:

Jeri Bernstein, R. N.