Gynecological Oncology

Types of Gynecological Cancer

• Cervical Cancer: The cancer originates within the cervix and develops from the cells lining it. It is commonly caused by HPV infection and can metastasise throughout the body. The patient does not usually experience any symptoms initially.
• Ovarian Cancer: The cancer develops from the ovarian cells and tissues. 1 out of every 78 women are at the risk of developing ovarian cancer. It has been listed as the 8th most cancer-affecting women across the globe.
• Uterine Cancer: The malignancy originates within the uterus and is broadly classified into two different types - endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. The former is quite common whereas the latter is very rare.
• Vaginal Cancer: The condition is marked by the abnormal growth of cells and tissues that line the vaginal walls. The condition is more common in older women and is linked with HPV infection.
• Vulvar Cancer - The malignancy is quite uncommon and involves the vulva, which includes labia major and labia minora. It accounts for 0.6 per cent of all malignancies affecting women.

When should you consider seeing our experts?

Gynecological cancers can manifest in different ways, primarily depending on the type of malignancy and its stage. You should consider seeing our experts if you experience any of the following:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Abdominal bloating and pain
• Unusual pressure in the pelvic area and bladder
• Unintended weight loss and reduced appetite
• Persistent nausea and indigestion

How we diagnose you

The first step in effective gynaecological cancer treatment is accurate diagnosis. Our Cancer Care Facility is outfitted with cutting-edge diagnostic technology for the detection and evaluation of gynaecological malignancies. These could include:

• Physical examination and evaluation of the patients medical history. Based on these and the symptoms that you are experiencing, our experts may recommend further tests to confirm the diagnosis.
• Imaging: Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans are examples of imaging testing that are utilised to see the reproductive organs and identify any abnormalities.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is the surgical removal of a tiny sample of tissue for laboratory investigation. It aids in determining whether a suspicious region is malignant and offers vital information about the cancer's nature and aggressiveness.
• Molecular testing can provide valuable information about specific genetic alterations or markers that may influence treatment options and outcomes. It aids in the development of targeted medications and personalised treatment programmes.

Treatment

To design individualised treatment regimens for each patient, our gynaecological oncology team employs a comprehensive approach. Treatment options could include:

• Surgery: Surgery is an important part of the treatment of gynaecological malignancies. Our trained gynaecological oncology surgeons undertake a variety of treatments, including hysterectomy, oophorectomy (ovaries removal), and ovarian removal. To remove tumours and damaged tissues, lymph node dissections are used.
• Radiation Therapy: It employs high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours. It can be used alone or in conjunction with surgery and/or chemotherapy. Advanced approaches, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and brachytherapy, enable precision targeting while causing the least amount of damage to healthy tissues.
• Chemotherapy: It is the use of strong medications to eradicate cancer cells throughout the body. It can be given before or after surgery, or it can be used as the primary treatment for advanced or recurrent gynaecological malignancies. Our medical oncologists customise chemotherapy regimens based on the kind of cancer and the unique characteristics of each patient.
• Targeted Therapy: It is the use of drugs that specifically target cancer cells while minimising side effects. These treatments have the potential to be especially beneficial for some forms of gynaecological malignancies, such as ovarian cancer.