The Gynecologic Oncology Program at the Blumenthal Cancer Center offers comprehensive care for women with gynecologic cancers. The program provides all available treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and access to current research protocols. Counseling and other support services are available to assist women and their families in coping with cancer. The program also offers evaluation of difficult gynecologic problems for patients referred by their physicians. Other care offered includes reconstructive surgery for complete vaginal prolapse and various treatment options for premalignant lesions of the female genital tract.

The Blumenthal Cancer Center provides patients with several treatments that once required hospitalization. The outpatient treatment area is specially designed for infusions, chemotherapy and transfusions. It’s staffed by nurse specializing in chemotherapy, an oncology pharmacist, a nutritionist, a counselor and a chaplain.

The Gynecologic Oncology Clinic is open Monday through Friday, and is staffed by a team of cancer experts who review each patient's plan for treatment.

Patients requiring hospitalization receive care in a special area of Carolinas Medical Center, which includes 19 private rooms, kitchen facilities for families and private consultation rooms. The nurses in this area are trained for the specialized care of women with gynecologic cancers.

Team Members Include:

Gynecologic Oncology Nursing Staff
Our nurses are advocates for women with gynecologic cancer. Knowledgeable and sensitive to the special needs of women, each nurse has extensive training in gyn-oncology nursing. Their expertise includes addressing patients' concerns and requests, assisting with colposcopy, cytoscopy, urological evaluation and office evaluation of gynecologic malignancies. They also help monitor lab results, coordinate pain management and facilitate home healthcare services.

Chemotherapy Coordinator
The chemotherapy coordinator assists physicians in the education, assessment and implementation of chemotherapy for women with gynecologic cancers. The coordinator is sensitive to the many special needs women have during chemotherapy administration, and works closely with physicians to monitor side effects and initiate treatment.

Multidisciplinary Physician Team
Physician members include gynecologic oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and radiation therapists.

Patient Education and Ovarian Cancer Risk Assessment
According to program director  James B. Hall, MD, 65 to 70 percent of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at stage III. That statistic illustrates the importance of patient education and risk assessment. Both are major focal points for the Gynecologic Oncology Program.

An ovarian cancer risk assessment is available to women who are concerned they may be at risk. The initial consultation is performed by a certified genetic counselor who verifies the patient's family medical history and estimates her risk. If risks are indicated, consultation with one of the gynecologic oncologists is available. 

For more information, please contact Blumenthal Cancer Center at 704-355-2884.