Advanced Centre For Gynaec-Oncology at Fortis Hospital, Bangalore

What is Gynaecological Oncology?

Gynaecological Oncology can be described as a specialized branch of medicine which deals with the management and treatment of cancers affecting the female productive organs. There are five types of cancers in this section including ovarian, cervical, vaginal, uterine, and vulvar cancers. Although the majority of the cases are reportedly diagnosed in postmenopausal women, nearly 20 percent of cases are reported in women who are in their reproductive years as well.

Centre for Gynaec-Oncology, Fortis Cancer Institute

At Fortis, we take great pride reveling in the knowledge that our Gynaecological Oncology department is regarded as a comprehensive, one-stop, world-class center entity for women afflicted with various types of gynecologic cancers. We have the expertise and the facilities to cater to the needs of women suffering from cervical, vaginal, uterus, vulvar, and ovarian cancer – along with a host of other gynecological conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of Gynaecological Oncology experts and specialists work together to deliver holistic cancer care – for both precancerous and cancerous gynecological conditions – while harnessing the latest, state-of-the-art technology and medical innovations to take the fight against cancer for the women we care for.

Our experts are well versed in dealing with general female conditions including fibroids (benign growths), genital warts, and ovarian cysts. In addition, they are adept at procedures such as a colposcopy (examination of cervix, vagina, and vulva), Pap smear and follow-up of Pap smear detected abnormalities, womb and fibroid removal, cervix surgery, and HPV vaccines. Our top-notch team also have the capabilities of using minimally invasive techniques including keyhole surgery and robotic surgery for treatment of various GynaecOncology cancer. Here are some of the areas of care under our purview:

Uterine cancer

• Abnormal Pap smears (cervical dysplasia – a screening test to detect precancerous or cancerous changes in cervical cells)

• Vaginal cancer

• Gestational trophoblastic disease – described as an unusual growth of uterine cells that normally results in the formation of the placenta during a healthy pregnancy.

• Ovarian cysts, fibroids, and masses

• Noncancerous and cancerous tumors affecting the female reproductive tract including the ovaries, cervix, uterus, vagina or vulva

• Cervical cancer

• Cancer affecting the ovarian and fallopian tubes

• Primary peritoneal cancer which usually occurs when the cells present in the peritoneum (a layer of thin, protective tissues that surrounds the abdomen) metamorphose into cancerous cells

• Vulvar cancer

Symptoms

As per the statistics released by The American Cancer Society, it has been estimated that nearly 95,000 women are diagnosed with gynecologic cancer annually. As a matter of fact, nearly 29,000 deaths are as a result of this deadly cancer owing to late detection of the disease. Which is why early detection is the key to successful treatment and increasing the likelihood of cancer going into remission.

Just like any other cancer, cancer affecting the ovarian, cervical, vaginal, uterine, and vulvar regions have been known to progress without displaying any symptoms that specifically detect the disease. However, by staying vigilant and recognizing the symptoms of cancer, one can significantly reduce the chances of being affected by these kinds of deadly cancers. While each condition can showcase its own set of signs, listed below are a few common symptoms associated with gynecologic cancers.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge
Constant fatigue and unexplained tiredness

• Bloating and constipation

• An increased need to urinate

• Change in bowel habits

• A burning sensation while passing urine

• Itching and soreness

• Pain in the back, pelvic regions, and/or abdomen

• Presence of blood while urinating

• Unexplained weight loss

• Persistent indigestion or nausea

• Changes to the color or texture of the skin near the vulva

• Loss of appetite or the feeling of fullness all the time

It needs to be mentioned that just because these symptoms exist, it doesn’t always point to the incidence of gynecologic cancers. The prevalence of these symptoms could also be indicative of an entirely different disease or disorder as well. In any given case, we recommended that you should visit our center immediately and get in touch with our experts if you happen to display any of the above-mentioned symptoms.

Diagnosis

Fortis has a team of Gynaecological Oncology experts who are at the forefront of what they do while facilitating outstanding and accurate diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancers. Rest assured, you will always get access to the latest and very best in surgical expertise and care at Fortis. Our team is able to diagnose most cancers with the aid of modern and advanced equipment that helps in achieving maximal results.

We usually begin the diagnostic process with a physical exam followed by a detailed and comprehensive look into your medical and family history. We then proceed to conduct a series of physical tests to check for the occurrence of any abnormal lumps around the affected areas. We also have several screening tests in place; that said, only cases of cervical cancer can be detected through a routine screening test – the Pap smear test. Because symptoms are usually vague and can relay the presence of other similar conditions, we often suggest and encourage our patients to undergo regular gynecologic tests to check for signs of disease.

Treatment Options For Gynaec-Oncology

At Fortis, we have a wide array of treatment options for managing all kinds of gynecologic cancers. Our treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, surgery and/or a combination of these. We have assembled a team of the best gynaecologists, medical oncologists radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists who look at every case personally and accordingly suggest the best course of treatment. Thereon, treatment is considered after taking factors such as the patients’ age, overall health, along with the grade and spread & stage cancer has reached. While suggesting treatment, we also take into consideration whether the patient is young enough to have children. Accordingly, treatment options include the following:

Surgery – best option in case of more advanced diseases. We are known to make use of minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery for treating benign gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian masses to surgical techniques such as hysteroscopy, Radical Trachelectomy, Vulvectomy, Pelvic Lymphadenectomy, colposcopy, etc. for treating gynaecological cancers.

Radiation Therapy – which includes techniques such as external beam radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy, brachytherapy, etc. to destroy the cancerous cells with the aid of high-energy X-rays and prevent cancer from growing or spreading further

Chemotherapy – use of medication to kill cancer cells while also preventing them from dividing and spreading further.

Leading Gyneac Oncologists in Fortis Bangalore

At Fortis, our team of Gynaecological Oncology specialists is known to facilitate investigative, treatment and emergency services for a wide range of gynecological conditions. Our team works in conjunction with allied health colleagues including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, psychologists, specialist nurses, physiotherapists to ensure the best clinical outcomes for all our patients.

Our patient-focused multidisciplinary model of care has made us the leading centre for dealing gynaecological pre-cancers and cancers as well as other complex gynecological conditions. Besides making sure that our patients’ needs are addressed, we are also known to provide our patients and their families with the support, counselling, nutrition advice, they need during their period of illness and recovery. Our team also makes it a point to follow up with our patients periodically in order to review their health and ensure that they receive the most comprehensive gynaecology cancer care and treatment. Keeping in mind the rapid developments in the medical arena, our centre aims at providing our patients with top-notch care at all times by staying on top of the fast-changing panorama of women's health.