Patients may be referred by their primary care physician or refer themselves for appointments in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology. Patients are seen at the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center.The services offered by the Division of Gynecologic Oncology include the treatment and follow-up of patients with gynecologic cancer. Surgical expertise, as well as expertise in the management of patients receiving radiation and chemotherapy, is just part of the services offered.
Several clinical trials are available with new treatment options and drugs. In addition to four full-time physician faculty members, the division also includes four full-time oncology nurses.
The gynecologic or female reproductive cancers include cancer of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vulva, vagina and cervix.
All new patients begin with a thorough evaluation, including a review of the individual's personal and family health history, as well as a physical examination and pelvic examination.
It is often necessary for the physicians to review medical record information and pathology information from referring physicians and hospitals prior to the first appointment. Each patient is extremely important, and ample time is provided to address her questions and concerns.
It is recommended that new patients or their referring physician's office contact their health insurance providers prior to making an appointment, to determine whether or not a physician referral is required.
An informational packet will be forwarded to new patients prior to their first appointment. New patients are asked to have their referring physicians forward their medical records, pathology reports and additional test results related to their condition for review by a gynecological oncologist prior to their first appointment.
A Personalized Approach
After cancer is diagnosed, a woman will normally meet all members of the multidisciplinary care team in a single day, to receive a comprehensive individualized care plan. Our personalized approach to care assures that each patient's physical, emotional and spiritual needs are met in the most coordinated, compassionate manner possible.
Patients are also offered a full range of educational and counseling services, cancer risk assessments and access to dozens of local and national studies designed to prevent, detect and treat gynecological cancer.