Gynecologic cancer surgery is a specialized surgical treatment aimed at diagnosing, staging, and removing cancerous tumors affecting the female reproductive organs. At SHIFAA PAN African Hospitals, our expert gynecologic oncologists are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for women with gynecologic cancers, offering advanced surgical techniques tailored to each patient’s specific condition and needs.

Conditions Treated:

Gynecologic cancer surgery encompasses the treatment of various cancers affecting the female reproductive system, including:

• Cervical cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine (endometrial) cancer
• Vulvar cancer
• Vaginal cancer

Procedure:

Gynecologic cancer surgery aims to remove cancerous tumors while preserving as much healthy tissue and organ function as possible. The specific procedure performed depends on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and treatment goals. Surgical options may include:

• -Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus, cervix, and possibly surrounding tissues.
• Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy: Removal of both fallopian tubes and ovaries.
• -Lymph node dissection: Removal of lymph nodes in the pelvis or abdomen to assess cancer spread.
• -Tumor debulking: Surgical removal of as much tumor mass as possible to improve treatment outcomes.
• -Sentinel lymph node biopsy: Removal and examination of specific lymph nodes to determine cancer spread.
• -Pelvic exenteration: Extensive surgery to remove cancerous tissues from the pelvis, often reserved for advanced or recurrent gynecologic cancers.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of gynecologic cancers vary depending on the type and stage of the disease but may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, changes in bowel or bladder habits, and unexplained weight loss. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and survival rates.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing gynecologic cancers typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or MRI), and biopsy to confirm cancer diagnosis and determine its extent (stage).

Treatment:

Treatment for gynecologic cancers may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these approaches, depending on the type and stage of cancer and individual patient factors. Gynecologic oncologists work closely with multidisciplinary teams to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Postoperative Care:

After gynecologic cancer surgery, patients require close monitoring and ongoing care to manage symptoms, monitor for recurrence, and address any side effects of treatment. This may involve follow-up appointments, imaging studies, and adjuvant therapy as needed to optimize outcomes and quality of life.

 

What are the common gynecologic cancers?

Common gynecologic cancers include cervical, ovarian, uterine (endometrial), vulvar, and vaginal cancers.

 

How is gynecologic cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, imaging studies, and biopsy to confirm cancer diagnosis and determine its stage.

 

What surgical options are available for gynecologic cancers?

Surgical options may include hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, lymph node dissection, tumor debulking, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and pelvic exenteration, depending on the type and stage of cancer.

 

What are the goals of gynecologic cancer surgery?

The goals of surgery are to remove cancerous tumors while preserving organ function and quality of life, as well as to assess cancer spread and stage for further treatment planning.

 

Is gynecologic cancer surgery effective?

Gynecologic cancer surgery can be highly effective in treating early-stage cancers and improving survival rates, especially when combined with other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

 

What are the potential risks and complications of gynecologic cancer surgery?

Risks and complications may include bleeding, infection, injury to surrounding organs or tissues, and side effects of anesthesia. Your healthcare team will discuss these risks with you before surgery and take steps to minimize them.

 

What is the recovery process like after gynecologic cancer surgery?

Recovery time varies depending on the type and extent of surgery performed, as well as individual patient factors. Patients may experience pain, fatigue, and other side effects initially but typically improve with time and proper postoperative care.