The UT Health Austin Livestrong Cancer Institutes Launches Gynecologic Oncology Program
The service is open to anyone with a gynecologic cancer diagnosis or who suspects they may have gynecologic cancer
Written by: Lauryn Feil
UT Health Austin’s Livestrong Cancer Institutes is excited to announce the launch of Gynecologic Oncology, a service offered through Women’s Health, a clinical partnership between UT Health Austin and Ascension Seton, where patients who may suspect they have cancer or have a cancer diagnosis can make an appointment for cancer screenings and evaluation.
Gynecologic Oncology delivers a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates the expertise of leading specialists, including surgeons, gynecologist oncologists, oncofertility specialists, women’s health experts, nurses, social workers, and more, to partner in customizing cancer treatment for each patient. Using the latest treatment protocols and surgical procedures, the clinic treats cancers of the female genital tract – including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vulva, and vagina – and gestational dysplasia (a cancer of pregnancy).
The team places a focus on minimally invasive approaches to surgery and increasing the inclusivity of cancer research trials to help patients access the latest treatment options as well as interventions to improve the quality of life for all cancer survivors.
Patient care will be coordinated and managed by one central team located at UT Health Austin. This team will evaluate the patient’s condition and build a treatment plan that incorporates their primary care physician, as well as any chemotherapy or radiation therapies to be delivered outside of UT Health Austin. Patients can expect wrap-around care that is personalized to focus on their specific needs, values and preferences.
The partnership between UT Health Austin and Livestrong has allowed these cancer treatment teams to rethink the full range of cancer care, from prevention to diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care. As a result, the clinic operates under the CaLM approach (Cancer Life reiMagined), which starts with the highest quality cancer care and also includes services such as relaxation and stress reduction strategies, nutritional guidance, financial planning and emotional support to help patients and their families navigate the challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis. The team also intends to offer the latest clinical trials and an expanded menu of clinical trials in the near future.
We currently accept individuals with any known or suspected gynecologic cancer including the following:
- BRCA or HNPCC (Lynch syndrome) positive patients
- Cervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS)
- Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
- Gynecologic cancer(s) of the uterus, cervix, ovary, vulva, and vagina
- Pelvic masses suspicious for invasive gynecologic cancer or cancers
- Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN)
- Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)
For more information about Gynecologic Oncology at Women’s Health, a clinical partnership between UT Health Austin and Ascension Seton, visit here.