Gynecologic oncology is a specialized medical department that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing cancers affecting women’s reproductive organs.
Gynecologic oncology is a specialized medical department that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing cancers affecting women’s reproductive organs. The sub-specialty of the department combines expertise in oncology, which deals with cancer, with gynecology, which details the health of the female reproductive system.
Gynecologic oncologists are highly educated physicians who use a variety of treatment modalities, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies, to treat gynecologic cancer types.
Gynecologic oncology focuses on cancer types occurring in the woman’s reproductive system. There are several main cancer types that affect women’s reproductive organs, such as the uterus, vagina, ovaries, etc. Women should note that all women have the risk of having gynecologic cancer. Therefore, if you experience any related symptoms, you should see an oncology gynecologist immediately.
Visible signs of cervical cancer generally occur in later stages. For instance, patients generally do not observe stage I cervical cancer symptoms. They often experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or pain during sexual intercourse in later stages. Your gynecologist or oncologist may perform a Pap test (a Pap smear) for early detection of cervical lymph node cancer. In addition to the Pap test, you may also perform HPV DNA testing, colposcopy, and biopsy for cervical cancer diagnosis.
Cervical cancer stages are classified from Stage 0 (precancerous) to Stage IV (cancer has spread beyond the pelvis).
Uterine polyps cancer symptoms include vaginal bleeding after menopause, pelvic pain, and abnormal uterine bleeding. These warning signs of uterine cancer should immediately prod you into action, and you should see your gynecologic oncology doctor.
To detect the cancer type, your doctor may perform a pelvic examination, a transvaginal ultrasound, and an endometrial biopsy. After these tests, your doctor will inform you about which endometrial cancer stage you have. For example, the stages range from Stage I (cancer confined to the uterus) to Stage IV (spread to distant organs).
GTD is a situation in which abnormal cells start developing in the womb in an abnormal way. In this disease, women experience irregular vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, severe nausea, and vomiting. To detect the disease, your gynecology and gynecologic oncology doctor will perform tests such as high levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), ultrasound, and biopsy. The stages of the disease can be benign or widespread metastatic.
Ovarian cancer is a cancer type involving the growth of cancer cells in the ovaries. Stage 1 ovarian cancer symptoms can be mild, and women generally cannot recognize the disease. On the other hand, in the later stages, women experience bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, and urinary symptoms. Lastly, women may also experience odd symptoms of ovarian cancer, like early satiety, heightened fatigue, etc.
Ovarian cancer test techniques such as pelvic examination, imaging tests (ultrasound, CT scans), biopsy, and the CA-125 blood test for ovarian cancer can be performed to diagnose the disease.
Uterine sarcoma is a gynecological cancer type that develops in the muscle and supporting tissues of the uterus. Women generally observe abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, a mass or growth in the uterus, and frequent urination. If you have any symptoms, you should contact our clinic, located in Turkey, and start your treatment without wasting time.
Your gynecological oncology doctor may perform a pelvic exam, imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans, and a surgical biopsy.
Vaginal cancer is a rare form of cancer that originates in the cells lining the vagina. The cancer is characterized by rapid multiplication and the potential invasion of healthy tissue. Vaginal cancer symptoms are generally vaginal bleeding not associated with menstrual periods, painful urination, pain during intercourse, a vaginal cancer lump, etc. If you experience any signs and symptoms of vaginal cancer, you should immediately seek medical care.
After evaluating your symptoms of vaginal cancer, to detect the disease and the stage of the cancer, your doctor may perform a pelvic exam, a pap test, a biopsy, and imaging tests for more detailed views.
This is a cancer type known as vaginal skin cancer that occurs in an external part of the vagina. Patients may experience symptoms such as itching, pain, or tenderness in the vulva, changes in vulvar skin color or thickness, and a vulvar cancer or wound that does not heal. In Stage 1, vulvar cancer symptoms can be observed. Therefore, it is important for women to check their body and vagina regularly for early-stage vulvar cancer detection and treatment options.
To diagnose the cancer type and its stage, your doctor can perform a physical examination, a biopsy of the vulvar tissue, and imaging tests to assess its spread.
Gynecologic oncology Doctors perform tests such as pelvic examination, Pap tests, ultrasound, imaging tests, or biopsy to diagnose cancer type and stage. According to the overall health of the patient, doctors may recommend specific treatment plans. These gynecological cancer treatment plans can be summarized as follows:
Surgery for gynecological cancers involves removing cancerous tissues and may include procedures ranging from tumor excision to the removal of entire organs affected by cancer.
Chemotherapy utilizes powerful medications to target and kill cancer cells. It is often used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells.
Radiation therapy employs high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. This treatment precisely targets the affected area to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues, and it is frequently used in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy for comprehensive cancer treatment.
The five primary gynecological cancers are ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer (also known as endometrial cancer), vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. As different types of cancer affect different parts of the female reproductive system, each type has different symptoms and treatment approaches.
If you need to get a gynecological cancer treatment, you can consider our clinic in Turkey, which offers high-quality medical care at competitive prices, making it an attractive destination for patients seeking affordable and effective cancer treatments.
Gynecologic oncology doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating cancers that affect women's reproductive systems, including ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. They employ a range of treatments, from surgery and chemotherapy to radiation therapy. Beyond direct cancer care, gynecologic oncologists also provide comprehensive follow-up, manage side effects related to treatments, and work closely with patients and their families to support recovery and maintain quality of life.
Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer occurring on the external, skin, or part of the vagina. When it is detected early, it is highly treatable. Treatment options such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy have been successful in managing and eliminating the disease. Of course, the success rate depends on the cancer stage and the overall health of the patient. The effectiveness of these treatments, combined with regular follow-up care, significantly enhances the potential for a positive outcome and long-term survival.
