Gynecologic Oncology

Understanding cervical cancer Cervix is also known as the neck of the womb and is situated at the lower end of the womb. Cervix is cylindrical in shape made up of muscles and is situated between two opening known as internal orifice and external orifice. Cervix is divided into two parts know as  ectocervix  and  endocervix . Ectocervix is that part of the cervix which is seen in the vagina and endocervix is that part of the cervix that is situated inside your body and not seen during internal examination. What is cervical cancer? Our body is made up of millions and millions of cells. Usually, cells have a life span and they die when they get old or damaged after which new cells are formed and take their place. Sometimes due to genetic changes there can be interference in this orderly process and cells grow disproportionately and eventually turn into tumor. Cancer  can happen anywhere in the body, when cancer appears on cervix it is known as cervical ...

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...

What Is Endometriosis? When a female has endometriosis, the tissue looks like the uterus lining and acts as it starts growing inside places other than the uterus. The most common sites for these growths— called endometrial implants— are the outer surface of the uterus, the ovaries, the ligaments that actively support the uterus, the Fallopian tubes, the intestines, the bladder, the inner surface between the vagina and the rectum, and the pelvic cavity lining. How many women have endometriosis is not exactly known, but it is claimed that more than 5 million American women are affected, including teen girls. It is not always diagnosed immediately in adolescents because they or their doctors presume at first that their menstrual migraines are a normal part of menstruating, or that their abdominal pain is due to another problem. But ongoing, excessively high pain that limits activity is not normal and should be taken seriously at all times. Because severe endometriosis may ma...

Gynecologic Oncology A Gynecologic oncologist is an obstetrician/gynecologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of women with cancer of the reproductive organs.Gynecologic oncology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on cancers of the female reproductive system, including ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer, cervical cancer, and vulvar cancer. Gynecologic Cancer  Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that starts in a woman's reproductive organs. Five main types of cancer affect a woman's reproductive organs are cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar. As a group, they are referred to as gynecologic cancer. What are Common Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancer? Women with the following symptoms should consult a gynecologic oncologist: A change in bowel or bladder habits A sore in the pelvic area that does not heal Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge A thickening or lump that either causes pain or can...