OVERVIEWGynaecologic Oncology is a specialised discipline that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancers of the female reproductive system. This includes cancers of the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, vulva, and vagina.
Cervical cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer are the most common gynaecological cancers seen among Indian women. These cancers are associated with various risk factors, including chronic HPV infection, smoking, compromised immunity, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet habits, personal or family history, and more.
At HCG, we boast an expert team that includes some of the best gynae oncologists in India, who excel at treating gynaecological cancers using multiple treatment approaches, namely surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy.
Types
Cervical cancer
occurs in the cervical lining.
Ovarian cancer
occurs in the ovarian cells.
Uterine cancer, or endometrial cancer,
forms in the lining of the endometrium.
Vaginal cancer
arises in the vaginal lining.
Vulvar cancer
arises in the vulva (the outer part of the female genitals).
Fallopian tube cancer
occurs in the fallopian tube, which connects the ovaries to the uterus.
Management of Gynaecological Cancers
Gynaecological cancer management requires a personalised approach based on symptoms and medical history. Diagnosis involves various tests, leading to a customised treatment plan.
Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancers
There are multiple testing methods available for the detection and diagnosis of gynaecological cancers:
Medical History Assessment and Physical Exam:
Doctors study the patient’s medical history and conduct a pelvic exam to check for signs of gynaecological cancer.
Pap Test:
A screening test commonly recommended for cervical cancer that involves collecting cells from the cervical lining and examining them for signs of cancer.
Biopsy:
Involves collecting a small amount of tissue from the suspected area and examining it under a microscope for the presence of cancer cells.
Lab Tests:
Recommended to determine the levels of specific tumour markers and other indicators of tumour growth and assess the functions of critical organs.
Imaging Scans:
Tests like ultrasound, MRI, and PET-CT scans help doctors obtain detailed structures of the organs in the pelvic region and determine if there are any tumour growths.
Treatment for Gynaecological Cancers
While detecting the presence of cancer cells is extremely crucial, precise treatment aimed at a faster recovery is equally imperative.
Surgery is the main treatment for gynaecological cancers. Oncosurgeons remove tumours and organs if necessary. Open or minimally invasive surgery may be used, depending on severity. Key surgical approaches include:
Wide Local Excision:
Removal of the tumour with a small portion of the surrounding tissue (margin).
Debulking Surgery or Cytoreductive Surgery:
Removal of as much cancer growth as possible, followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Total Hysterectomy:
Removal of the uterus and cervix.
Radical Hysterectomy:
Removal of the uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina, and sometimes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and nearby lymph nodes.
Salpingo-Oophorectomy (unilateral/bilateral):
Removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Omentectomy:
Removal of the omentum, a thin flap of abdominal tissue.
Lymph Node Removal:
Removing lymph nodes that may be affected by cancer.
Organ Preservation Surgery:
Removal of the tumour with a small margin of healthy tissue, sparing the organ.
Reconstructive Surgery:
Restoring the structure and function of removed organs or body parts.
Radiation therapy uses high-intensity radiation beams to kill cancer cells, and it may be administered externally or internally. Radiotherapy is often recommended with surgery or chemotherapy to enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
Unlike surgery and radiation therapy, which are localised cancer treatments, systemic therapies work by targeting cancer cells throughout the body. The following systemic therapies are employed to manage gynaecological cancers:
Chemotherapy:
Using potent anticancer drugs to destroy cancer cells and stop them from spreading.
Immunotherapy:
Stimulating the patient's own immune system to recognise, attack, and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
Targeted Therapy:
Targeting the specific genes and protein molecules that are responsible for the formation and growth of cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy:
Blocking the production of specific hormones that are responsible for cancer growth, particularly for hormone-sensitive cancers, such as ovarian and endometrial cancers.
