- November 16, 2020
Dr. Mitchell Clark Brings Gynecologic Oncology Expertise to Southeastern Connecticut
- November 12, 2020Source: WSAW-TV
Study Finds Cancer Goes Underdiagnosed Among Minorities
- October 13, 2020
Smilow Shares: Fertility, Sexuality, and Menopause
- September 30, 2020
Smilow Shares: HBOC Cancer Risks, Part 1
Gynecologic Oncology
Surgery for previously untreated gynecologic cancer
Conventional laparoscopic and robotic surgery is available to women in need of surgery for uterine cancer, for removal of the uterus, tubes, and ovaries. The surgeries are also offered to women with invasive cervical cancer who require a radical hysterectomy. Laparoscopic surgery is currently under evaluation for women with ovarian cancer to determine whether optimum upfront surgical cytoreduction is possible, or if neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be used.
When possible, preservation of fertility in women with gynecologic cancers is always a priority. We have routinely preserved fertility in women with rare germ cell ovarian cancers. In addition, we perform radical trachelectomies in women with early stage cervical cancer who desire fertility preservation. For women with early stage, low-grade endometrial cancers, hormonal therapy is prescribed.
Chemotherapy Management
Radiation Therapy
Radiology
Pathology
Colposcopy
Surgery for Complications
Surgery for Benign Disease
Sexuality, Intimacy, and Menopause Program
The Sexuality, Intimacy, and Menopause Program is one of the only clinics of its kind in the country. By combining both medical and psychological interventions, it is designed to help women who experience sexual dysfunction after cancer. Sexual dysfunction after cancer is common, however, sexual side effects often go untreated after having successfully treated a patient’s cancer. Our doctors look to manage not only the physical issues, but also any psychological concerns that may arise.
Founded by Dr. Elena Ratner, Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences and Co-Chief for the Section of Gynecologic Oncology, and Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, the clinic began nearly a decade ago. Psychologist Dwain Fehon, PsyD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Chief Psychologist of Psychiatric Services at Yale New Haven Hospital, is a vital member of the team. He and his staff provide essential emotional care that helps improve relationships and personal health.
Sexuality and Intimacy Program
For men and women, sexual dysfunction after cancer is common. The Smilow Cancer Hospital Sexuality and Intimacy Program, the only clinic of its kind in the country, is designed to help them.
Dr. Elena Ratner, Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Co-Chief for the Section of Gynecologic Oncology, and Dr. Stanton Honig, Urologist and Director of the Yale Men’s Health Program, collaborate in order to provide comprehensive care to couples as well as individuals. Sex and intimacy after cancer is largely unstudied. Dr. Ratner is in the midst of a research project to learn how treatment for sexual function affects quality of life for patients and their partners and to explore whether it improves survival. In men, prostate and bladder cancer treatment are most likely to affect sexuality. Dr. Honig works with patients and their physician to help minimize these effects and reclaim their sex lives after cancer.
It is an interdisciplinary program and deals with fertility issues as well as provides counseling. Psychologist Dwain Fehon is a key team member of the Sexuality and Intimacy Program. Also part of the team is Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a gynecologist who specializes in menopause.
Contact Us
For more information or to schedule an appointment with the Gynecologic Oncology Program, please call
Information on cervical cancer with Dr. Gulden Menderes and how to schedule an appointment in New Haven.
Gynecologic Oncology Program Contact
Smilow 1st floor, suite B