We help you determine if the cancer in your family is sporadic, familial or hereditary. This can provide you with the information you need to create a plan for early detection and/or reducing the risk of developing cancer for you or others in your family.
Working in close collaboration with reproductive endocrinologists and other healthcare specialists, Hoag offers options including fertility-preserving surgery and fertility-conserving medication therapy.
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Contact usBeginning around age 21, women should visit their doctor for regular Pap tests. Unless you have an elevated risk of cervical cancer, it’s usually recommended that women between the ages of 21-65 have a Pap test every three years. Treatment options for cervical cancer depend on many factors, including how advanced the cancer is when detected, your age, other health issues you may have, the size of the tumor and whether you wish to have children in the future. At Hoag, we offer the latest treatment options for cervical cancer.
Research to develop a definitive, non-invasive screening test for ovarian cancer is ongoing. Currently, the main tests used to diagnose ovarian cancer are: CA-125 Blood Test, Transvaginal ultrasound, and Surgical biopsy. After diagnosis, your fellowship-trained Hoag gynecologic oncologist will work with you to determine a personalized treatment plan.
Currently, there is no definitive, non-invasive test to screen for uterine cancer. If you have symptoms that suggest uterine cancer, your doctor will talk to you about the issues you are having, followed by a pelvic exam. Other tests or procedures to help diagnose or rule out uterine cancer may include: Transvaginal ultrasound and Endometrial biopsy. Your treatment options for uterine cancer can depend on several factors, including your age, other conditions you may have and how advanced the cancer is at the time of diagnosis. Hoag can help with several treatment options for uterine cancer.
If you have symptoms that might suggest vaginal cancer, your doctor will talk to you about the issues you’re experiencing, followed by a pelvic exam or Pap test to check for infection with HPV, which can cause vaginal cancer. If those tests suggest further investigation, the doctor may refer you for additional tests, including: colposcopy, biopsy, and imaging tests. Treatment options for vaginal cancer depend on many factors, including how advanced the cancer is when detected, your age, other health issues you may have, the size and location of the tumors and whether you wish to have children in the future.
If you have symptoms that might suggest vulvar cancer, your doctor will talk to you about the issues you’re experiencing, followed by a pelvic exam or Pap test to check for infection with HPV, which can cause vulvar cancer. If those tests suggest further investigation, the doctor may refer you for additional tests, including: colposcopy, biopsy, and imaging tests. Treatment options for vulvar cancer depend on many factors, including how advanced the cancer is when detected, your age, other health issues you may have, the size and location of the tumors and whether you wish to have children in the future.
Hoag is a nationally recognized leader in the field of robotic-assisted surgery, recently surpassing 33,000 robotic procedures using the da Vinci® Surgical System. Our fellowship-trained surgical team are expertly trained in complex gynecologic surgery.
First, at Hoag you are not alone. A cancer diagnosis is the start of a significant journey for you, your family and caregivers and we are with you every step of the way. Hoag’s world-class expertise, leading-edge technology and the latest in diagnostic and treatment options for cancer are enhanced by our rich array of empowering resources and services to prepare, assist and comfort you before, during and after cancer treatment.
We encourage you and your family to join our virtual patient and family orientation class to learn more about Hoag Family Cancer Institute. The class provides information, support and will address questions to help you better prepare for your cancer journey.
Orientations are held the 4th Tuesday of each month from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. via ZOOM meeting.
Registration is easy, simply go to our online registration page and explore available dates. Once you find a date that works for you, select ‘register’ and fill out the information form. We encourage you to contact us along the way with any questions at 949-722-6237.
The supportive care and survivorship program at Hoag Family Cancer Institute provides care to enhance your quality of life throughout all stages of treatment and recovery. Our supportive care team provides a dedicated nurse navigator, expert pain and symptom management, tools for your mental and physical wellbeing, and so much more. Our goal is to address your changing needs and support you through your cancer treatment and beyond. Below is a full list of our services:
Hoag Cancer Prevention, High Risk & Early Detection Network
FORCE – Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered is an online advocacy/support community.
Hoag’s Richard J. Flamson Hereditary Program– Genetic Assessment & Testing
Support services are provided without fees to patients who receive their care at Hoag, thanks to community support. If you would like to make a gift of any amount to help ensure the availability of these valuable services, click here.
Hoag is committed to leading the way in state-of-the-art technologies and advanced treatment options. Part of this commitment includes groundbreaking clinical research with the goal of helping patients live longer, healthier lives. Our Cancer Research Program is currently involved in over 100 different trials. These trials focus on immunotherapy, cell therapy, molecular therapy and radiation therapy. As a matter of fact, Hoag was the first hospital in Orange County to offer cell therapy for solid tumors.
Hoag’s Cell Therapy Program will conduct several cell therapy clinical trials, contributing to the development of promising new therapies for some of cancer’s most advanced diseases.
Hoag’s Molecular Imaging & Therapy Program is the only program of its kind in Orange County that builds upon Hoag’s personalized, science-based approach to cancer care. Hoag is helping pioneer the most sensitive imaging methods to date, advancing research and applications of molecular imaging and therapy in the treatment of cancer patients. These trials are expected to play a significant role in cancer detection, individualized treatment and drug development. The future of cancer detection and therapy is offered today at Hoag.
Through carefully planned clinical trials, researchers evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases or conditions. Treatments studied in clinical trials might be new drugs or new combinations of drugs, new surgical procedures or devices, or new ways to use existing treatments.
Below are links to our current gynecologic cancer clinical trials. Contact us to see if a trial is right for you by calling 949-536-7332.
At Hoag, our clinical research team is committed to excellence in research and a continuing commitment to protect the interests and well-being of patients.
For more than 25 years, Hoag's fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologists have cared for more women with female cancers on a yearly basis than any other practice in Orange County. We are the leaders in Southern California for treating all gynecologic cancers, in an intimate and inclusive setting.
No other group provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for gynecologic cancer —and access to clinical trials— all within the same practice. That means better continuity of care, state-of the art treatment including the latest robotic and advanced endoscopic surgical techniques, and more convenience for patients at a vulnerable time in their lives. We even usher you toward a better quality of life for follow-up and rehabilitative care after treatment is finished.
Our fellowship-trained surgical team members are experts in complex gynecologic surgery. Our surgeons have performed more than 10,000 robotic surgeries using the da Vinci® robots, offering the highest volume and expertise in Orange County.
Medical Director, Hoag’s High Risk Ovarian Cancer Program
Co-Director of Clinical Research Gynecologic, Oncology
John V. Brown, MD, FACOG, FACS, has been on staff at Hoag Hospital since 1990. He is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology as well as gynecologic oncology. Dr. Brown completed a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at UCLA after a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Washington and attended medical school at the University of Kansas.<br><br>As co-director of Gynecologic Oncology and chair of the Robotics Committee at Hoag, Dr. Brown has been performing robotic procedures since 2006. He is committed to minimally invasive procedures and has extensive experience in robotic surgery for early cancers of the ovary as well as endometrial and cervical tumors. Dr. Brown is an AAGL Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery (COERS) designee.<br><br>Dr. Brown is a former Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at both the University of California, Los Angeles, and at the University of Southern California. He has been the author or co-author on many publications and has spoken at national medical meetings regarding the benefits of robotic surgery. Dr. Brown is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American College of Surgeons.
<p class="p1"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dr. Antonio Castaneda has dedicated his life to advancing </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">the treatment of gynecological cancers. He received his </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Medical Degree from the University of Iowa Carver College </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">of Medicine followed by an OB/GYN residency at University </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">of Southern California, Los Angeles. Dr. Castaneda then </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">completed his fellowship in gynecologic oncology at The </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Ohio State University where he trained with some of the </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">leading experts in gynecologic oncology in next-generation </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">cancer care therapeutics.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dr. Castaneda’s interest areas include minimally </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">invasive surgery and targeted therapy, evaluating optimal </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">outcomes with the least amount of toxicity. He believes in </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">comprehensive care incorporating the benefits of proper </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">nutrition and a healthy sleep regimen.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Dr. Castaneda has contributed to numerous book chapters, </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">peer-reviewed publications, and has given several </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">presentations and clinical presentations nationwide. He </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Gynecology, the American Medical Association, and the </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Society of Gynecologic Oncology, among others.</span></p>
Monica Levine, M.D., is a fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologist at Hoag Gynecologic Oncology. Dr. Levine earned her medical degree, graduating summa cum laude, from Saint George’s University in Grenada, West Indies. She went on to complete her residency in obstetrics & gynecology from Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. She then completed a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at The James Comprehensive Cancer Center at The Ohio State University. Before joining Hoag, Dr. Levine was a genetic counselor at the Cancer Risk and Prevention Clinic at the prestigious Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. She also served as a research assistant at Rockefeller University and at New York University, both in New York City. Dr. Levine has numerous contributions to peer-reviewed publications and given a number of clinical presentations. She is a member of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Levine has been awarded multiple academic honors including the “2021 Conquer Cancer Merit Award” and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology’s “2019 Outstanding Resident in Gynecologic Oncology” award. In her spare time, Dr. Levine enjoys spending time with friends and family and being outdoors. She likes to run, ski, hike, enjoys music and art, and loves to travel.
Alberto A. Mendivil, M.D., is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Gynecologic Oncology. He is an AAGL Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery (COERS) designee.<br><br>Dr. Mendivil obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Physiology and Neurosciences from the University of California, San Diego before receiving his medical degree at the University of Utah School of Medicine. His internship and residency training were in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Mendivil completed his fellowship training in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.<br><br>As co-director of Hoag Gynecologic Oncology and Complex Pelvic Surgery, Dr. Mendivil has extensive training in all aspects of gynecologic surgery including advanced laparoscopy and robotics. He has a particular interest in minimally invasive surgical staging of gynecologic cancers and fertility-sparing cancer surgery using the da Vinci® robot. Dr. Mendivil also leads the gynecologic cancer clinical trials at Hoag Family Cancer Institute.<br><br>Dr. Mendivil has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications, clinical research studies, poster presentations and book chapters. He is a member of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, American College of Surgeons, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Hoag’s Precision Medicine Program combines genomics and genetics to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. Using the latest advances in genomic technologies, targeted therapies and research, our precision medicine program brings together a multidisciplinary team, including a robust genetic counseling group of experts, to provide patients with the latest in innovation and technology.
Hoag Family Cancer Institute provides a dedicated team of genetic counselors that offer hereditary cancer assessment, offering risk assessment and genetic cancer testing to those with a personal or family history of cancer.
Being diagnosed with cancer can feel overwhelming at times. Many patients and their families need help with coping and can benefit from supportive counseling. Oncology Clinical Social Workers are available to provide emotional and practical support during all stages of cancer including diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment survivorship.
Hoag Family Cancer Institute dietitians work closely with patients’ physicians, nurses, therapists, and social workers to ensure complete care.
Newport Beach GYN Oncology 351 Hospital Rd, Suite #507 Newport Beach, CA 92663 USA
Irvine GYN Oncology 16105 Sand Canyon Ave, Suite #160 Irvine, CA 92618 USA
Mission Viejo GYN Oncology 26800 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite #460 Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian
Newport Lido Medical Center
