Dr. Steven Vasilev
Gynecologic Oncology
Los Angeles, CA
39 years experience male
Locations
Office
Los Angeles, CA
About
Bio
In brief I was born in California but raised with strong European roots. I knew I wanted to be in health care since I was about eight and actually started out in chiropractic school, but having already been involved in cancer research I didn't think this would get me where I wanted to go. So, while I maintained an interest in integrative health, I went to medical school, residency and fellowship in a traditional fashion. As a women's health expert and integrative gynecologic oncologist I am a professor, author, and active researcher. As a fellow human, I am a husband, son, father and generally upbeat person who loves to have fun.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Gynecologic Oncology
Integrative Medicine
Licenses
United States: California
Doctor Q&A
39 Answers
2 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Congenital: There are usually benign fluid filled sacs that are located in the kidney as a "cyst". Kidney/renal cysts are pretty common. They are congenital, whi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Very similar: Complementary medicine generally means using techniques which "complement" or help while using standard Western medicine treatment. For example, trea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Genes vs environment: Some of us have better genetic protection than others. A few cancers are purely bad luck because you inherit specific genes. The majority are related... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Depends: If you just had surgery, it can of course be related to pain from that. But this should be decreasing as time goes on. Sometimes infections after sur... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Pretty good: First, if a LEEP is considered for cervical dysplasia, it is GRADE 3 not STAGE 3. Staging is for invasive cancer, so don't confuse them because that i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Usually not: Most gynecologic oncologist are not trained nor offer treatment for breast cancer in the United States. Some have received additional training but fe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old female asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
No it is not: This is a benign growth that can be found on the vulva or in the vagina. It can be hormone sensitive, if someone were taking hormones. It is not cau... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Cancer or possible: A gynecologic oncologist treats women's cancers. If a cancer is diagnosed or suspected, or if a pre-cancer is not going away despite treatment you may... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Maybe but not always: If the results are negative (maybe inflammation only) or "low grade" very early pre-cancer is found, these can be treated by ObGyn. Even those that ar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Not usually: Some gynecologic oncologists and ObGyn doctors have received special training in breast diseases. Most have not, beyond screening and general counsel... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Multiple: The oldest is surgery, either though hysterectomy or myomectomy to remove the fibroids. Sometimes, if internal to the uterus, hysteroscopic resection... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Minimal risk: If you mean risk for cervical cancer because of birth control, it is not increased. Studies have shown some association but it is likely related to se... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Get checked again: If you had HPV on a past test you should followup and get tested again. In women, HPV is a transient infection. In other words it usually goes away un... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Yes: That is part of the surgery. It is relatively easy compared to the other way around. So, yes it is done routinely.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
It depends: Surgery means healing and some pain. The length of recovery depends on surgery via larger incision or minimally invasive or robotic. Any surgery can h... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Unlikely /possible: While large ovarian cysts may put pressure on the bladder and make you go to the bathroom often this is less likely than a bladder infection. First t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 51-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
All possibly related: Ascites can be non cancer related, for example with liver disease. However, if malignant cells have been found in the fluid, it is often related to o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Don't be scared: It is probably nothing serious and is likely an infection of some type if it came on quickly. But don't ignore it and go to the doctor because it, an... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Completely different: Ovarian cancer is cancer of the ovaries, which is usually sporadic or "non-family history" cancer, but can be in about 10-20% of cases. Cervical canc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old female asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Right away: There is no danger with external/clitoral stimulation almost immediately if you feel up to it. The precaution is not to insert anything vaginally, an... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
No it will clear: The vast majority of HPV infections will clear in 6 months on their own; almost all w/in 2 years. If you have it again, it will be due to re-infectio... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Probably go away: HPV is very common but it will go away in most people until reinfection occurs. We know more about progression of HPV changes in the cervix than in th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
PRE-cancer: Dysplasia refers to abnormal cells on the cervical surface that can progress to cancer if ignored. It is usually caused by a virus called HPV. These c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Treatment or screen?: Cervical cancer can be screened for or prevented by using Pap smears and HPV testing. There is also a vaccine. If you have been diagnosed with it, the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Best via diet: The absolute BEST way to get vitamins is through a solid antioxidant anti-inflammatory diet. Even "natural" supplements get processed via heat or enzy... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Only if large: Cervical cancer can be microscopic (very early) or large with a tumor that you can feel on pelvic examination as well as see on ultrasound. So, it ca... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Get blood level: The good news is that you don't have to guess. You can measure your Vitamin D level and then go from there. While most adults can safely tolerate 100... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Yes it is an option: The standard therapy for ovarian cancer initially is still a taxane (usually Taxol) and Carboplatin. However, Abraxane is an effective taxane down th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Fluid irritating: The fluid or blood that comes out of a ruptured cyst irritates the internal skin lining of your body, called the "peritoneum". Your body absorbs it, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Comprehensive Care: Not sure what you're asking but gyn oncologists are trained to treat cancer surgically, use chemo & newer "biological" treatments, as well as reco... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Women's Cancer: Gyn Oncologists are trained in treating gynecologic cancers (mostly uterus, cervix, ovary, vulva/vagina) using surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Not related to ovary: It is not really possible to feel your ovaries unless you had a very large tumor. More likely that a lump in the lower abdomen over the pelvis may be... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
No: Not clear what you mean by "predisposed" but since cervical cancer takes years to develop from normal to precancer to cancer, if you don't have it now... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Biopsy: Although scans and exams and lab tests can be suspicious for cancer, the real proof for solid tumors is through a biopsy. For leukemia it would be a ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Yes there are: The most common cysts are called "physiologic cysts" and are under the influence of your hormones. There are several different types and they can com... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
May not need removal: The vast majority of ovarian cysts during reproductive life come and go on their own. There are various types of physiologic cysts like this. If it i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 52-year-old female asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Perhaps but why?: Any muscle that loses its innervation may atrophy, but in this case there is collateral innervation from a branch of the sciatic (tibial) & possib... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Consider a biopsy: Although most causes are totally benign, if there is abnormal bleeding and an examination shows something that is not completely normal the right answ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Steven Vasilevanswered
Gynecologic Oncology 39 years experience
Second opinion: There are a number of reasons for abnormal uterine bleeding. Each has different treatment options. If your doctor is truly not doing "anything", get a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
32
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Vasilev is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Vasilev is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! I wondered why it hurt so bad every time it ruptured! My ovarian cyst is 2" in diameter and ruptures every couple months. Feels like I'm being stabbed. Now I know why! T...Read More
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thanks a lot doctor
HealthTap member
Thank you, your quick reply made me feel good!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, CA
Graduated 1984MD
Residency
USC KENNETH NORRIS JR CANCER HOSPITAL
Awards
"Best Doctors in America"
Affiliations
Society Of Gynecologic Oncologists
American College Of Surgeons
American College Of Obstetricians And Gynecologists
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
Answer emailed
in 24 hours or less