DONATEGYNAE-ONCOLOGY CANCER
Overview
At Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, we aim to provide the most scientifically advanced treatment to women diagnosed with or suspected to have any form of gynecological cancer or precancer. We have a team of expert Gynecologic Oncologists who provide dedicated care and support, much required by the cancer patients.
What is Gynae-Oncology Cancer ?
Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that begins in a women’s reproductive organs. Any woman is at risk for developing gynecologic cancer.
Gynae-Oncology Cancer includes:
Cervical
Cancer
Of all gynecological cancers, cervical cancers can be detected early by screening(PAP’s test). Effective vaccination is available for cervical cancer prevention.
Signs and Symptoms of Gynae-Oncology Cancers
- Vaginal bleeding after sex
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Spotting or bleeding between periods
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Heavier or longer heavier menstrual periods than the usual
- Other abnormal vaginal discharge
- Precocious puberty
- Hirsutism
- Swelling or ulcer over vulva
- Nodes in groin area
- Swelling lower limb
Screening and Diagnosis of Gynae-Oncology Cancers
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 OT 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 OT 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 Gynae-Oncology Cancers
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.
Major Open Surgeries
- Simple hysterectomy
- Radical hysterectomy for ca cervix
- Pelvic lymph node dissection
- Simple vulvectomy
- Radical vulvectomy
- Inguinal lymph node dissection
- Staging laparotomies, Primary and Secondary Cytoreductive surgeries for ovarian cancer
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.
Laproscopy Surgery
Robotic Surgeries
How is RGCI Different
RGCI is Tech savvy and our Gynae oncologists are performing most extensive surgeries.
Challenging cases are discussed in tumor boards.
RGCI has the most advanced Molecular lab for stratifying different cancers and planning appropriate treatment.
Risk Factors of Gynae-Oncology Cancers
- 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
Prevention & Cure of Gynae-Oncology Cancers
Vaccination (HPV) after 12 years up to 25 years.
Maintain good sexual hygiene
Follow small family planning norms
Hold on to one partner.
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.
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.
- Showers are permitted.
- Take care of your drains as advised.
- Walk around several times to prevent clots in legs and gas pains
- Pain medication and other medicines for comorbidities to continue as advised by your doctor
- Eat small frequent meals. Fiber supplement or stool softener if constipation. Laxative if no relief.
- 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.
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
