Gynaecological oncology focuses on cancers affecting the female reproductive system, including ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Treatment depends on cancer type, stage, disease extent and individual patient factors.

Common gynaecological cancers include ovarian, cervical, uterine or endometrial, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Gestational trophoblastic disease is another less common condition managed within this field.

Symptoms can include unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, pelvic pain or pressure, persistent bloating, abdominal or back pain, urinary or bowel changes and persistent vulvar discomfort or skin changes.

Diagnosis may involve clinical examination, biopsy, colposcopy, imaging such as ultrasound, CT or MRI, tumour-marker testing and cervical screening depending on the suspected cancer.

Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or combinations of treatments. The approach depends on cancer type, stage, tumour biology and overall health.

HIPEC stands for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. It involves circulating heated chemotherapy within the abdominal cavity after cytoreductive surgery. It may be considered in selected ovarian or peritoneal cancer treatment settings after detailed evaluation.

Cytoreductive surgery aims to remove visible tumour deposits as completely as clinically and technically appropriate. It may form part of treatment for selected advanced ovarian and abdominal cancers.

Robotic surgery may be considered for selected gynaecological cancer procedures where a minimally invasive approach is clinically appropriate. It is not suitable for every patient or every cancer stage.

Ovarian cancer treatment is planned after reviewing pathology, imaging, stage, disease distribution, overall health and previous treatment. Surgery, systemic therapy and selected advanced approaches such as HIPEC may be considered depending on the case.

A specialist consultation may be appropriate after a diagnosis of ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal or vulvar cancer, or when investigations identify a suspicious abnormality requiring cancer-focused evaluation and treatment planning.