Gynecologic Oncology
Peritoneal Malignancy
Peritoneal malignancy refers to cancers that begin to grow in the abdomen. Because such a small space cradles so many internal organs, cancer can easily spread from one organ to the next. This is especially true for women with ovarian, endometrial, cervical or fallopian tube cancers.
Patients with peritoneal malignancies used to have poor outcomes, but now because of advanced treatment options, many go on to live active, healthy lives following treatment.
Peritoneal Malignancy Treatment at Wake Forest
Advanced cancers require advanced treatment. Peritoneal surface cancers are treated with cytoreductive and debulking surgeries, which means the surgeon removes as much of the cancer possible and scrapes any remaining traces off critical internal organs. Then a warm bath of chemotherapy is suffused in the abdomen, bathing the tissues with cancer fighting medication. This approach has improved the outcome for many peritoneal malignancy patients. Learn more about intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy, or HIPEC.
Clinical Trials for Cervical Cancer
By far, one of the most important advantages to seeking treatment at an academic medical center is our access to the latest clinical trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and other major cancer research institutions. We offer clinical trials for patients with recurrent and metastatic disease, including peritoneal malignancies. Our doctors and staff will walk you through the process of joining a clinical trial and will explain everything you need to know. Learn more about clinical trials at Wake Forest.