A gynecologic oncologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers that affect a woman’s reproductive organs. Their primary role involves providing comprehensive care for individuals facing female reproductive cancers.
Specialized Training
Becoming a gynecologic oncologist requires extensive training following medical school. Physicians first complete a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology.
Following residency, aspiring gynecologic oncologists pursue a subspecialty fellowship, typically lasting three to four additional years. This fellowship focuses on gynecologic cancers, covering diagnosis, treatment methods, research, surgical techniques, chemotherapy, radiation principles, and cancer biology.
Upon completing this specialized fellowship, physicians are eligible for board certification in both obstetrics and gynecology and gynecologic oncology. This certification demonstrates their expertise in female reproductive system cancers.
Conditions Treated
A gynecologic oncologist diagnoses and treats a range of cancers originating in the female reproductive system. These include ovarian cancer, which can sometimes be detected in later stages. They also manage uterine or endometrial cancer, where abnormal bleeding can be a primary symptom, and cervical cancer, often linked to human papillomavirus (HPV).
Other cancers within their scope are vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer. They treat Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD), a rare group of tumors that form in the uterus from cells that would normally develop into the placenta. Their expertise extends to managing complex or pre-cancerous conditions, such as cervical dysplasia, which involves abnormal cell changes on the cervix that could potentially progress to cancer.
When to Consult One
A referral to a gynecologic oncologist is recommended upon suspicion or diagnosis of a gynecologic cancer. This includes abnormal test results, such as a Pap smear or biopsy, suggesting pre-cancerous or cancerous changes. An abnormal Pap smear does not automatically confirm cancer but indicates the need for further evaluation, often through a colposcopy and tissue biopsy.
Persistent, unexplained gynecological symptoms may also warrant a consultation. These symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding (especially between periods or after menopause), persistent pelvic pain or pressure, unexplained bloating, or unintended weight loss. A consultation is also beneficial for seeking a second opinion on an existing diagnosis or treatment plan, or for individuals with a strong family history of ovarian, breast, or endometrial cancers, to assess genetic risks and discuss preventative strategies.
Treatment Modalities
Gynecologic oncologists employ a variety of treatment approaches tailored to the specific cancer and its stage. Surgery is a primary modality, with these specialists performing complex procedures to remove cancerous tissue. Techniques include open surgery, minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, or robotic-assisted surgery, often resulting in shorter hospital stays and recovery times.
Beyond surgery, gynecologic oncologists manage chemotherapy, which uses medications to shrink or kill cancer cells. They also coordinate radiation therapy with radiation oncologists, utilizing high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. Newer approaches like targeted therapy, which identifies and attacks specific cancer cells, and immunotherapy, which helps the body’s immune system fight cancer, are also within their purview. These specialists develop personalized treatment plans, providing continuous, coordinated care, including follow-up and survivorship care.