Common Treatments

Chemotherapy is typically used in conjunction with surgical procedures.  Most chemotherapy can be given on an outpatient basis. Chemotherapy drugs are usually given intravenously but may be given directly in the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal chemotherapy) or orally.

Cone biopsy is a surgical procedure to find and treat a problem in the cervix. A cone biopsy, done under anesthesia, removes tissue from the cervix that can be sent to the laboratory to be studied. Cutting away the tissue also removes the abnormal cells. The tissue that grows back is likely to be normal, in which case no more treatment is needed.

Hormonal therapy is used to block certain hormones such as estrogen and progesterone that may affect the way some cancers grow. This may be done using medications to block the hormones or by surgically removing the organs that make hormones

Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus and cervix. If the uterus is removed through the vagina, the procedure is called a vaginal hysterectomy. If the uterus is taken out through an incision in the abdomen, the procedure is called a total abdominal hysterectomy.

Hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy involves removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Pelvic lymph nodes are also usually removed. This can be done through one large incision to the abdomen or through multiple dime sized incisions in a minimally invasive approach.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy involves inserting a catheter into the abdominal cavity to deliver chemotherapy medications directly to the tumor in the abdomen, rather than through the bloodstream. This can be used in some cases with ovarian cancer.

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). When tests show that you have abnormal cells on your cervix, your doctor may suggest the loop electrosurgical excision procedure. LEEP uses an electric current passed through a thin wire loop, which then is used as a knife to remove to remove the abnormal cells from your cervix.

Pelvic exenteration may be considered if cancer has recurred in the pelvis. In this operation, the lower colon, rectum, or bladder may be removed along with the cervix, uterus, and vagina.

Radical hysterectomy is the removal of the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and part of the vagina. Pelvic lymph nodes are also removed. This is either done through one large incision to the abdomen or through multiple dime sized incisions in a minimally invasive approach.

Radiation therapy is the use of X-rays or other type of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy may be either external, using a machine from outside the body, or internal. Internal radiation therapy uses radioisotopes (substances that produce radiation) that are inserted directly into the area where the cancer cells are located.  Learn more about Radiation services at NCS.

Surgery is essential in the treatment for many gynecologic cancers. Initially, surgery is often used to confirm the diagnosis and stage of the cancer. If necessary, extensive removal of the tumor can be performed to minimize the amount of tumor before chemotherapy.