Hope Women’s Cancer Center Since 1992, Hope Women's Cancer Center (HWCC) has been dedicated to providing women with the best possible care. The expert physicians at HWCC specialize in gynecologic and breast cancer treatment and feel privileged to provide patients with the latest technology. Our team ensures that each patient has a personalized experience that is best suited to meet their healthcare goals, while providing a comfortable and healing environment to both the patient and their family. Support The team at Hope Women’s Cancer Center offer physical, emotional, and spiritual support throughout the patient’s cancer journey and strive to graciously welcome each woman with a customized plan. To learn more about our support services, please visit here. Find a Provider Services Offered: Chemotherapy Surgery Gynecologic Procedures Exploratory Laparotomy: This surgery involves a 4- to 6-inch vertical or horizontal incision in the lower abdomen, which allows the surgeon to see the female organs and surrounding area. Total Abdominal Hysterectomy: This surgery involves removing the uterus and cervix. Lymph nodes in the pelvis and abdomen may also be removed to see if they contain cancer cells. Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy: This surgery is usually performed with a hysterectomy and involves removing the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Vaginal hysterectomy: This surgery involves an incision in the vagina and removal of the uterus through the vagina. Radical hysterectomy: This surgery also removes the uterus along with the tissues next to the uterus and the upper part (about one inch) of the vagina next to the cervix. Lymph nodes may also be removed. Tumor debulking: This procedure involves removing as much of the cancer as possible if it has spread to other parts of the pelvis or abdomen. This can improve survival and reduce the amount of cancer to be treated later with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Vulvectomy: This surgery involves removing all or part of the vulva. Lymph nodes near the vulva may also be removed. Vaginectomy: This surgery involves removing all or part of the vagina and surrounding tissues. Lymph nodes in the groin area or inside the pelvis near the vagina may also be removed. Breast Surgery Procedures Lumpectomy: A removal of the breast tumor with approximately 1-2 centimeters of healthy tissue surrounding the tumor. Women who are interested in preserving their breast may be offered this option since this surgery does not require the removal of the entire breast. One of the risks with this surgery is the possibility of needing further surgery (either a wider lumpectomy or a mastectomy if the cancer is not completely removed during the initial surgery). Almost always, after you have a lumpectomy, you will need to have radiation to that side of your chest. Studies have shown that lumpectomies were equal to mastectomies in preventing cancer spread or recurrence. These studies compared lumpectomies that were followed by radiation with a mastectomy. After you have a lumpectomy, you will have an incision 2-4 inches long, which will be closed with a long running stitch. The stitch will stay in for about 2 weeks. (If you also have lymph nodes removed, you will have another incision in the underarm (axillary) area. You may have drains to help remove tissue fluid, whether you have a lumpectomy or mastectomy. See information below regarding drains and drain care. Mastectomy: A removal of the entire breast, but none of the muscle tissue under the breast. The result is a flat chest with a long horizontal incision. Women who are interested in reducing their risk of needing further surgery often pick this surgery option. Radiation is often not needed after a mastectomy, which simplifies a patient’s treatment plan. Drains: A drain is a tube that comes out from the body to drain lymph fluid from your surgery incision into a small bulb. Most breast patients will have a drain, which is held in place with stitches. Drains should be emptied at least twice daily and your hospital nurses should show you or a caregiver how to do this. Second Opinions Counseling Services and Support