Gynecologic Oncology

Our areas of expertise in gynecologic oncology

UCSF Health offers a unique blend of services for people who have or are at risk for all types of female reproductive cancers. From leading-edge surgical procedures and clinical trials to support for caregivers and survivors, our nationally recognized cancer program provides all the care you need in one place.

Advanced diagnostics for gynecologic cancers

We use the latest imaging technology and diagnostic techniques to detect gynecologic cancer in its early stages, when treatment is more effective. Our pathologists are specially trained in diagnosing gynecologic cancers. Our radiology team specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging and has the expertise necessary to make the most accurate diagnosis.

Hereditary gynecologic cancer syndromes

Our gynecologic oncology team works closely with the hereditary cancer program to provide genetic counseling, testing and risk management for patients and their families with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome or Lynch syndrome.

We connect you with the appropriate specialists and make a plan for long-term surveillance and follow-up care. When appropriate, we perform risk-reducing surgery (removing the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes) to prevent gynecologic cancer.

Gynecologic cancer surgery

Our gynecologic cancer surgeons have extensive experience in all surgical techniques for cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers. They can perform major operations for advanced or recurrent diseases, as well as minimally invasive procedures, such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery uses smaller incisions than an open approach and offers many benefits to patients, including:

• Lower risk of complications

• Quicker recovery

• Less blood loss

• Less pain after surgery

• Shorter hospital stay

Medical and radiation oncology for gynecologic cancer

While surgery is the primary treatment for most gynecologic cancers, we may recommend chemotherapy or radiation therapy after surgery to reduce the chances of cancer coming back after treatment (recurrence). These options may also be appropriate for treating advanced gynecologic cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.

Sometimes we use other therapies, such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy, for advanced endometrial or cervical cancer. Targeted treatment is also available through clinical trials. We perform advanced molecular testing on gynecologic tumors to determine which treatments may be effective for the type of cancer you have.

UCSF Health also offers heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for gynecologic cancers that have spread to the peritoneum (lining of your abdomen). We deliver this treatment during surgery to remove tumors.

Oncofertility and fertility preservation at UCSF Health

Before surgery or any other treatment for gynecologic cancer, our team will discuss your fertility goals with you. We connect you with a reproductive medicine specialist who can tell you more about egg freezing, embryo freezing and other options for fertility preservation. Our surgeons also have expertise in fertility-sparing surgery, which may be an option for you.

Care for complex gynecologic diseases during pregnancy

Our gynecologic cancer surgeons work with OB-GYNs and maternal-fetal medicine specialists to treat rare and complex conditions that can develop during and after pregnancy, such as gestational trophoblastic disease and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). You receive seamlessly coordinated, multi-specialty care from one source.