What this consultation may focus on.
Reviewing pathology, scans and stage
Planning systemic treatment around surgery when indicated
Chemotherapy and maintenance-treatment discussions
Monitoring response and treatment tolerance
Care planning if disease recurs
Decisions made from the whole clinical picture.
Gynecological cancers include ovarian, endometrial, cervical and other cancers of the female reproductive system. Treatment can involve surgery, systemic therapy and radiation depending on the diagnosis. Medical oncology focuses on the systemic-treatment component and ongoing treatment monitoring.
Common reasons patients seek an oncology review.
- Ovarian or gynecological cancer has been diagnosed
- Chemotherapy is being planned before or after surgery
- You are reviewing maintenance-treatment options
- A previous gynecological cancer has recurred or progressed
Questions patients often ask.
Is ovarian cancer always treated with chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is an important part of treatment for many ovarian cancers, but the overall plan depends on the cancer type, stage, surgery and individual factors.
What is maintenance treatment?
For selected patients, treatment may continue after initial therapy to help control the cancer for longer. Whether maintenance treatment is appropriate depends on the diagnosis, response and biomarkers.
Is gynecological cancer treatment multidisciplinary?
Often, yes. Gynecologic oncologic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology and imaging may all contribute to the treatment plan.