A gynecologic oncologist is a specialty gynecologist who is educated and trained in oncology – the medical specialty that diagnosis, treats, prevents, and studies cancer. They provide comprehensive care for women who have cancers specifically in the reproductive system. This includes the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vulva, vagina, and cervix. Gynecologic oncologists also diagnose and treat breast cancer. If you have another type of cancer, such as blood, lung, brain, or kidney cancer, a gynecologic oncologist is not the specialty doctor you should be seeing for treatment.
Gynecologic oncologists offer a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic options for women. They perform genetic testing, laparoscopic surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy as part of treatment for cancer. They are the best trained physicians to perform surgery and other treatments for cancers of the reproductive system because they specialize the reproductive system (like gynecologists) and oncology (like oncologists). This dual-specialty gives them the expertise to effectively treat cancers of the female reproductive system.
When to See One
Seeing a gynecologic oncologist is appropriate if your condition falls in the realm of their specialty. As such, if you get a diagnosis for cancer in any part of the reproductive system, you should seek medical care from a gynecologic oncologist. Some gynecology offices have gynecologic oncologists on staff. The benefit of seeing a gynecologist who has a gynecologic oncologist as a team member is that if you ever need treatment for cancer, you can get it at the same office. This will also help in bettering communication and transfer of information between your routine gynecologist and gynecologic oncologist.
Signs to Look Out For
While it is unlikely that you can give yourself a diagnosis for cancer on your own, there are signs to look out for that can indicate you need to see a gynecologist or a gynecologic oncologist as soon as possible. Here are the most frequent symptoms associated with different types of reproductive cancers:
- Cervical – Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding
- Ovarian – Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding, persistent pelvic pain, frequent and urgent need to urinate, abnormal or back pain, bloating
- Uterine – Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding, persistent pelvic pain
- Vaginal – Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding and frequent and urgent need to urinate
- Vulvar – Physical changes in the vulva, including color and the development of sores, rashes, or warts
Keep in mind that some of these symptoms are associated with noncancerous gynecologic conditions, as well. Instead of stressing with a self-diagnosis solely based on these symptoms, see a gynecologist or gynecologic oncologist. They will be able to perform an examination and tests to give you an accurate diagnosis and recommend effective treatment for your condition.
Gynecologic Oncology in Syracuse, New York
If you are looking for an experienced gynecologic oncologist for your healthcare needs, trust the experts at University OBGYN Associates. We are proud to serve all women’s health care needs in Syracuse.
Trust our physicians and friendly staff to provide you with the highest quality service at every visit. Schedule an appointment today by calling (315) 464-5162. We look forward to serving you!
