Gynecologic Oncology

Gynecologic oncology is a highly specialized field of medicine that focuses on cancers of the female reproductive system, including:

• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Vulvar cancer

Gynecologic oncologists complete their obstetrics and gynecology residency, and then they have subspecialty training through a gynecologic oncology fellowship. This fellowship requires several more years of intensive training in surgery, chemotherapy, the use of radiation therapy, and research techniques that are important to providing the best care for gynecologic cancers.

Highly trained gynecologic oncology specialists manage the Gynecologic Oncology division of Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute. Our specialists work closely with your physician to assess and diagnose your condition. If you are diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, our gynecologic oncologists and their staff are dedicated to providing you with unsurpassed care, compassion, and expertise.

This includes what we call “multidisciplinary care,” where teams of providers (gynecologic oncologist, radiation oncologists and other clinicians) come together to discuss your case. During this meeting the team creates a personalized treatment plan specifically for you, ensuring that you receive customized, comprehensive care.

At Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute, all of our oncology specialists have access to the latest advances in clinical trials and research. This means they can offer you next-generation, cutting-edge therapy.

When you walk through our door, everyone at Gibbs is ready to assist you through treatment, support and survivorship.

Women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer often receive surgery as a part of their primary treatment. Removing a tumor using surgery can greatly increase a woman’s chances of survival. Our gynecologic oncology specialists offer superior surgical expertise. When appropriate, they use minimally-invasive surgical procedures, including advanced laparoscopy and robotic surgery, to manage early-stage uterine, cervical and ovarian cancers, as well as certain types of pelvic masses.

The advantages of minimally-invasive surgery include:

• Less pain
• Less bleeding and scarring
• A shorter recovery time
• A quicker return to normal activities

Although open surgery may be needed in some cases, our gynecologic oncologists always strive to use the least invasive method.

Gibbs Cancer Center started one of the first robotic surgery programs in South Carolina, and we continue to be one of the state’s largest programs for robotic cancer surgery. Robotic-assisted surgery is especially effective for removing tumors from hard-to-reach places. To do this, the surgeon sits at a console and views 3D, high-definition images of your body’s inner structures. The surgeon then directs small robotic instruments to perform complex, delicate procedures.

You’ll need a doctor’s referral to see one of our gynecologic oncology doctors. But, our doctors realize that a referral to their office is often a stressful time, so they try very hard to see patients as soon as possible. In most cases, same-day or same-week appointments are available. We encourage you to bring a family member or friend to your appointment to join in the discussion. Your friend or family member may hear something you missed, or think of different questions to ask.