 |
DEPARTMENT
OF GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
|
 |
|
|
|
| Gynecologic
oncology has evolved as a separate speciality from
gynecology & obstetrics worldwide since 1973. |
| Gynecologic
oncology deals with cancers of the female reproductive
tract. Cancer of the uterine cervix, endometrium
and ovarian cancer are the common cancers while
gestation trophoblostic tumours, cancers of vulva
and vagina are few of the other cancers managed
by gynae oncologists. |
 |
|
HISTORY |
 |
|
|
Though internationally, gynecological oncology has
separated as a sub-specialty, this trend is not
very apparent in India. However, at DCHRC, the department
of gynecologic oncology has been in existence from
the beginning of the hospital in 1994. The Department
is regularly carrying out extensive surgery for
all gynecological cancers and achieving good results.
|
|
|
AVAILABLE FACILITIES |
|
|
Colposcopy |
|
Colposcopy is a very important facility for screening,
early detection and diagnosis of cancer of uterine
cervix. Abnormal findings on pap smear need to be
evaluated with colposcopy and guided biopsy to get
accurate diagnosis. Colposcopy is carried out as
a OPD based procedure. |
|
Operation Theatres |
 |
|
The hospital has seven state-of-the-art operation
theatres with laminar airflow and HEPA filters to
ensure absolutely sterile operative environment.
Facilities exist to carry out the entire range of
gynecological cancer surgeries. |
|
Frozen section and other pathology services
|
|
Frozen section examination of intra-operative biopsy
specimens is an essential component for good quality
cancer surgery. It helps in the intra-operative
diagnosis for all those cancer patients whose diagnosis
of cancer is not certain pre-operatively and avoids
second surgery / anesthesia. This reduces the treatment
cost and simplifies the treatment. Frozen section
is very useful in the management of suspected ovarian
cancer where a pre-operative diagnosis may not be
possible. |
|
Intensive care unit |
 |
|
Fully equipped intensive care unit with latest monitoring
and therapeutic facilities to cater to the post-operative
needs of patients undergoing extensive surgeries.
Elective post-operative ventilation is used to minimize
post-operative pulmonary complications when indicated. |
|
Blood bank with facilities for blood component therapy |
 |
|
Round the clock provision of whole blood and blood
components has augmented the surgical oncology services
in a big fashion. The blood bank is equipped with
a cell separator. |
|
Super Deluxe, deluxe, single, double and semi
paying beds |
|
All types of in-patient accommodation are available
that provide comfortable and pleasing stay to the
patients and relatives. In combination with efficient
and courteous nursing and other staff, the objective
is to make the patient "feel at home". |
|
|
PATIENT INFORMATION |
|
|
|
Why is the specialty of gyne-oncology important? |
|
Although gynecologic surgeries are routinely performed
for non malignant causes, surgery in gynecological
cancers is much more extensive and requires wide
parametrial resection, lymph node dissection in
the pelvis and para-aortic area and extrapelvic
surgery especially in ovarian cancer. |
| Such
extensive surgeries usually require additional training
and experience compared to general gynecology. In
addition, management of cancer today is a multimodality
approach and integration of surgery with non surgical
treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy
is essential to improve outcome. |
| Gynecological
oncologists are best suited to this as they are
focusing only on gynecological cancers. Results
of management of gynecological malignancies are
improved if they are managed by dedicated gynecologic
oncologists as compared to general gynecologists. |
|
How common are gynecological cancers? |
|
Gynecological cancers are among the most important
cancers of women. The cancers of the female genital
tract include: |
| |
Cancer of uterine cervix |
| |
Endometrial cancer |
| |
Ovarian Cancer |
| |
Cancer of vulva |
| |
Intra-vesical (space in the urinary bladder)
|
| |
Cancer of vagina |
| |
Other
uncommon cancers |
The
extent of gynecological cancers in India is as follows:- |
| Cervical
cancer: 30 per 100,000 women/year |
| Endometrial
cancer: 2 per 100,000 women/year |
| Ovarian
cancer: 4.7 to 8.7 per 100,000 women/year |
|
|
|
|
