Gynecologic oncology

Gynecologic oncology is a field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of precancerous conditions, benign and malignant tumors of the female reproductive system. A gynecologist-oncologist specializes in diseases of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and vulva.

At the Oxford Medical medical center in Kyiv, gynecologic oncological diseases are treated by experienced gynecologists and oncological surgeons. For accurate diagnosis, modern GE Revolution Maxima CT and GE SIGNA Champion 1.5 T MRI scanners are used, which help assess the extent of the tumor and plan further treatment.

In the surgical department, equipped with expert-class equipment, minimally invasive and open operations are performed. After the intervention, patients stay in a comfortable inpatient facility under round-the-clock supervision of medical personnel.

To schedule an appointment with a gynecologist-oncologist at Oxford Medical, call the contact center or leave use the online appointment form on the website.

Doctors at Oxford Medical note: the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean a malignant tumor, but requires determining the cause. It is especially important not to ignore bloody discharge after menopause, even if it occurred only once and was minor.

Regular preventive examinations play an important role in maintaining women's health, even in the absence of complaints. At Oxford Medical, patients can undergo a gynecological Check-up — a comprehensive examination that helps assess the condition of the reproductive system and detect possible disorders in a timely manner.

A gynecologic oncologist treats precancerous conditions, benign growths with a risk of malignant transformation, and oncological diseases of the female reproductive system.

The main oncological diseases of the female genital organs treated by a gynecologic oncologist include:

• cervical cancer;

• cancer of the uterine body (endometrium);

• ovarian and fallopian tube cancer;

• vaginal cancer;

• vulvar cancer;

• precancerous conditions — high-grade cervical dysplasia, atypical endometrial hyperplasia.

If malignant tumors of the female genital organs are diagnosed, the extent of treatment depends on the type of neoplasm, its stage, and its spread. When choosing treatment, the woman's age, general state of health, and reproductive plans are also taken into account. When appropriate indications are present, organ-preserving operations may be performed, which in some cases allow the possibility of pregnancy to be preserved.

It is advisable to bring the results of previous examinations, if available, to an appointment with a gynecologic oncologist. This will help the doctor obtain more complete information about the patient's health condition during the first consultation.

The consultation takes place in several stages:

• Medical history taking. The doctor clarifies complaints, menstrual cycle characteristics, previous diseases and operations, and cases of oncological diseases in the family.

• Gynecological examination. The doctor examines the external genital organs, vagina, and cervix using a gynecological speculum. The doctor also carefully palpates the uterus and ovarian areas to detect possible lumps, enlargement of organs, or tenderness.

• Analysis of diagnostic results. The doctor reviews available medical reports and determines whether additional examinations are needed.

• Discussion of treatment. The doctor explains possible methods of therapy, indications for surgical intervention, expected results, and the risks of each option.

If the diagnosis has already been confirmed, the doctor may develop a treatment plan during the first visit. In other cases, it is first necessary to complete the examinations.

Diagnosis in gynecologic oncology is aimed at detecting neoplasms and determining their nature and extent. Examinations are carried out in stages: first, the condition of the organs of the female reproductive system is assessed, then the detected changes are clarified, and, if necessary, the stage of the disease is determined.

Main diagnostic methods:

• Pelvic ultrasound — allows assessment of the condition of the uterus, endometrium, and ovaries, detection of neoplasms and changes in tissue structure;

• Pap test — helps detect precancerous and malignant changes in cervical cells;

• high-risk HPV testing — determines the presence of types of human papillomavirus associated with the development of cervical cancer;

• colposcopy — makes it possible to examine the cervix in detail under magnification and identify areas from which material needs to be collected for examination;

• hysteroscopy — allows examination of the uterine cavity from the inside and, when indicated, performance of a targeted endometrial biopsy;

• biopsy with histological examination — is used to establish the type of neoplasm and confirm the malignant nature of the tumor;

• CT and MRI — help determine the size and extent of the tumor, assess the condition of neighboring organs and lymph nodes, and detect possible metastases;

• laboratory blood tests, including tests for the CA-125 tumor marker and others when indicated, — provide additional information for assessing the patient's condition and the disease.

Not all of the listed procedures are necessary for every woman. The Pap test and HPV testing are mainly used for screening for cervical pathology. Ultrasound helps detect suspicious growths but does not allow their malignant nature to be reliably established. Tumor markers also cannot independently confirm or rule out cancer.

Doctors at Oxford Medical note: histological examination of tissues usually plays a decisive role in confirming the diagnosis. According to the recommendations of the National Cancer Institute, biopsy is one of the main methods for confirming a malignant process. After obtaining the results, the doctor prescribes additional examinations if necessary to determine the extent of the disease and plan treatment.

The cost of a gynecologic oncologist consultation at Oxford Medical may vary. The clinic employs experienced doctors with high qualifications and many years of experience in diagnosing and treating gynecologic oncological diseases. You can view the current consultation prices here.

To schedule an appointment with a gynecologic oncologist in Kyiv at a convenient time for you, call the Oxford Medical contact center or use the online appointment form on the website.

The information is for informational purposes only and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• World Health Organization

• National Cancer Institute — Cervical Cancer Treatment

• National Cancer Institute — Endometrial Cancer Treatment