Gynecologic Oncology Scope: Conditions, Diseases, Treatments, and Procedures
Gynecologic oncology is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancers that affect the female reproductive organs. This includes cancers of the ovaries, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, and vulva. Gynecologic oncologists specialize in the management of these types of cancers, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
The scope of gynecologic oncology covers many areas, including noncancerous conditions such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis.
Diagnosis and treatment of cancerous tumors in the female reproductive organs. This includes both invasive and noninvasive tumors. Diagnostic procedures include imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI scans, as well as biopsies to confirm the diagnosis and stage of the tumor. Treatment for gynecologic cancers often includes surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy to address cancerous cells, radiation therapy to shrink tumors and hormone therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, a combination of treatments may be used.
Surgical management of tumors includes hysterectomy, lymph node dissection, and oophorectomy. Chemotherapy and/or radiation to treat cancerous may also be ordered. Gynecologic oncologists also counsel patients about their diagnosis and treatment options through the entire process. They also research causes and treatments for gynecologic cancers.
Qualifications, Training, and Certifications
Gynecologic oncology is a specialized field of medicine requiring extensive training and qualifications. To become a gynecologic oncologist, a physician must first complete a four-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology, followed by a fellowship in gynecologic oncology. During the fellowship, physicians must complete coursework in medical ethics and patient safety, as well as hands-on training with medical procedures.
After completing the residency and fellowship, a physician may apply for certification through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). The American Board of Gynecologic Oncology provides board certification for gynecologic oncologists who have completed the required training and passed their board exam.
Related Medical Specialties to Gynecologic Oncology
Gynecologic oncology is a specialized field of medicine that requires a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care for patients. While gynecologic oncologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the female reproductive organs, other medical specialties are also involved in the care of gynecologic cancer patients.
The most common related medical specialties are:
• Radiology: Radiologists specialize in imaging tests such as MRI, CT scans and ultrasounds which are used to diagnose and monitor gynecologic tumors.
• Pathology: Pathologists examine tissue samples from biopsies or surgeries to confirm the diagnosis and stage of the tumor.
• Radiation Oncology: Radiation oncologists specialize in radiation therapy which is used to shrink tumors and kill cancerous cells.
• Medical Oncology: Medical oncologists specialize in chemotherapy and other systemic treatments for cancer.
• Genetics: Genetic counselors help patients understand their risk for developing certain types of gynecologic cancers based on their family history and genetic makeup.
• Social Work: Social workers provide psychosocial support for patients and their families throughout the cancer journey.
Medical-Legal Cases Involving Gynecologic Oncology
Medical-legal cases involving gynecologic oncology can involve allegations of a variety of issues, from misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis to inadequate treatment or patient negligence.
Gynecologic oncology cases typically involve misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Typically, these involves allegation that symptoms that were indicative of a gynecologic cancer but the diagnosis was not made in a timely manner, resulting in possibly worse outcomes.
In other cases, it is a physician other than a gynecologic oncologist who is alleged to have failed to diagnose and a gynecologic oncologist is needed to evaluate the causal relationship between the deviation and damage.