Gynecological Oncology
Gynecologic oncologists specialize in the treatment of cancers of the female reproductive organs (cervix, ovary, vulva, or endometrium). These specialists can either be surgeons who have completed a fellowship in gynecology or gynecologists who have completed additional study in oncology.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix or cervical area.
Risk factors for cervical cancer include smoking, human pappilomavirus (HPV) infection, dietary factors, and family history. The pap smear is the tool used most often by gynecologists to screen for cervical cancer; however, confirmation of the diagnosis of cervical cancer or pre-cancer requires a biopsy of the cervix. This is often done through colposcopy, a magnified visual inspection of the cervix. The recent introduction of the HPV vaccination is predicted to dramatically decrease the number of cervical cancer diagnoses in the future.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is cancer of the ovary – found most often in the lining of the ovary or in the egg cells. Ovarian cancer is known as the “silent killer” because it is usually remains undetected until an advanced stage of the disease is present, making it harder to treat and cure. The cause(s) of ovarian cancer still remain unknown. Women who are older or have a family history of the disease are at higher risk.
Symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal pain, an abdominal mass, bloating, back pain, constipation and frequent and/or urgent urination. What makes diagnosis so difficult is that many of these symptoms can occur in women each month during menustration.
Ovarian cancer is suspected by an abnormal physical examination (including a pelvic examination), a blood test (for CA-125,) or from an ultrasound. The diagnosis can be confirmed with a biopsy of the affected area. Treatment for ovarian cancer usually involves chemotherapy and surgery, and sometimes radiotherapy.
Endometrial Cancer
Cancers of the endometrium, or lining of the uterus, are the most common forms of gynecologic cancer. Endometrial cancers most often occur within a few decades of menopause. Women over the age of 50, those who are obese and those who are caucasion also have an increased chance of developing this type of cancer.