Gynecologic Oncology
Phone: 863-680-7578
Comprehensive Care For Women With Gynecologic Cancer
Your Central Florida Center for Gynecologic Cancer Care
As specialists in gynecologic cancer, we strive to provide our patients with the latest advancements in the field using modern technology and research, the highest level of expert and compassionate care, and the most comprehensive host of services from consultation to in-office chemotherapy to complex surgical efforts, including robotic surgery.
Our practice is designed with your convenience and efficiency of care in mind. Housed on the 3rd floor of the
Watson Clinic Bella Vista Building location, we can assure easy access to every necessary resource, including
laboratory,
radiology and EKG services, as well as a nearby pharmacy. This allows for a smoother continuity of care while eliminating the need for multiple visits. Additional services like wheelchair assistance make patient visits even more comfortable and welcoming.
We are also affiliated with
Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center which has the largest staff of cancer specialists in Polk County and provides a comprehensive array of services including Hematology/Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Surgical Oncology, and of course Gynecologic Oncology.
diVa® Laser Vaginal TherapydiVa
® is a breakthrough vaginal resurfacing treatment that is designed to address a woman’s most intimate challenges. This quick, comfortable, no downtime solution can be customized to meet a woman’s unique needs and desires. Patients enjoy improvements in vaginal laxity, lubrication, and urinary leakage.
Forever Bare BBL™ from Sciton® is an innovative advancement in hair removal devices providing the patient with a treatment that is thorough, fast, safe and comfortable.
Dr. Logan Blankenship is a
Gynecologic Oncologist who specializes in an array of complex gynecologic issues, including the detection and treatment of gynecologic malignancies such as cancers of the vulva, ovary, uterus and cervix. Dr. Blankenship received her Master of Science in Women’s Health degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL, and her medical degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Florida in Jacksonville, FL, and her fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Texas in San Antonio, TX. She has conducted extensive clinical research on subjects ranging from endometrial cancer to cervical cancer, and has co-authored a number of articles for peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Blankenship is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Ob-Gyn. She is a member of the Western Association of Gynecologic Oncologists, the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Dr. Richard J. Cardosi is a
Gynecologic Oncologist who provides comprehensive care for women with gynecologic malignancies and complex benign gynecologic conditions. He performs a host of services and procedures including radical pelvic surgery, colorectal and genitourinary surgery, placement of mediports, chemotherapy administration and manages the side effects and complications of these treatments.
Dr. Cardosi graduated summa cum laude from Christian Brothers University in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee with a degree in Chemistry. He earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine with high honors. He subsequently relocated to Tampa and received his residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of South Florida, where he also served as Administrative Chief Resident. He went on to complete a subspecialty fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa, while simultaneously acting as an Instructor in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of South Florida where he was responsible for resident education and training.
Dr. Cardosi has authored
many publications in peer reviewed medical journals as well as several review articles and book chapters.
Dr. Cardosi is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Ob-Gyn and Gynecologic Oncology with a Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. He is currently a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, the American Society of Clinical Oncologists and additional local medical societies.
Melissa Good, DNP, APRN is a registered nurse practitioner who works alongside Dr. Richard Cardosi. She graduated from Polk Community College in Winter Haven, FL with her associate of science in nursing degree. Ms. Good then went on to complete a bachelor of science in nursing degree from Chamberlain University College of Nursing in Addison, IL along with her master of science in nursing degree and her doctor of nursing practice.
Ms. Good is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the Polk County Advanced Practice Nurses Association. She has close to 25 years of experience in both outpatient and surgical nursing. She brings added appointment availability to our Gynecologic Oncology patients.
Your Needs Are Our Priorities
Our goal is to be an authoritative source regarding gynecologic cancers by remaining up to date on the latest scientific advances in the field. In doing such, we strive to provide the highest quality care with regards to both cancer outcome and quality of life. We also offer research protocols where appropriate to assure that the most modern approach is available to our patient.
As specialists in gynecologic cancer, we provide these state of the art services with friendly and compassionate staff, and we attempt to address all aspects of cancer care. Dr. Cardosi acts as the primary surgeon if a surgical procedure is required. We administer office chemotherapy (including intraperitoneal therapy) specifically designed for each individual patient , and we are actively involved with any needed radiation therapy through our professional relationship with the radiation oncologist. We promptly and regularly communicate with all referring physicians at initial consultation and throughout treatment as well.
Please call our office to schedule a consultation. Copies of pertinent medical records, test results, and x-rays will be needed. We strive to see all new patients within the week
Dr. Cardosi was the first physician in Polk County to successfully complete a hysterectomy using robotic technology.Gynecologic Cancers Gynecologic malignancies include uterine, ovarian, fallopian tube, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers, primary peritoneal cancer, and gestational trophoblastic disease. These conditions are typically seen in women over the age of 50, but can occur at anytime in a woman's life. Although abnormal vaginal bleeding may be a warning sign for some gynecologic cancers, others (particularly ovarian cancer) have a more vague and non-specific presentation such as abdominal swelling or bloating.
Treatment
The most common treatment for gynecologic malignancies is surgery. This can often be accomplished with minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques, while a more traditional approach is needed at other times. Radiation is occasionally necessary in addition to surgery, and some women can be cured with radiation alone. Chemotherapy is also an important treatment modality for many gynecologic cancers. This is usually administered as an adjunct to surgery or radiation. Treatments are personalized for each individual woman to achieve a maximum tumor response with minimal patient inconvenience and discomfort. Both radiation and chemotherapy are usually administered on an outpatient basis.
Robotic Surgery
One of the most significant advancements in modern medical technology,
robotic surgery, has enabled surgeons to perform a host of procedures in a less invasive manner than ever before. Few surgeons have embraced and excelled in utilizing robotic technology more than Dr. Cardosi.
In fact, he has been ranked among the top 10 nationally with regards to his Gynecologic Oncology robotic experience. Dr. Cardosi was the first physician in Polk County to successfully complete a hysterectomy utilizing robotics. The majority of his surgeries are now completed robotically.
During a robotic procedure, a robot with mechanical arms is positioned at the patient’s bedside. Surgical tools are attached to the arms and inserted through very small dime-sized incisions. Dr. Cardosi remains in complete control of the procedure every step of the way, directing the robotic arms with specialized hand controls while sitting at a console from which he views the operating field in 3-D with high definition optics.
The robotic controls are unrivaled in their precision, resulting in less scarring, less blood loss, and a substantially faster recovery time.
More Information on Gynecologic Cancers:
New Patient Information
Information for Patients Receiving Chemotherapy:
Information for Patients Having Surgery:
Additional Patient Education
Additional Information
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Please call 863-680-7578 for additional information.