If you or a loved one is facing a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of ovarian, cervical, uterine, or any other type of gynaecologic cancer, our specialists at SSCHRC are here to provide compassionate, expert care and renewed hope.
We utilise advanced technology to ensure precise diagnosis and treatment tailored to your specific form of gynaecologic cancer. Patients receive access to the latest, most researched treatment options, including aggressive therapies, targeted radiation therapy, and participation in clinical trials.
Our standard of care is guided by the established protocols of SSCHRC. This collaborative partnership ensures that our patients benefit directly from the expertise of SSCHRC clinicians and researchers.
At SSCHRC, we follow an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach. This involves a team of experts meeting regularly to discuss your unique case and develop a customised care plan tailored precisely to your specific needs.
For your convenience, you will meet with your entire team of doctors in a single location, removing the need to travel to multiple facilities. This unified team approach ensures all your physicians are consistently aligned on your care plan. A dedicated nurse navigator will support you throughout your journey, providing essential education, coordinating appointments, and offering support to you and your family every step of the way.
We are committed to holistic care, acknowledging that your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are equally important. All our care plans integrate comprehensive support services, including social workers, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists, nutritionists, and chaplains. We also offer focused survivorship and prevention programmes.
We offer comprehensive treatment for various types and stages of gynaecologic cancers, including:
Gynaecologic cancer is a term for a group of distinct cancers affecting the female reproductive system. While symptoms and treatment may share similarities in some instances, each type of gynaecologic cancer is complex and unique.
Begins in the ovaries and is the fifth most common cancer among women. Women aged 55 and older generally face a higher risk.
A relatively rare cancer starting in the peritoneum (the tissue lining the abdomen and covering the uterus, bladder, and rectum). It often behaves and is treated similarly to ovarian cancer.
One of the rarest gynaecologic cancers. Cancer that starts elsewhere and spreads to the fallopian tubes (secondary) is more common than cancer starting in the tube lining (primary).
Endometrial cancer, which starts in the lining of the uterus, is the most common type of uterine cancer. Uterine sarcoma is a rare cancer that begins in the muscle beneath the lining.
Cancer that starts in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus opening at the top of the vagina). Its incidence in countries like the United States is lower due to routine Pap smears.
Most vaginal cancers are secondary, meaning they have spread from other cancers (like cervical or endometrial cancer). Primary vaginal cancer, which is much rarer, usually begins in squamous cells.
A rare cancer starting in the vulva, most often affecting the labia or, in some cases, the clitoris or glands near the vaginal opening. Most cases begin in squamous cells.
GTD refers to a group of rare tumours that develop from the cells that would normally form the placenta, not the cells of the uterus itself. Choriocarcinoma is a malignant and fast-growing type of GTD that typically occurs following an abnormal or normal pregnancy.
The symptoms of gynaecologic cancer can be varied. Some individuals may not experience any symptoms, while others may have vague symptoms that are difficult to link to a specific cancer type. It is important to note that many of these symptoms are also common in women who do not have cancer. Please see your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms on a daily basis for more than a few weeks:
Your best defence against cancer is early detection, when treatment is most effective. Cervical cancer is the only form of gynaecologic cancer for which a reliable screening test is currently available. Other types, such as ovarian cancer, are significantly harder to detect. This underscores the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms and having regular consultations with your doctor.
For cervical cancer, screening through regular Pap test appointments is your greatest weapon, improving the chances of finding early changes or signs of cancer when they are most treatable.
Accurate diagnosis is a core component of SSCHRC's unique approach to cancer care. Common diagnostic tests may include:
The stage of a cancer describes how far it has grown and whether the tumour has spread from its original site. The staging system typically ranges from Stage 0 to Stage 4, where Stage 4 indicates the cancer cells have spread to multiple areas of the body. Knowing the precise stage of your cancer is critical for your doctor to determine the most effective treatment plan for you.
A second opinion can be transformative for patients. While it is uncommon for a malignant diagnosis to change to benign, a second opinion often provides valuable additional information. Our team rigorously verifies the accuracy of your staging, tumour size, and overall assessment. These factors collectively influence the range of treatment options you may be offered.
A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience for the patient, their family, and friends. At SSCHRC, our patients benefit from care based on the identical processes and high standards as SSCHRC. Our partnership allows patients in the Southeast to benefit from the expertise of SSCHRC clinicians and researchers.
Your treatment plan is developed collaboratively by you and your team of specialists. This plan is carefully determined based on your overall health, the specific type of cancer, and your personal preferences.
Our experienced team of physicians and specialists is dedicated to providing compassionate care and the most advanced treatments. Our experts utilise cutting-edge technology for precise diagnosis of your cancer type and progression. We offer the latest, most researched treatment options, including participation in clinical trial therapies.
The specialists on your team are ready to help you process everything you need to know in a supportive and informative way, ensuring you have the knowledge and support necessary throughout your treatment journey.