Courtesy of Roswell Park Cancer Talk Blog

Receiving any kind of cancer diagnosis is scary and stressful, but the most important thing to do is make sure you’re getting the best care possible. Because surgery is part of the treatment plan for many women, Katherine LaVigne Mager, MD, FACOG, a gynecologic oncologist at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, has some advice on what to ask a surgeon before deciding where to undergo treatment.

How frequently do you perform cervical cancer surgeries?

Cervical cancer is a rare type of cancer in the United States, and it’s important to receive care at a center that specializes in treating this disease. “As a gynecologic oncologist, I perform hundreds of surgical procedures each year for cancer treatment, including surgical management of cervical cancer,” Dr. Mager states. This kind of experience leads to better outcomes and results for patients, both in terms of their surgery and their quality of life.

Do you provide fertility-sparing surgery?

Cervical cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44, meaning some patients might want to explore fertility-sparing or preserving options as part of their treatment. Roswell Park offers consultations for fertility-sparing procedures. “There are options that involve surgery that removes only a portion of the cervix or removes the entire cervix but leaves the remainder of the uterus in place, which can allow for future pregnancy if the patient desires,” Dr. Mager says.

Should I have other treatments before surgery?

“Surgical treatment depends on the stage of cancer and the tumor’s characteristics,” Dr. Mager explains. “For some women, surgery will be the first step; for others, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation will be the initial approach. For others still, going straight to chemotherapy might be the first line of treatment. Each person’s treatment plan is customized to their specific situation.”

Should I consider a clinical trial?

“Clinical trials are something that can benefit you at any point in your treatment course, from early-stage disease to recurrent disease, and they allow you to get access to innovative and cutting-edge treatments that we otherwise couldn’t access for a couple of years,” Dr. Mager says.

Why should I go to Roswell Park for my treatment?

“Getting the diagnosis right is really the foundation for a good treatment plan, and it’s important to have the pathology reviewed at a center that has a specialty in gynecologic cancers,” Dr. Mager says. “Here at Roswell Park, we have pathologists who specialize specifically in gynecologic cancers and in reviewing slides from GYN cancers.” That means a better and more precise diagnosis for patients, leading to a personally tailored course of treatment to best address their specific cancer.
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. For more resources and expert advice, visit https://www.roswellpark.org/cancer/cervical/treatment/surgery, or call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355)