Gynecological Cancer Program

The Huntington Hospital Gynecological Cancer Program provides state-of-the-art diagnostic, surgical, medical oncology, radiation oncology and support services.

Screening and Diagnostic Radiology
The Huntington-Hill Imaging Center is a full-service diagnostic center offering ultrasound, PET, CT, and open field and high field MRI. We are one of the few centers in the region with a new 3T MRI which can help delineate the extent of disease for gynecological cancers

Screening recommendations for gynecologic cancers are based on the American Cancer Society guidelines. It is important that women undergo annual pelvic exams and PAP smears as recommended in order to find any cancers at an early stage.

Surgical Expertise Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
The gynecological cancer program includes fellowship-trained, board-certified gynecological surgical oncologists specializing in the treatment of cancers involving the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina and vulva. The most advanced surgical techniques are used — including use of the daVinci robot for robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery. The gynecologic oncologists also specialize in pelvic reconstructive surgery at the time of curative cancer surgery.

Medical and Radiation Oncology
Chemotherapy is administered by medical or gynecologic oncologists who specialize in the treatment of gynecologic cancers.

The cancer center’s radiation oncologists specialize in gynecological cancer care, and can provide all of the current techniques for radiation therapy for gynecological cancer, including brachytherapy, 3-D reconstruction treatment planning with cone-beam CT and multi-leaf collimators, and two new state-of-the art-linear accelerators to deliver intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and image guided radiotherapy (IGRT), allowing a more precise delivery of radiotherapy with avoidance of normal tissue which can minimize treatment side effects.

Treatment Planning
The Gynecological Multidisciplinary Tumor Board gathers regularly to review and formulate recommendations for the treatment of our gynecological cancer patients according to NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) guidelines. The board consists of a team of specialists, including radiologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, psychologists, social workers, clinical trial coordinators and nurse navigators.

Support Services
Gynecological cancer support services include specially trained registered nurse navigators who follow patients through diagnosis, treatment and beyond. In addition, the Huntington Hospital Cancer Center provides psychosocial support, including psychological counseling with our licensed clinical social workers and referral to psychologists specializing in the care of cancer patients, if needed. The Huntington Hospital Cancer Center also has a registered dietitian who is certified in oncology and evaluates the gynecologic cancer patient to make sure her dietary needs are being met. There are also specially trained pain and symptom management nurse coordinators available for cancer patients’ ongoing care and support.

For more information please contact (626) 397-2531