Internal examinations: One of the best ways to protect yourself from a gynecologic cancer is to have regular internal examinations by your gynecologist (GYN or OB/GYN).
Pap Test: Cervical cancer is avoidable with regular screenings and follow-up care. The Pap test can detect cell changes that may lead to cancer of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, or womb. Women age 30 and older can also have the HPV DNA test. This test can check a sample of cervical cells for the presence of the genetic material (DNA) of human papillomaviruses (HPVs).
Oral Contraceptives & Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): In the United States, endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system. Because more is known now about what can lead to endometrial cancer (using oral contraceptives, HRT, etc.), the number of new cases of endometrial cancer has been decreasing.
If you have a symptom or a test result that suggests cancer, your doctor may order additional tests or procedures. The Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Institute at Bridgeport Hospital provides a range of highly advanced detection services for various gynecologic cancers, including
- Radiology: Ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, PET scan
- Diagnostic colposcopy and hysteroscopy
- Cytopathology – The study of disease at the cellular level. The most common use of cytopathology is the Pap test, which is used to detect cervical cancer at an early, treatable stage.
The Gynecologic Cancer Tumor Conference
Every patient’s treatment plan is discussed according to The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines by the members of the Gynecologic Cancer Tumor Conference. This multidisciplinary board includes pathologists, surgeons, radiologists, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists. The conference meets regularly to review all newly diagnosed patients, and many cases are reviewed several times throughout treatment. This means that you will receive coordinated, state-of-the-art care with the least possible delay.
Of course, your treatment choices depend on several factors—your stage of cancer, any additional health problems, your lifestyle, etc. Our expert physicians provide a range of advanced, multidisciplinary healing therapies, using state-of-the-art technology, including:
- Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery, including robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery for OB/GYN Conditions using the daVinci "S" Surgical System
- Radiation therapy in our dedicated Radiation Medicine Suite
- Chemotherapy in our dedicated Chemotherapy Infusion Suite
- Cryosurgery – The use of liquid nitrogen or a very cold probe to freeze and kill cancer cells
- Radical trachelectomy – Surgery to remove part of the cervix
- Clinical trials
