Gynecologic Oncology is the specialty field that encompasses the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cancers that develop in female reproductive organs. This field involves the evaluation of benign and malignant tumors that appear in the female reproductive system organs such as the uterus, cervix, ovaries, vagina and vulva.
What is Gynecologic Oncology?
Gynecologic Oncology is a medical specialty field concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cancers and lesion suspicious in terms of cancer seen in the female reproductive system organs. The goal of this specialty is to determine the most appropriate treatment approach by taking into account the type of cancer, the extent of its spread and the patient's general health condition.
Gynecologic Oncology specialists are physicians who have completed advanced specialist training in this field after gynecology and obstetrics training. For this reason, they possess specialized knowledge and experience in the surgical management, risk assessment and long-term follow-up of cancers related to the female reproductive system.
This field is not limited solely to patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. The investigation of suspected cancer cases, the evaluation of cellular changes considered precancerous and the regular monitoring of high-risk patients also fall within the scope of gynecologic oncology.
Fill out the form to get information and make an appointment
What Diseases Does Gynecologic Oncology Treat?
Gynecologic Oncology is a medical specialty field dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cancers and precancerous conditions originating from the female reproductive system. The diseases evaluated within this scope include both common and rarely encountered gynecologic tumors.
- Uterine (endometrium) cancer: It is one of the most common types of gynecologic cancer, developing from the inner membrane of the uterus and typically presenting with abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- Cervix Cancer: It is most often associated with HPV infection and is a type of cancer that can be detected at an early stage through screening tests.
- Ovarian Cancer: It is an important gynecologic cancer that may present late and manifest with symptoms such as abdominal bloating and pain.
- Fallopian tube cancer: It is a rare cancer of the female reproductive system that can present with symptoms similar to those of ovarian cancer.
- Vaginal cancer: It is a rare type of cancer that develops in the vaginal tissue and is usually noticed through bleeding or discharge.
- Vulva cancer: It is a cancer that develops on the external part of the genital region and may present with symptoms such as itching, sores or a mass.
- Gestational trophoblastic diseases: It is a rare group of diseases originating from pregnancy tissue and includes special conditions such as molar pregnancy.
- Cervix precancerous lesions (CIN): It refers to precancerous cellular changes and can be treated early diagnosis.
- HPV-related lesions: They are conditions caused by the Human Papilloma Virus that can lead to genital warts or cellular changes in the genital area.
- Suspicious pelvis masses: They are masses detected in the uterus, ovaries or surrounding tissues that require evaluation for possible malignancy.
What Diagnosis Methods Are Used In Gynecologic Oncology Department?
In the Gynecologic Oncology Department, diagnosis methods are used for the early detection of cancers of the female reproductive system, precancerous lesions and suspicious masses. The patient’s complaints, physical examination findings and risk factors are evaluated together and the necessary tests and imaging methods are planned accordingly.
- Gynecological Examination: It is one of the fundamental diagnostic steps that enables the evaluation of the uterus, cervix, vagina, vulva and pelvic region.
- Pap smear test: It is a screening test used to detect cellular changes in the cervix and helps identify the risk of cervical cancer at an early stage.
- HPV test: It is performed to investigate the presence of high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer.
- Colposcopy: It is a diagnostic method that allows detailed examination of the cervix, vagina and vulva using a special magnifying device.
- Biopsy: It allows a tissue sample to be taken from a suspicious area for pathological examination and is one of the most important methods for final diagnosis.
- Endometrial Biopsy: It involves taking a sample from the inner membrane of the uterus and is performed in cases of abnormal bleeding and suspected uterine cancer.
- Transvaginal ultrasonography: It is an imaging method used to evaluate masses, cysts or tissue changes in the uterus, ovaries and pelvic region.
- Pelvic ultrasonography: An ultrasound over the abdomen is used to assess the general structure of the pelvic organs and detect any possible masses.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It helps assess tumor spread, its relationship with surrounding tissues and the stage of the disease.
- Computed Tomography (CT): It can be used to determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen, pelvis or other regions.
- PET-CT: It is one of the advanced imaging methods used to evaluate the metabolic activity of cancer cells and to investigate disease spread.
- Blood tests and tumor markers: Certain markers such as CA-125 may provide supportive information, especially in cases of suspected ovarian cancer or during follow-up.
- Hysteroscopy: It is a method that allows the inside of the uterus to be examined using a camera and can be used to investigate causes of uterine polyps, masses or abnormal bleeding.
- Curettage: It is a diagnostic method that enables pathological examination by obtaining a tissue sample from the inside of the uterus.
What Treatment Methods Are Used In Gynecologic Oncology Department?
In the Gynecologic Oncology Department, treatment methods are planned according to the type and stage of the cancer, the extent of its spread and the patient’s general health condition. The aim of the treatment process is to control cancerous tissue, prevent disease spread, preserve quality of life and determine the most appropriate individualized treatment approach for the patient.
- Vulvectomy: In vulva cancers, it is a surgical procedure in which part or all of the vulva tissue is removed depending on the extent of disease spread.
- Laparoscopic Surgery: It is a minimally invasive surgical technique performed through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments, offering faster recovery in suitable patients.
- Robotic Surgery: It is an advanced surgical method that allows the surgeon to perform operations with high precision using a robotic system.
- Open Surgery: It is a conventional surgical method preferred in advanced-stage tumors or those with extensive spread.
- Chemotherapy: It is a systemic treatment method using drugs to destroy cancer cells or stop their growth.
- Radiotherapy: It is a treatment method that uses high-energy rays to target cancer cells.
- Brachytherapy: It is a specialized type of radiotherapy in which the radiation source is placed close to the tumor site.
- Targeted Therapies: They are modern drug therapies that target specific mechanisms that promote the growth of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: It is a treatment method that helps the immune system work more effectively against cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy: It is used in hormone-sensitive tumors to suppress the growth of cancer cells.
- Fertility preservation treatments: They are specialized treatment approaches planned in early-stage cases, when appropriate, to preserve reproductive function.
- Colposcopy: Although it is primarily a diagnostic method, in some cases it also contributes to the treatment process by evaluating abnormal cellular areas and enabling targeted biopsy.
- Supportive treatments: It includes interventions aimed at improving the patient’s quality of life, such as pain management, nutritional support and psychological support.
