Gynecologic oncology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating cancers of the female reproductive system. This includes cancers of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, vulva, and fallopian tubes.
The role of a gynecologic oncologist
Gynecologic oncologists are OB/GYNs who have completed specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers affecting the female reproductive system. They combine surgical and medical expertise to deliver comprehensive care. These specialists are skilled in performing advanced surgical procedures, such as minimally invasive robotic surgeries and extensive cytoreductive surgeries. Additionally, they are authorized to administer chemotherapy as part of cancer treatment.
Gynecologic cancers we treat
Gynecologic cancer encompasses all cancers affecting the female reproductive organs. We treat the gynecologic cancer conditions below:
The cervix is the entrance to the uterus from the vagina. Cervical cancer develops when the cells of the cervix transform and start to grow at an uncontrollable rate. These abnormal cells accumulate to form a tumor. Most cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in women under the age of 50 through their regular Pap smear. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of all cancers and because it is typically slow growing, it’s easily treated if caught early.
The two ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. They produce the female sex hormones and an egg each month during your fertile years. Ovarian cancer develops when cells in the ovary grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way. They accumulate to form a tumor which – if not treated – can spread to other areas of the body. At an early stage, ovarian cancer can be difficult to diagnose.
Fallopian tube cancer forms in your fallopian tubes, the ducts that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus in women. Most fallopian tube cancer starts in the same tissue (epithelial tissue) and acts like ovarian cancer and primary peritoneal cancer. Healthcare providers diagnose, treat and manage these cancers similarly.2
Uterine cancer forms in tissues of the uterus (the small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis in which a fetus develops). The two types of uterine cancer are endometrial cancer (cancer that begins in cells lining the uterus) and uterine sarcoma (a rare cancer that begins in muscle or other tissues in the uterus).3
Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that begins in the vagina, where cells grow uncontrollably and can damage healthy tissue. The vagina, part of the female reproductive system, connects the uterus to the outer genitals. While vaginal cancer itself is uncommon, it is more likely for cancer to spread from other areas to the vagina.4
Vulval or vulvar cancer starts as a growth of cells on the vulva. The vulva is the area of skin that surrounds the urethra and vagina. It includes the clitoris and labia and commonly forms as a lump or sore on the vulva that often causes itching. Though it can happen at any age, vulvar cancer is usually diagnosed in older adults.1
Gynecologic oncology treatment and services
Our gynecologic oncologists are equipped with the latest technology and offer a range of advanced cancer treatment options, including:
Surgery
Cancer surgery focuses on removing tumors and surrounding tissue to treat or prevent cancer spread. Minimally invasive methods reduce recovery time, with additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation often following surgery. The goal is effective treatment and recovery.5
Surgical Oncology
Surgical oncology focuses on surgery to diagnose, stage and treat cancer, and to manage some cancer-related symptoms. Whether a patient is a candidate for cancer surgery depends on factors such as the type, size, location, grade and stage of the tumor.7
Radiation oncology uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. It’s used in the early stages of cancer treatment or after it has started to spread. The goal of radiation therapy is to deliver precise doses of radiation to the tumor while minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissues.
High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a treatment where a high dosage, medically calibrated, radioactive pellet or seed is placed directly into a tumor. We sometimes use HDR brachytherapy alongside other treatments such as surgery or other types of radiation therapy, and we can provide a “boost” of radiation to a tumor while limiting damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.
LDR brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy that involves placing a small, medically calibrated radioactive pellet or seed that releases radiation directly into a tumor.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells by stopping their growth or division. It is often combined with surgery or radiation to shrink tumors, eliminate remaining cancer cells, or manage advanced cancers and symptoms.6
Find a center near you
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/what-is-prostate-cancer.html
- https://www.cancer.gov/types/bladder
- https://www.cancer.gov/types/urethral/patient/urethral-treatment-pdq
- https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/testicular-cancer
- https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/kidney-cancer
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/prostate-laser-surgery/about/pac-20384874#
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tumt/about/pac-20384886
- https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/eau-claire/services-and-treatments/surgery/robotic-surgery
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/kidney-stones/extracorporeal-shock-wave-lithotripsy-eswl
- https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/minimally-invasive-surgery