Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gynecologic oncologist?

Gynecologic oncologists specialize in treating cancers of the female reproductive organs: ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal. These five cancers account for about 12 percent of all cancers in women. Westchester Medical Center’s Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Center for Robotic Surgery provide top-quality comprehensive care in this key specialty.

To specialize in this field, doctors complete an additional four years of training as obstetrician-gynecologists following medical school. They also complete an additional two to four years of intensive medical training in the study and treatment of gynecologic cancers. This includes participation in clinical trials as well as training in the biology and pathology of these cancers and the interventions used to treat them: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

What is gynecologic cancer?

Gynecologic cancers occur in the female reproductive organs, including the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva.

Like other parts of the body, the organs of the reproductive system are made up of many types of cells. Cells divide in an orderly, controlled way to produce more cells when they are needed in the body. When cells divide in an abnormal, uncontrolled way, they can form a tumor that may be benign or malignant.

Benign tumors are not cancerous. They can usually be removed and, in most cases, they do not come back. Malignant tumors are cancerous. Cancer cells can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Also, cancer cells can break away from a malignant tumor and spread to other parts of the body.

How many women are affected by gynecologic cancer?

Gynecologic cancers affect many women. About 80,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. Although they are very serious diseases, many of these cancers are highly treatable and even curable given a comprehensive, expert, multidisciplinary preventive and treatment approach.