Gynecologic Oncology

Q & A with Dr. Rani Bhat Robotic Surgery  Who Operates: Robot or Doctor? Surgery in gynecology & oncology can be performed mainly by two ways – open surgery or minimally-invasive surgery (keyhole surgery). Minimally–invasive surgery consists of laparoscopic surgery and robotic – assisted surgery.  In laparoscopic surgery , surgeon holds the instruments and operates, where as in robotic surgery the robot holds the instruments and the surgeon maneuvers the robotic arms and performs the surgery. Robotic surgery is clearly a wonder of modern medicine. Who would have imagined that such a wide variety of surgeries could be performed with the assistance of a robot using instruments through tiny incisions What is robotic surgery? Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery (keyhole surgery), in this type of surgery you will not have a large incisions (cut) on your tummy for your surgery but instead you will have one 12 mm and three 5mm cut and w...

Q & A with Dr. Rani Bhat Are you at risk of developing endometrial cancer? What is endometrial cancer? Cancer developing from the inner lining of the womb (endometrium) is known as endometrial cancer. What are the risk factors? There are several factors that influences the risk of developing  endometrial cancer . Remember although some factors may increase your risk, they do not always cause cancer. Some women with endometrial cancer may not have any risk factors. If you have any of the below risk factors, consult doctor for advise. Risk increases: If you are taking estrogen (HRT) after menopause Have used birth control pills continuously If you have been taking or have taken tamoxifen (used in the treatment of breast cancer) If you started your first period at very early age & have had late menopause Obesity increases chances of endometrial cancer If you have certain ovarian tumors (hormone producing tumor) If you have or had polycystic o...

Q & A with Dr. Rani Bhat Vaccine for Cancer Prevention Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India and commonly seen in young women. Most of cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Based on Indian studies 82.7% of cervical cancers were caused by HPV virus (mainly caused by strains 16 &18). With HPV vaccine immunization the impact of cervical cancer can be reduced. Here’s what you need to know about human papillomavirus vaccine . 1. How does this HPV vaccine work? Dictionary meaning of vaccine – “a substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases, prepared from the causative agent of a disease, treated to act without inducing the disease”. Similarly, HPV vaccine will stimulate your body to produce antibodies that will prevent further HPV infection. Note:  This HPV vaccine does not trea...