Treatments We Offer
The management of gynecologic cancer includes a variety of techniques, including surgery, pre-surgical or post-surgical chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiation treatments. Treatment regimens are tailored to each individual woman based on factors such as the size, type and stage of the cancer, spread of disease, prognostic factors, and patient's choice.
Surgery
Management of gynecologic cancer usually includes surgical removal of the tumor, and may include removal of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, or other pelvic organs, with evaluation of disease spread through lymph nodes. The latest techniques for the surgical management of gynecologic cancer disease are available in a state-of-the-art surgical facility dedicated to women at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)
MIS is another name for laparoscopic surgery. Not all patients are candidates for this type of surgery, but for those who are, the recovery time is generally much shorter.
Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping
Sentinel node mapping is a minimally invasive technique used to determine if cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes. Dye is injected into the major lymph node. If the dye doesn’t spread, it means there are no cancer cells present and no further surgery is performed on the lymph nodes. If the mapping detects cancer cells, then a full lymph node dissection is performed.
Chemotherapy and Hormonal Therapy
The Women's Cancer Center is located in an outpatient facility designed to provide comprehensive care and privacy for women receiving chemotherapy. The center offers comprehensive counseling and cancer treatment services including the administration of chemotherapy, laboratory specimen collection, the administration of blood and blood products, the maintenance of central venous access devices, intraperitoneal ports, psychosocial counseling, nutritional counseling, and ostomy care.
Radiation Oncology
Radiation oncology offers the latest equipment for the treatment of gynecologic cancer. Three dimensional treatment planning is available as is Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). IMRT allows for more precise treatment with the radiation beam. In addition, high dose rate (HDR) may be used for certain types of gynecological cancers, such as cervical and endometrial cancer, external beam radiation treatments with high-energy linear accelerators, and computerized treatment planning.
Lymphedema Management
Lymphedema is a chronic condition resulting in accumulation of protein rich fluid, which causes swelling in the arms or legs. As many as 35 percent of women may develop lymphedema after breast surgery, but it is unclear why some patients develop lymphedema and others do not. Causes of lymphedema have been linked to removal or damage of the lymph nodes due to surgery, radiation treatments, infection, muscle strain, binding forces, or genetic defect in the lymphatic system. Symptoms of lymphedema include swelling, feeling of heaviness, hardness, numbness/tingling, and frequent infections in the arms or legs. Lymphedema is a condition that can be treated, but not cured. If left untreated, the patient is at risk for developing an infection and/or lymphosarcoma - conditions that are painful and debilitating. Center for Rehab Services (CRS), a subsidiary of UPMC, offers a network of women's health physical therapists that specialize in lymphedema treatment and management. The most effective treatment is lymphatic drainage massage, a technique used to open the lymphatics to help drain the affected limb. This technique has been used extensively in Europe and has recently gained acceptance in the United States.
The comprehensive treatment includes:
- lymphatic drainage massage
- compression bandaging of the involved limb(s)
- education in proper diet, exercise, and skin care precautions
Treatment enables the patient to manage their lymphedema independently through education and development of self-treatment skills. For more information, please call 1–888-723-4277.
Pain Service and Palliative Care
Palliative care seeks to prevent, relieve, reduce, or soothe the symptoms of disease or disorder, regardless of the stage of diagnosis and/or treatment being pursued. Palliative care is not just for individuals with life-limiting illnesses but is especially helpful during such difficult times. Palliative care can be used to complement other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. It can also become the main focus of care when therapies and treatments are no longer effective or desired. A palliative care nurse specialist will work with you to address any physical symptoms and increase your quality of life throughout your illness. Physician experts in palliative care, as well as pharmacists and other experienced palliative care providers are also available to help you.
For more information, call 412-641-2108.