Gynecological Oncology & Surgery Center
Renowned GYN Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment in Southern California
Institute for Women's Services: 626-898-8198
USC Arcadia Hospital is one of the leading healthcare providers in Southern
California, a responsibility we take very seriously. A big part of what
makes our services so well-recognized is the specialized care we provide
for complex medical issues. Learning you are diagnosed with a gynecological
cancer is not easy to hear, but this is not something you have to go through
alone. At the GYN Oncology Institute, we aim to not only treat the condition
but the patient as a whole. Here, patients are treated by a compassionate
and highly skilled medical team in a relaxed atmosphere.
The institute is led by Medical Director Alan Schlaerth, MD and Physician
Assistant Pia Khuu. Dr. Schlaerth is an accomplished oncologist with more
than 20 years of experience. He has a proven track record of effective
treatment and outstanding patient care. Backed up by Pia, who holds a
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and has more than 10
years of experience, Dr. Schlaerth guides patients through this difficult
time and gives them the best treatments possible.
Gynecologic Surgeries
When cancer is found before it has a chance to spread (metastasize), an
oncologist will often recommend surgery to remove the tumor and destroy
cancer cells. There are numerous operations that may be used depending
on the type of cancer:
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Ovarian Cancer Surgery - Ovarian cancer surgeries include hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy,
and omentectomy. These operations involve the removal of various reproductive
organs and may impact fertility. Your doctor will discuss this with you
before the operation and discuss ways to preserve fertility if possible,
provided that is a concern for you. Ovarian cancer surgery may be performed
even after cancer has spread as removing the bulk of the tumor has been
shown to increase survival rates.
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Cervical Cancer Surgery - If found in the very early stages when it has only affected the surface
of the cervix, cervical cancer can be treated with minimally invasive
treatments. These include cryosurgery to freeze the cancer cells, and
laser surgery to zap the cells with intense light. If cancer has spread
to deeper layers of the surgery, a total, partial, or vaginal hysterectomy
may be required. Removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries (bilateral
salpingo-oophorectomy) is another possible treatment.
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Endometrial Cancer Surgery - Endometrial cancer is almost always treated with surgery. Possible procedures
include hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and lymph node removal.
After surgery you will be kept for observation for several hours, an overnight
stay may or may not be required. If your operation involved the removal
of ovaries then menopause will begin. The doctor can help you manage these symptoms.
We Are Here for You
Cancer and its treatment can be strenuous both emotionally and physically.
Our team is here to help you however we can. We offer our patients access
to support groups, counseling, and pain management services. Though treating
cancer is a major accomplishment, we do not shut the door on our patients
when it's finished.
The GYN Oncology Institute is located at 300 W. Huntington Drive in Arcadia.
You can reach us by phone at 626-898-8198.