Gynecologic Oncology
We are listed as a High Performing Specialty by the U.S. News Best Hospitals!
Specialists serving Kentucky and the surrounding region for the management of precancerous and cancerous disorders of the female reproductive tract, including: cervical, endometrial, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
Our division serves the entire state of Kentucky and receives patient referrals from the surrounding states as well. The Gynecologic Oncology Service sees ~5000 patients in the clinic each year and admits over 900 patients per year, including ~850 cancer patient admissions. In addition, we prescribe 1300 cycles of chemotherapy, and perform 1000 surgical procedures each year, making the division of gynecologic oncology among the busiest in the country. We are a full member of the Gynecologic Oncology Group (National Cancer Institute-sponsored Cooperative Group Clinical Trials Network). In addition, due to our active clinical and basic science cancer research, we have been recognized as one of the leading gynecologic oncology research divisions in the nation.
Gynecologic Oncology Services
- Specialists in the management of precancerous and cancerous disorders of the female genital system
- Comprehensive surgical care including radical pelvic and upper abdominal surgery, intestinal surgery, advanced laparoscopy, and robotic-assisted procedures, chemotherapy port placement
- Advanced radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy infusion
- The ovarian cancer screening program
- Preoperative ovarian tumor diagnostic program
- Investigator-initiated, collaborative group, and industry-based clinical trials
The Gynecologic Oncology Program located on the third floor of the Whitney Hendrickson Women's Cancer Facility serves as a referral center for patients with gynecologic malignancies from central and eastern Kentucky, southern Ohio, and western West Virginia. Our goal is to provide exceptional and personalized care to women with gynecologic cancer in a supportive professional environment. Patients are referred directly to one of the following gynecologic oncologists (*listed in Best Doctors in America): Dr. John R. van Nagell*, Dr. Fred Ueland*, Dr. Christopher P. DeSimone*, Dr. Rachel W. Miller or Dr. Lauren Baldwin.
The outpatient Whitney Building provides modern facilities for outpatient care, including chemotherapy infusions. The division is also home to the Ovarian Cancer Screening Program. Our expectations include prompt patient consultation and communication with referring physicians to facilitate treatment planning.
The Gynecologic Oncology Program provides screening, evaluation, and treatment for women with vulvar, vaginal, cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers. Patients usually are evaluated within one to three days and a plan for treatment is jointly decided upon after consultation with appropriate specialists. Treatment options for gynecologic cancers include radical surgery (including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery), radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, or a combination of these modalities. Each treatment plan is discussed thoroughly with the patient and her family, and every effort is made to provide optimal treatment as close to the patient's home as possible.
