Gynecological Oncology
The diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the gynecological system include gynecological oncology, which includes the ovaries, endometrium, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, peritoneal, vaginal and vulva.
The gynecologic oncologists will work with the rest of your care team to provide you with treatment that is tailored to your specific needs, reduce side effects, and address issues such as fertility or sexual performance.
Treatment for gynecologic cancers generally begins with a variety of tests and exams, including a pelvic exam, ultrasound, imaging, and / or lab tests. These procedures and tests can help the gynecologic oncologist determine the type of reproductive cancer and its stage to better develop a specific treatment plan For that Book Doctor Appointment online now
Gynecologic oncologists are trained to treat gynecologic malignancy using a variety of tools and technologies, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. These therapies are designed and delivered with the intention of treating disease as it emerges from healthy tissue.
Surgery is often the first line of treatment for many gynecologic cancers. The type of surgery depends on the type of gynecological cancer, its stage, and the reproductive problems of the patient. Below are the types of surgery that can be done to treat gynecologic cancers.
Gynecologic cancers affect a woman’s reproductive organs, including the uterus, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina, and vulva. Each year, approximately 82,000 women are diagnosed with cancer of the reproductive organs, including ovarian cancer and cervical cancer.
Who is a gynecologic oncologist?
Gynecologic Oncologists are physicians committed to the comprehensive treatment of women with these cancers. Gynecologic oncologists are trained not only as skilled surgeons who can perform extensive cancer surgeries, but also to prescribe appropriate chemotherapy and radiation therapy when necessary.
Research
Our department participates in nationally recognized interdisciplinary programs supported by the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center to promote research and training to find the best approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The research includes clinical trials for ovarian cancer, chemotherapy resistance, gynecologic cancers, and human papillomavirus (HPV), which examine the development of cervical dysplasia or cancer. Ongoing clinical research is focused on the epidemiological evaluation of gynecological cancers.
Our physicians are members of the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), a multi-agency clinical research group funded by the NCI, and participants in other major collaborative trial groups. The association offers our patients the opportunity to participate in innovative clinical trials with the latest and most promising chemotherapeutic treatments, including novel and targeted biologic agents.
Innovative treatment options
Your doctor will talk to you about a wide range of innovative and effective treatment options. Gynecologic oncologists at Mayo Clinic specialize in complex laparoscopic and robotic procedures, surgeries to preserve fertility, and procedures to reduce the risk of inherited cancer syndromes:
Advanced laparoscopic surgery. It is a less effective invasive technique that has been shown to lead to shorter hospital stays, less discomfort, and shorter recovery periods.
Robotic surgery. This procedure has the same advantages as advanced laparoscopy and allows surgeons to operate with greater precision and precision while minimizing injury to the surrounding tissues.
Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). This radiation technique is used to treat advanced cancers that have spread from a localized but not original tumor site; otherwise, there are no treatment options. In IORT, the devices are brought directly into the operating room and a high dose of radiation is delivered directly to the cancer site during surgery. The Mayo Clinic is one of only 10 medical centers in the world that offer this treatment option.
Intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This method involves administering chemotherapy directly to the abdomen to treat ovarian cancer. Research from the National Cancer Institute has shown that intraperitoneal chemotherapy may provide a better survival benefit compared to intravenous chemotherapy.
Genetic counseling
If you have an inherited disease such as cancer, you may want to speak with a genetic counselor to help you understand your risks and risk management options. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may have questions about the risk of other cancers in your body and the risk of cancer in your family members. Genetic counseling focuses on the prevention of risk factors. It includes a complete evaluation of the family medical history, genetic testing (if applicable), and further recommendations.
