Several women have been diagnosed with some form of gynecologic cancer. It may be relatively overwhelming to decide where to go and whom to see for specialized care and treatment from a gynecologic oncologist. You should rest assured that it could make a significant difference. Lisa Abaid reveals that several women have higher survival rates when choosing a gynecologist oncologist. It would be different than a non-gynecologic specialist.
You may wonder on the working of a gynecologist oncologist along with the importance of being treated by one. John V Brown explains about their team of gynecologic oncologists specializing in the diagnosis along with treatment of all gynecologic cancers. Gynecologic cancer would be similar to any type of cancer affecting the reproductive organs of a woman. It would be inclusive of cervical, ovarian, uterine, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.
Difference between a gynecologic oncologist and regular oncologist
A usual cancer treatment team would be made up of three specialists. It would be pertinent to mention here that the medical oncologist would oversee the entire treatment of a cancer patient. They would be adequately trained to administer chemotherapy. It would not be wrong to suggest that surgical oncologist would perform surgery on the patient if need be.
Last, but not least, the radiation oncologist would perform radiation therapy. It would be another method of treatment used for killing the cancerous cells. Nonetheless, gynecologic oncologists have been unique in both surgical and medical oncologists. They have been adequately trained to provide chemotherapy along with providing various kinds of surgical procedures.
When you should visit a gynecological oncologist
You would be referred to a gynecologic oncologist by your regular gynecologist or a primary care physician. In a majority of cases, patients would come for a second opinion on their own after they come across something unusual bodily changes. It would be inclusive of pelvic pressure, bloating, or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
There would often be a delay in seeing a gynecologic oncologist as for several patients; it would take a while to recognize the symptoms along with determining who the right doctor would be for treatment.
After a patient has been referred to a gynecologic oncologist, the initial step would be to determine a diagnosis. It could mostly be done through imaging technology along with a physical examination. Nonetheless, a gynecologic oncologist may also recommend surgery or biopsy. When determining the diagnosis, a treatment plan would be put into place. It may be inclusive of a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery based on the unique diagnosis of the patient.
