Gynecologic Oncology

Why choose UCLA Health for gynecologic cancer care?

We deliver gynecologic cancer care through the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC). The JCCC has an international reputation for providing the most up to date multidisciplinary gynecologic oncology treatments as well as new experimental therapies. Our experts guide the next generation of medical research.

Our doctors use a patient-centered, evidence-based, holistic approach to cancer care, delivered with unwavering support and compassion. We specialize in all types of gynecologic cancer, including cervical, ovarian, endometrial, and uterine cancers. At UCLA Health, you'll find:

Expertise in gynecologic cancer: Our gynecologic oncologists deliver leading-edge treatments and the best possible care.

Dedication to innovative research: Our patients inspire us every day to push the boundaries of science in search of a cure for gynecologic cancers.

Personalized care: Our gynecologic oncology care doesn't stop with a diagnosis or treatment. We lead with compassion, providing support every step of the way.

Convenient locations: We offer gynecologic cancer treatment at multiple locations across the greater Los Angeles region. Our experts provide the highest quality care close to home at several UCLA Health community cancer care centers throughout the area.

Our services

From diagnosis to post-cancer care, UCLA Health's gynecologic oncologists offer comprehensive services, including:

Diagnosis

A correct diagnosis is essential for your team to create a curative treatment plan. Diagnostic testing for cervical, endometrial, ovarian, and uterine cancer includes:

Advanced imaging: Tests that include X-rays and imaging, such as CT, MRI, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

Pap smear and HPV testing: Screening tests in which cervical cells are collected to look for cervical abnormalities or cancerous tissues.

Colposcopy: An exam using a light and a magnifying lens to look for cancerous tissues on the cervix.

Biopsies:
Cervical biopsy: A procedure to remove a small piece of cervical tissue to check for cancer cells.
Endometrial biopsy: A procedure to remove a sample of the uterine lining to look for abnormal cells.

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP): A procedure that uses a wire loop to remove cervical tissues for testing.

Cancer genetics

Experts in the UCLA Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology care for people at high risk for gynecologic cancer due to their family history. Our specialists evaluate biomarkers (genetic test results) that suggest an increased risk of women's cancers such as ovarian and uterine cancers. Learn more about our cancer genetics program.

Gynecologic cancers we treat

Our cancer care team provides treatment for all types of gynecologic cancers, including:

Cervical cancer: Cancer of the cervix, which connects the uterus with the vagina. HPV, a sexually transmitted disease, can lead to cervical cancer.

Ovarian cancer: A type of cancer that begins in the ovaries, which produce eggs and female hormones. Symptoms are unusual in early-stage ovarian cancer, so this type of malignancy is often diagnosed in later stages.

Uterine (endometrial) cancer: Cancer that occurs in the endometrial cells that line the uterus, the organ in which a fetus grows. Uterine cancer is often caught early based on symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding. Other uterine cancers arise from the muscle cells that make up the uterus.

Vaginal cancer: A rare cancer that grows on the surface of the vagina.

Vulvar cancer: Cancer that grows in the area surrounding the urethra (tube that empties urine from the bladder) and the vagina, including the clitoris and labia. The first sign of this gynecologic cancer is often itching.

Women's cancer treatments

Our treatment approach depends on the stage and specific type of the cancer as well as your reproductive plans. We partner with you to determine the treatment plan that's right for you. It might include:

Nonsurgical gynecologic cancer treatments

Our doctors treat some gynecologic cancers without surgery. Nonsurgical treatments we offer include:

Chemotherapy: The systemic delivery of specialized drugs that target cancer cells. Our gynecologic oncologists create personalized chemotherapy plans tailored to your specific needs.

Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue. If you are not a candidate for surgery, your team may use radiation therapy to destroy cancerous tissues.

Clinical trials: Research studies of promising gynecologic cancer treatments.

Surgery for gynecologic cancers

Our world-class surgeons remove cancerous tumors and tissue while preserving healthy tissues and organs. In late-stage cancers, our gynecologic oncologists and other experts pair surgery with other treatments to achieve the best possible outcomes. Our surgical expertise includes:

Minimally invasive surgery: A surgical approach that uses smaller incisions and causes less pain and scarring. Patients require less recovery time in the hospital and experience fewer postsurgical complications. Laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery are minimally invasive techniques.

Robot-assisted surgery: An advanced technology our surgeons use to perform complex surgical techniques through small incisions. Our gynecologic surgeons are among the country's most experienced surgeons using this technology.

Hysterectomy: The surgical removal of the uterus. At UCLA Health, surgeons may perform a hysterectomy through the abdomen or vagina. They may use a traditional approach with a single large incision or laparoscopic, robotic-assisted technique with multiple smaller incisions.

Our expert team

Our world-renowned gynecologic oncology team is focused on discovering leading-edge ways to diagnose and treat gynecologic cancers. Throughout your cancer journey, we ensure that you have access to innovative and supportive care.