Gynecological Oncology

Cervical Cancer

The cervix (from Latin “neck”) is the lower, narrow part of the uterus, forming a canal that opens into the vagina, which leads to the outside of the body.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and India and the second most common cancer cause of death in the developing countries.

Sexually transmitted Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is the most important risk factor for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive cervical cancer.

Persistent white discharge, post-coital and intermenstrual bleeding per vaginum, low backache, urinary disturbances etc., are few symptoms with which the disease can manifest. Surgery and radiotherapy are modalities widely used in the treatment.

The Department of Oncology is dedicated to offering appropriate diagnostic and surgical care (Biopsy, Colposcopy guided Biopsy, Conisation, Simple and Radical Hysterectomy) supplemented by adjuvant radiotherapy when needed and to definitive chemoradiotherapy in advanced cancers.

Screening:

Thanks to the natural history of the disease, screening provides an opportunity to detect the disease in its precancerous stages.

Screening with Pap smear and HPV testing can detect the abnormal cells even before it turns into cancer and thus help in early intervention. It is recommended for all women starting 3 years post marriage.

Schedule your appointment and discuss with our team of experts regarding your risk and options available.

Endometrial cancer:

It is the most common cancer of the female genital system in the west, but in India, the incidence rates are low but are on the rise due to changes in lifestyle and other cultural factors.

Most of these cancers present at an early stage and are associated with good cure and survival rates.

Age, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, early menarche and late menopause, having no children (nulliparity), taking estrogen after menopause, tamoxifen use are some factors that increase the risk.

Bleeding per vaginum after attaining menopause is the most common symptom of the disease.

Prompt evaluation of the same with endometrial biopsy and imaging studies will help in early diagnosis.

Our oncologists have expertise in surgical staging and radiotherapy that form the prime modalities used in the management of the disease.

Ovarian cancer:

The female reproductive system contains two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. They produce eggs (ova) as well as hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynaecological cancer. It is not a single entity but includes several subtypes.

Early-Stage disease rarely causes symptoms. It is often detected on an ultrasound done for some other problem or can cause mild lower abdomen pain. The advanced-stage disease may cause few non-specific symptoms that are often mistaken for more common benign conditions and hence goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen.

Abdominal bloating, quickly feeling full when eating, weight loss, abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite, frequent need to urinate, constipation, less commonly bleeding in some types are some common symptoms.

Our surgeons have the necessary expertise in surgery for ovarian cancer including staging laparotomy, primary and interval cytoreductive surgery, intraperitoneal chemotherapy and HIPEC. Medical oncologists have expertise in administering chemotherapy that may be necessary before or after surgery as appropriate.

Vulval cancer:

Vulval cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer that affects the external genital organs that protect a woman’s reproductive system. It is more likely to appear in the outer lips.

Typical symptoms include a non-healing ulcer, painful intercourse, itching and bleeding. Surgery and radiotherapy are commonly used treatment modalities.

Our experts in oncologists have experience is the management of these rare cancers in early and advanced stages. Surgery excision alone may suffice if detected early. Our Plastic surgeons have enormous experience in reconstructive modalities necessary.

Radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy will be used in advanced stages and as required in the early stages.