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A gynecological oncologist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats cancers of the female reproductive system. They receive specialized training in surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and experimental cancer treatments. They also perform biopsies, surgical staging, and cytoreductive surgery. Women with advanced stages of reproductive cancer benefit greatly from their expertise. Referral from a physician may be required for insurance coverage.
A gynecological oncologist is a doctor and surgeon who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the female reproductive system. Although education requirements vary between countries, in the US, a gynecological oncologist trains as an obstetrician and gynecologist, completing four years of training in obstetrics and gynecology after medical school. After this schooling, he typically receives two to four more years of specialized training in all areas related to female reproductive cancer and cancer care, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery and experimental cancer treatments.
Unlike an oncologist, who is a physician who studies and treats cancerous tumors of all types, a gynecologic oncologist typically must complete extensive, specialized surgical training to perform surgical procedures on the female reproductive system and the surrounding pelvic and internal organs. This surgical experience is necessary because reproductive cancer often spreads, through a process known as metastasis, to nearby tissues in the body.
This surgical training allows a gynecological oncologist to perform biopsies and procedures related to surgical staging, which identify the stage of cancer present. Identifying the stage of the cancer is important in determining the cancer treatment options for the patient. After or during surgical staging, your doctor may also perform a scrubbing surgical procedure, also known as cytoreductive surgery, to physically remove as much of the cancer as possible.
In addition to being a surgeon, a gynecologic oncologist is trained to prescribe and supervise nonsurgical cancer treatments, including those that are chemical or radiation-based. To be effective, he or she must stay informed about the latest advances in cancer research and generally act as a complete specialist for women with reproductive cancer.
Many women with reproductive cancer, particularly those with advanced stages of the disease, benefit greatly from the expert medical care of a gynecologic oncologist. This can be especially true for patients with ovarian cancer, which can be difficult to detect in the early stages, or with rare cancers such as cancer of the fallopian tubes. Women suffering from all stages of cancer and with more common female forms of the disease such as cervical cancer, endometrial or uterine cancer and vaginal cancer are often seen by gynecological oncologists. While breast cancer patients may also be seen by a gynecologic oncologist, doctors who specialize in treating breast cancer may be even better suited to treat your condition.
Some health insurance companies may require a referral from a physician in order for a patient to be seen by that specialist. For more information about gynecologic oncology and specialty physicians, contact a local hospital, primary care physician, or the American Cancer Society.
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