DONATEgynae oncology services
Overview
What is Gynecological Cancer ?
Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that begins in a women’s reproductive organs. Any woman is at risk for developing gynecologic cancer.
Gynaecological cancer includes
Cervical
Ovarian
Endometrial(Uterine)
Fallopian tube
Vagina
Vulval cancer
Of all gynecological cancers, cervical cancers can be detected early by screening (PAP’s test). Effective vaccination is available for cervical cancer prevention.
symptoms of gynecological cancers
- Vaginal bleeding after sex
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Spotting or bleeding between periods
- Heavier or longer heavier menstrual periods than the usual
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Other abnormal vaginal discharge
- Precocious puberty
- Hirsutism
- Swelling or ulcer over vulva
- Nodes in groin area
- Swelling lower limb
DIAGNOSIS AND INVESTIGATIONS
All the patients coming to OPD are examined thoroughly, clinically staged and triaged as per their disease status. The following tests and investigations are performed in the OPD:
- PAP smear, HPV testing including high risk m-RNA E6, E7
- Colposcopy and directed biopsies
- Cervical biopsies and smears such as vault smear and vulvar smear
- Endometrial aspiration
- Ultrasound abdomen and pelvis is basic investigation.
- CT scan of abdomen, MRI of lower abdomen depending on the site and cancer to be evaluated.
- PET scan in selected cases.
- Tumor markers—CA-125, CEA
Minor of Procedures
A comprehensive minor OT is separately provided for following procedures:
- Biopsies such as vulvar biopsy, cervical biopsy and vaginal wall biopsy, resuturing, antiseptic dressing for all reconstructive surgeries
- Cryocautery and electrocautery for preinvasive cervical lesions (CIN I, CIN II) or persistent cervical erosions.
major of procedures
We have one of the most advanced operating suites in the country providing state of the art facility for a wide variety of oncological surgeries
treatment of gynaecological cancer
Some common types of treatment options involve Surgery, Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy.
Different types of doctors are involved in treating this condition:
- Gynecologic oncologist: A surgeon who specializes in curing female related cancers by surgical procedures.
- Radiation oncologist uses radiation therapy for treating different types of cancer, including cervical cancer.
- Medical oncologist uses chemotherapy and other procedures like targeted therapies for treating cervical cancer.
minimal access surgeries
Both laparoscopic and robotic surgeries are routinely performed. We have the largest series of robotic surgeries done for gynecological cancers like ca cervix and ca endometrium, especially suited for very obese, diabetic and hypertensive patients.
LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY
- B/L Oophorectomy
- Oopheropexy
- Laparoscopic hysterectomy with B/L salpingo-opherectomy
- Disease diagnosis when there is doubt between disseminated peritoneal surface malignancies and abdominal tuberculosis
ROBOTIC SURGERIES
- Robotic simple hysterectomy
- Robotic Radical hysterectomy
- Pelvic lymph node dissection
- Completion surgeries
- Secondary cytoreductive surgeries in localized recurrent disease
- Robotic assisted video endoscopic inguinal lymph node dissection
- Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection
major open surgeries
- Staging laparotomies, Primary and Secondary Cytoreductive surgeries for ovarian cancer
- Simple hysterectomy
- Radical hysterectomy for ca cervix
- Pelvic lymph node dissection
- Simple vulvectomy
- Radical vulvectomy
- Inguinal lymph node dissection
Other surgeries performed in the major OT include hysteroscopic procedures like endometrial biopsies, polypectomies and EUA and biopsies for some patients requiring disease assessment and clinical staging.
How is RGCIRC Different?
RGCIRC is Tech savvy and our Gynae oncologists are performing most extensive surgeries.
Challenging cases are discussed in tumor boards.
RGCIRC has the most advanced Molecular lab for stratifying different cancers and planning appropriate treatment.
Gynaecological Cancer Risk Factors
- Tobacco smoking
- Overweight
- HIV infection
- Current or Past Chlamydia infection
- Immune system suppression
- Long-term administration of oral contraceptives
- Having more than three full-term pregnancies
- Being pregnant before the age of 17
- Living in unhygienic conditions
- The family history of Ovarian, breast, colon cancer
Gynaecological Cancer : Prevention
- Know and recognize the warning signals of gynecologic cancers. Report to your gynecologist if you have any of the symptoms.
- Regular Health check ups and Screening. Your doctor will examine you , do PAP test, some blood tests and request an Ultrasound of pelvis and and abdomen.
- Vaccination (HPV) after 12 years up to 25 years.
- Maintain good sexual hygiene
- Follow small family planning norms
- Hold on to one partner.
- If you have a strong family history of cancer, or cancer is occurring at young age or multiple cancers are occurring—must consult a genetic counsellor
DO’s after Surgery
- Keep wound area clean if it was open surgery.
- Pain medication and other medicines for comorbidities to continue as advised by your doctor
- Walk around several times to prevent clots in legs and gas pains
- Eat small frequent meals. Fiber supplement or stool softener if constipation. Laxative if no relief.
- Showers are permitted.
- Return to work in 2 days time after small surgery. It may take 4 to 6 weeks time to return to work after a major surgery.
- ake care of your drains as advised.
- WHEN TO CALL DOCTOR OR PREPONE YOUR SCHEDULE TO HOSPITAL
- Abdominal pain, vomiting
- Breathing difficulty or chest pain.
- Excessive vaginal bleeding or passage of clots
- Urinary problem- burning, urgency, retention
- Nausea and vomiting for more than 24 hrs not relieved with prescribed medicines
- Skin changes around wound- redness, pus discharge
- Swelling of legs
- Fever more than 100 Digrees F
- Foul smelling vaginal discharge
DON'Ts after Surgery
- Strenuous work, Heavy weight lifting, Gym exercises
- Panic if brownish discharge or small vaginal bleeding
- Drive if on opioids or on sedatives
- Long journey to prevent clot formation in legs
- Sexual activity, use of tampons, douching for 6 weeks after major surgery
- Tub bath and swimming
- Self medication with antibiotics and analgesics
Patient may ask to doctor
- What are the risk factors of gynecologic cancers? How is hygiene linked to these cancers?
- Can these cancers be prevented?
- How do you decide about type of treatment. Surgery or RT or CT?
- Who and when should we consult a genetic counsellor?
- How do you confirm the diagnosis?
- How do you stage the disease?
- How do you decide about sequence of treatment?
- How will the treatment affect my later life?
- What is the prognosis in my case?
- Are there any support groups for women cancers?
