Gynecological oncology deals with the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cancers related to female reproductive organs. These cancers include various types of cancer such as uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, vulva cancer and vaginal cancer.

What is Gynecological Oncology? 

Gynecological oncology is a medical branch that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cancers related to women’s reproductive organs. 

Gynecological oncologists provide services for the early diagnosis and treatment of various types of cancer such as uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, cervix cancer, vulva cancer and vaginal cancer. 

What Diseases Does Gynecological Oncology Treat?

Gynecological oncology deals with the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cancers related to female reproductive organs. These cancers include various types of cancer such as uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, vulva cancer and vaginal cancer.

Various techniques such as biopsy, blood tests and radiological imaging methods are used in the diagnosis of gynecological oncology cancers.

Gynecological oncologists apply different treatment approaches depending on the stage, type, spread of the cancer and the general health condition of the patient. These treatment methods include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 

Gynecological oncologists also follow up patients after cancer treatment and take precautions to prevent cancer recurrence or the development of new cancers.

What are the Types of Cancer in the Gynecological Oncology Department?

When we talk about female genital tract cancers, we mean the external genital organs called vulva, vagina (birth canal), cervix, uterine interior and tissue, tubes and ovaries. These types of cancer are of great importance in women’s lives. We can list the most common types of gynecological cancer as follows:

Uterine cancer

The uterus is a very important organ for women. All women are at risk of uterine cancer as long as they have a uterus, and the risk increases with age. Women who have gone through menopause or are approaching menopause have a higher risk of uterine cancer.

To prevent uterine cancer, women need to have regular screening tests and pay attention to a healthy lifestyle. 

Vaginal bleeding more than normal periods is among the most common symptoms of uterine cancer. In addition, bleeding between menstrual periods, continuous bleeding, watery discharge with bad odor, difficulty urinating, severe abdominal pain, and bowel irregularities can be seen as symptoms of uterine cancer. 

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is called a malignant tumor that is common in women with life-threatening conditions. This cancer, which can be seen in one or both ovaries, is quite common in developed countries.

It is possible to learn whether ovarian cysts are benign or malignant as a result of pathological examination. Simple cysts, which are frequently seen in the ovary, may disappear spontaneously within 1-2 months of follow-up. 

30% of those seen after menopause are malignant. Symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal pain, bloating, loss of appetite and weight loss.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs due to HPV infection and can be treated when diagnosed early. Cervical cancer may not show any symptoms in its early stages. However, in advanced stages, complaints such as painful sexual intercourse, bleeding and vaginal discharge may be observed.

To protect against cervical cancer, having regular smear tests and getting the HPV vaccine are one of the most important steps. Additionally, it is necessary to consult a specialist gynecological oncology doctor when any suspicious symptoms occur.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an important disease that occurs when tissue similar to the inner layer of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis and prevent pregnancy.

Endometriosis is a disease that can last from a person’s first menstrual period until menopause. The cause of endometriosis is not fully known. However, although there is no cure, its symptoms can be treated with medications or, in some cases, surgery. 

Vulva cancer

Vulva Cancer is a type of cancer related to the reproductive system of women. It is often seen in post-menopausal women. The vulva is the outer region of the female genital organs, and vulvar cancer is a type of cancer caused by abnormal growth in cells in this area. Early diagnosis of this type of cancer is very important.

The most common complaint in patients is persistent itching in the external genital organs despite treatments. Symptoms include swelling in the vulva, mass, pain, bleeding, bloody discharge, wound, and pain during urination or sexual intercourse.

What are the treatment methods applied in the Gynecological Oncology Department?

The methods used in gynecological oncology treatment may vary depending on the type of cancer, its stage and the general health status of the patient. Therefore, a different treatment plan must be created for each patient. However, some commonly used methods in the treatment of gynecological oncology are:

Vulvectomy

Vulvectomy is the surgical removal of the female genital area called the vulva. This procedure is generally performed in cases of serious vulvar cancer or as a result of chronic pain or infections in the vulvar area.

Vulvectomy is usually performed by removing the entire area or only part of it. In some cases, muscles, lymph nodes and other tissues may also come out during the vulvectomy procedure. 

Vulvectomy is performed under general anesthesia. The processing time usually takes between 1-2 hours.

After the vulvectomy procedure, women may have side effects such as difficulty urinating, loss of sexual function, risk of infection and severe pain. Therefore, when vulvectomy is required, patients generally need to be followed carefully before and after surgery.  

Appropriate treatment methods are applied for pain control, infection prevention and management of other problems.

Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a procedure performed to detect abnormal cells in cervical cancer screening tests. This procedure is performed during the examination to examine the cervix more closely with a special tool called a colposcope. 

Colposcopy is an important method for the early diagnosis of cervical cancer. With this method, it is possible to detect abnormal cells such as pre-cervical lesions and cervical cancer. 

After colposcopic examination, in case of abnormal cells, doctors can perform a biopsy to determine whether the cells are cancerous.

Surgical treatment

Surgical intervention can be performed to prevent the spread of cancer and to remove cancerous tissue. These surgeries are performed open or laparoscopically.

Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy

It is applied to eliminate cancer cells using high-energy rays. Radiotherapy can be applied as external radiation therapy or internal radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy aims to treat cancer using drugs that prevent the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used together with other treatment methods.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy treatment method is applied to treat cancer using drugs that enable the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

More than one method can be used together in gynecological oncology treatment. The combination of these methods may vary depending on the patient’s health status and the characteristics of the cancer.