Gynecologic Oncology Surgery

Early detection of cancer is of great importance in gynecological cancers, as in all other types of cancer. For this reason, women should be aware of their risks and should be checked regularly.

The most common types of cancer in women,

• Rahim
• Cervix
• Yumurtalık
• Vulva
• Vaginal cancers

Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer usually occurs after menopause. It is often seen in women who have had few births, with diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Postmenopausal bleeding is the most important symptom. The diagnosis is made with a biopsy taken from the uterus. In addition to the uterus and ovaries, intra-abdominal lymph nodes must also be removed.

Cervical Cancer

It is a type of cancer caused by the HPV virus. Vaccination is recommended for protection. It is usually asymptomatic, but can be detected in a PAP smear test. If bleeding occurs frequently, it should be suspected and a doctor should be consulted. Treatment requires extensive removal of the uterus with its ligaments and removal of intra-abdominal lymph nodes. This operation should be performed by a team experienced in gynecologic oncology.

Ovarian Cancer

It usually progresses silently or there are digestive complaints. The disease can often be caught at an advanced stage because the patient is late in going to the doctor for this reason. The most important symptom is abdominal distension. Early diagnosis is difficult in women who do not attend routine gynecological follow-up. The main treatment is to remove the tumor to the maximum extent possible. The uterus, tumor, peritoneum, appendix and intra-abdominal lymph nodes are removed. Depending on the results, some patients are given additional chemotherapy.

Vulva Cancer

It appears as sores on the vulva that do not close. Bleeding may occur. If it spreads to the lymph nodes in the groin, swelling occurs in the groin. The diagnosis is made with a biopsy taken from suspicious areas. While the tumor is completely removed for treatment, the inguinal lymph nodes must also be removed to understand the extent of the disease. Depending on the results, some patients also undergo radiotherapy.

Vagina Cancer

It is very rare. It causes bleeding. It may also cause complaints related to these organs due to its proximity to the bladder and large intestine. During gynecological examination, bleeding erosion or tumor area is seen on the vaginal wall. The diagnosis is made by examining the biopsy taken from this area. Treatment is surgery or radiotherapy.

What are the complaints that women after menopause should definitely report to their physician?

• Abnormal bleeding; It is not normal to have bleeding after menopause, even if it is very little. In addition, if there is a lot of bleeding during menstruation or bleeding outside menstruation, you should definitely consult a doctor.
• Pain in the abdomen, lower back and groin; abdominal pain that does not go away outside the menstrual period may be a harbinger of uterine and ovarian cancers.
• Changes in the habits of the digestive system; complaints such as constipation, gas, diarrhea, nausea, indigestion may indicate intra-abdominal masses pressing on the intestine.
• Changes in the urinary tract; frequent urination, feeling of pressure in the bladder, difficulty urinating may be a sign of a growing mass in the abdomen.
• Abdominal swelling, gas, bloating and an increase in waist size can be a sign of ovarian cancer and fluid accumulating in the abdomen.
• Persistent burning and itching in the genital area, discoloration of the genital skin, sores and blisters may be associated with external genital cancer.
• Genital discharge; bloody, dark and smelly discharge usually indicates an infection, but can also be a sign of cancer of the uterus and cervix.
• Swelling in the legs; swelling in the legs without any cause, accompanied by discharge and pain, may be a sign of cervical cancer.
• Abnormal bleeding following childbirth and miscarriage may be due to cancers arising from pregnancy tissues.
• The appearance of androgen effects such as male pattern hair loss and abnormal hair growth can be a sign of tumors originating in the ovaries.