The UAB Division of Gynecologic Oncology is a multidisciplinary team of specialty physicians, nurses and consultants providing comprehensive, compassionate care for women with gynecologic cancers. Our team of experts assists women with the physical and emotional challenges associated with gynecologic cancer, designing a treatment plan customized to each patient’s individual needs.

We utilize state-of-the-art technology to screen for and treat all types of gynecologic cancers, and our research team is dedicated to improving treatments, and, ultimately, finding a cure for these cancers. UAB is nationally regarded for our care of patients affected by gynecologic cancers. We have been recognized as one of the leading gynecologic oncology research divisions in the world and were one of five institutions to be awarded a Specialized Program of Research Excellence in Ovarian Cancer (SPORE) by the NIH.

Our Services
The Gynecologic Oncology Service admits more than 2,500 patients per year, including 900 new cancer patient admissions. Approximately 2,200 surgical cases are performed each year, making ours among the largest in the country located at an academic institution.

• Screening and prevention – Screening test and patient education about risk factors are important in the early recognition and successful treatment of gynecologic cancers.
• Familial risk assessment – Some cancer syndromes are more likely to be inherited. We provide formal risk assessment for the woman and her family, cancer genetics education, genetic testing, and management plans for follow-up care and counseling.
• Vaccine therapy – For some types of cancers, specialized vaccines help the body’s own immune system recognize tumor cells as foreign so that they can be destroyed. Cancer vaccines do not prevent cancer, but allow the body’s own defenses to attack existing or growing tumor cells.
• Minimally invasive surgery – Some traditional pelvic surgeries can now be done with minimally invasive techniques. Laparoscopic and robotic surgery allow treatment of complex problems with smaller incisions and improved recovery.
• Advanced/radical pelvic surgery – When needed, radical pelvic surgery may involve extensive removal and reconstruction of many of the pelvic organs and structures, including the intestines, urinary system and lymph nodes.
• In-office chemotherapy – We provide traditional intravenous chemotherapy as well as intraperitoneal (abdominal cavity) infusions which have been shown to be very effective in treating certain pelvic cancers.
• Participation in clinical trials – We provide access to therapies arising from the latest national clinical investigations.
• Targeted therapies – These cutting-edge technologies use drugs that target specific pathways in the growth and development of tumors. These include immunotherapies, gene therapies and biologic therapies.

Our Team of Experts
The gynecologic cancer clinic is made up of specialized physicians dedicated to treating all types of gynecologic cancers with the latest technology. Because our physicians are specialists in oncology, hematology, surgical oncology and radiation oncology, you can rest assured you’re receiving the best care available. We work with specialists in other areas of care when necessary to give you a comprehensive approach to treatment.

Search our physician directory to learn more about our team.

Locations
UAB Highlands
UAB Division of Gynecologic Oncology
1201 11th Ave South, 4th Floor
Birmingham, AL 35205

Lynne Cohen Ovarian/Breast Risk Assessment Clinic
The Kirklin Clinic, 3rd Floor
2000 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233


Symptoms and Signs
Because there are multiple types of gynecologic cancers, symptoms vary. For example, symptoms of vaginal cancer may include unusual vaginal bleeding, a lump or mass in your vagina or painful urination, while symptoms of ovarian cancer might include abdominal pain and swelling, changes in menstruation or unexplained changes in bowel movements, such as constipation.

Talk to your doctor about any unusual symptoms you may have to find out if they could be a sign of gynecologic cancer.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Gynecologic cancer includes:

• Cervical Cancer
• Endometrial Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Vaginal Cancer
• Uterine Cancer
• Vulvar Cancer
• Peritoneal Cancer
• Tubal Cancer

Treatment of gynecologic cancers varies according to the type, severity and location of the disease. Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are all traditional options for treatment, however UAB is pioneering robotic surgery for the treatment of gynecologic cancers with the da Vinci system.

UAB physicians use the da Vinci robotically-assisted surgical system to treat various types of gynecologic cancers. This minimally invasive procedure allows patients to recover from surgery much faster than with traditional procedures. Talk to your doctor to see if you might be a candidate for robotically-assisted surgery through the da Vinci system.

Our Clinical Trials
UAB’s Gynecologic Cancer clinic is constantly working to find better treatments and a cure for all types of gynecologic cancers. Talk to your doctor to see if you are a candidate for one of UAB’s gynecologic cancer clinical trials.