Gynecological Oncology is a specialized branch of science within the branch of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Especially in our country, it gained an official status in 2011 and was accepted as a minor branch. In this department, which is considered as gynecological oncology surgery, doctors who diagnose, treat and follow-up cancer cells and pre-cancerous lesions originating from the female genital system and breast organ, and who have received special training in these matters are trained. Gynecological oncologists work in collaboration with medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology and many other medical disciplines and hold scientific meetings, which we call councils.
When we look at the scope of gynecological oncology, we start from the vulva, the female external genital organ, to the vagina and cervix. Surgical surgeries are performed for cervical, uterine, tube, ovarian and peritoneal cancers.
Again, in this context, many masses, cysts and tumors that develop in the area where the female organs, which we call sarcoma, carcinosarcoma and pelvis, are located, are treated with surgery. When we look at the precursor lesions, the diagnosis and treatment of the lesions we call vulvar intraepithelial lesions (VIN), Vaginal intraepithelial lesions (VAIN), and Cervical intraepithelial lesions (CIN) are performed.
In addition, colposcopy is used to examine some changes caused by the effects of the HPV virus. Comprehensive evaluation of the vulva, vagina and cervix with a microscope, as we call it, is also a practice in the field of gynecological oncology.
When we look at the surgical techniques of gynecological oncology, these surgeries can be performed by open, laparoscopy (closed surgery) and vaginal surgery methods. Which surgery will be performed is a process in which the doctor and the patient decide together, depending on the patient's request and the characteristics of the disease.
When we look at surgeries for pre-cancerous lesions, surgical removal of the problematic area, which we call vulvar/vaginal local excision, and LEEP for the cervix, which we call cervix. Procedures such as conization can be easily performed vaginally.
Today, there is strong scientific data that some aggressive ovarian cancers develop from the fringed end of the organ we call the tube, which we call fimbria. In this sense, within the scope of cancer reducing risk, especially for children It is recommended that the tube be removed completely, rather than tied, in women who have completed the UK count and request sterilization.
On the other hand, gynecological oncology surgeons have important roles in the field we call onco-fertility in gynecological cancers. In this case, fertility-preserving surgeries can be performed in pre-cancerous and early stages of cancer, especially in childless women, depending on the type of tumor, its stage and the characteristics of the patient.
In some countries abroad (such as Germany), gynecological oncologists are involved in the surgical treatment of breast diseases and cancers. . In our country, gynecologist-oncologists play an active role in breast cancer screening, diagnosis and follow-up processes.
Within the scope of gynecological oncology, chemotherapy treatment before or after surgery is given by gynecological oncology specialists in some centers.
In addition to the effective diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancers, follow-up processes are also vital. Cancer has many biological/genetic features that we do not know today. Even at an early stage, recurrences of these cancers are encountered. Catching them early and starting their treatment early is life-saving. In this regard, gynecological oncology follow-ups are very important. These follow-up intervals are determined by the gynecologist-oncologist according to the characteristics of the disease.
Cancer diagnosis, treatment and follow-up are of vital importance. This field is a specific and challenging job. It should be handled by direct experts who have been trained on this subject.
I wish everyone a healthy day.
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