Gynecologic Cancer Surgeons in the Willamette Valley and Oregon Coast

Willamette Valley Cancer Institute Gynecologic Surgical Oncology

Surgery plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancers. At Willamette Valley Cancer Institute, our experienced gynecologic oncologists provide comprehensive cancer care using the latest cancer treatments and surgical techniques for ovarian, uterine, cervical, and other gynecologic cancers.

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What to Expect from Gynecologic Surgical Oncology at WVCI

The first step our gynecologic oncologists take is determining if a pelvic mass is cancerous or benign (non-cancerous) through surgery. Quite often, the entire mass is removed during surgery.

“When a patient has a consultation, we discuss different scenarios,” says gynecologic oncologist Dr. Kathleen Yang. “What if the mass is benign? And what if the mass is cancerous? We also describe the procedure the patient will undergo and the steps we will take.”

If the pathology report shows that cancer is present, treatment depends on the size of the tumor and its appearance on imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or a CT scan. This will help the gynecologic oncologist know if more surgery is needed to be sure all the cancer is removed. Depending on the stage of the cancer, additional treatments may also be recommended to lower the likelihood of cancer recurrence.

In this video, Dr. Kathleen Yang explains the planning process and what patients can expect before, during, and after surgery.

Choosing Willamette Valley Cancer Institute for Gynecologic Cancer Care

Every gynecologic cancer diagnosis is unique and requires an individualized treatment plan. WVCI offers the latest treatment options, including minimally invasive surgery techniques and access to clinical trials for gynecologic cancers.

Our gynecologic oncologists manage the entire treatment journey for patients with gynecologic cancer. They serve as both surgeons and medical oncologists, overseeing chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. WVCI gynecologic surgical oncologists also collaborate with radiation oncologists to create personalized treatment recommendations while offering compassionate support to patients and their families.

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Types of Gynecologic Surgery

Our gynecologic cancer specialists use minimally invasive surgery whenever possible to diagnose and treat gynecologic cancers. Minimally invasive techniques allow surgeons to access the mass through a few small incisions while using advanced cameras and instruments to see and remove the tumor. Minimally invasive surgery can be performed using a laparoscope or the da Vinci® robotic system.

WVCI’s gynecologic surgeons have extensive experience performing robotic surgeries, having performed over 10,000 robotic procedures over the years. Watch the following video to learn how minimally invasive surgery benefits gynecologic cancer patients.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopy is a standard surgical procedure used for several gynecologic issues, including suspected cancer or if another condition requires surgery. The surgeon makes several small incisions instead of a single, large incision. A laparoscope, a thin tube with a tiny camera, is inserted through one of the small incisions and projects images of the inside of the body onto a monitor. This allows the surgeon better visibility so they can use specialized surgical tools to remove the tumor or, in some cases, the entire uterus and/or ovaries. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery can often return home the same day.

Da Vinci Robotic Surgery

The da Vinci System is an enhanced form of laparoscopic surgery that uses a magnified, high-definition, 3-D camera and tiny robotic instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human wrist. Robotic surgery allows surgeons to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity, and control. The surgeon is 100% in control of the da Vinci System at all times, and the system can only perform as directed by the surgeon.

Like laparoscopic surgery, the technology allows our gynecologic oncologists to treat patients through just a few small incisions while maneuvering the surgical tools in a way that is more gentle on the body. The equipment rotates around a single spot, so there is minimal tugging on the patient’s tissue, which contributes to pain. Through the use of this technology, patients come out of the surgery with significantly less pain, significantly fewer narcotics, and are up and walking much sooner. Robotic surgery is proven to reduce recovery time for gynecologic cancer patients, significantly improving recovery time and getting patients back to their daily routines, often within a couple of weeks, instead of six to eight weeks with traditional surgery. Often, patients can go home the same day.

Laparotomy

When a mass is too large to be removed laparoscopically, it is often removed through a vertical incision in the wall of the abdomen, a procedure called a laparotomy. While the patient is still under anesthesia, the mass is sent to the lab, where a pathologist looks at it under a microscope.

“Twenty minutes after the removal of the mass, we will be able to tell if this is cancer or not,” says Dr. Yang. “If the pathologist determines the growth is benign, we’ll finish the procedure, and the patient will go to the recovery room.”

Because a laparotomy procedure requires a large incision, a patient generally remains in the hospital for 3 to 5 days following surgery. Once they can get up and walk around, tolerate food, and urinate, they can go home. Typically, a full recovery takes 4 to 6 weeks.

What Happens If Cancer Is Found?

If the pathologist determines that the mass is cancerous, a hysterectomy, removal of the uterus, is typically performed at that time. Patients with cervical cancer may require surgery to remove the cervix, and in some cases, the uterus as well. If one or both ovaries are affected by cancer, they will be removed in a procedure called an oophorectomy.

Additionally, nearby lymph nodes are removed during surgery for biopsy, along with sample tissues from the pelvis and abdomen, to help determine if the cancer has spread.

If necessary, the gynecologic oncologist will perform a procedure called debulking, which involves removing any visible tumors in the pelvic area, including the omentum, the fatty tissue surrounding the female reproductive organs. The surgeon will also examine the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and intestines to check for any spread of cancer, removing it if possible during the debulking surgery.

“The goal is to do the entire procedure at one time, under one anesthesia to make it easier for the patient,” Dr. Yang says.

Are Other Treatments Needed for Gynecologic Cancer?

Minimally invasive surgery is highly effective in removing gynecologic cancer. However, there can be cancer cells remaining after surgery. For that reason, some patients may require additional treatment before or after surgery, such as chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Whether you need additional treatment depends on several factors, including the type and stage of your gynecologic cancer, your overall health, and your individual needs.

The gynecologic cancer specialists at WVCI will carefully evaluate your diagnosis and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.

Second Opinions on Gynecologic Cancer Treatments

At WVCI, we believe it's important for patients to feel confident in their cancer care team and treatment plan. We encourage you to request an appointment for a second opinion, whether your initial treatment plan was developed at our center or another facility.

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Support for Gynecologic Cancer Patients

Cancer can be scary for anyone, so we offer gynecologic nurse navigation support. This dedicated nurse guides patients through their cancer care journey. Nurse navigators coordinate care among providers, provide education about diagnoses and treatments, and connect patients with supportive services. They also provide pre- and post-operative instructions, help with symptom management, and offer ongoing support to help patients feel informed, empowered, and cared for throughout treatment and survivorship.

Our oncology social worker and support services care team provide one-on-one counseling to help patients cope with emotional, psychological, and social challenges related to diagnoses. They also connect patients with support groups, financial aid, and other assistance that may be needed.

Meet the Gynecologic Oncologists at WVCI

Our physicians provide highly specialized surgical and medical oncology cancer care and use a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat gynecologic cancers.

Corvallis

Charles K. Anderson, MD, FACOG

Jennifer C. Gordon, MD, FACOG

Kathleen Y. Yang, MD, FACOG

Eugene

Charles K. Anderson, MD, FACOG

Audrey P. Garrett, MD, MPH, FACOG

Jennifer C. Gordon, MD, FACOG

Kathleen Y. Yang, MD, FACOG

Grants Pass - Gyn. Cancer Surgery

Charles K. Anderson, MD, FACOG

Audrey P. Garrett, MD, MPH, FACOG

Jennifer C. Gordon, MD, FACOG

Appointments Available With the WVCI Gynecologic Cancer Surgeons

The gynecologic oncologists at WVCI understand the impact cancer has on all aspects of a woman’s life, including her family, career, fertility, sexuality, and physical and emotional well-being. Our gynecologic oncologists treat the whole woman, not just the disease. Request an appointment for a consultation with one of our physicians. You will receive an individualized treatment plan recommendation and assistance with the next steps in your cancer journey.

Gynecologic Cancer Surgery