Common Gynecological Cancer Treatment Options

Gynecological cancer treatment focuses on removing the tumor or as much of the tumor as possible. After, treatment will pivot to preventing the cancer from returning or recurring. An oncologist will discuss potential treatment options for you, which will depend on the type of cancer, cancer stage and location, and your medical history, among other factors.

Exploring gynecological cancer treatments

Gynecological cancer affects female reproductive organs, meaning that it can be located anywhere in the pelvis, such as the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, or vulva. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies gynecological cancer by where it starts,  cancerous cells may spread to other parts of the pelvis. In severe cases, they can spread to other parts of the body. Let us explore how an oncologist may treat various stages of this type of cancer:

Surgery 

Surgery is an effective way to treat gynecological cancer when it is possible to remove the tumor without much complication. These days, many surgeries can be minimally invasive through robotic equipment. The oncologist and their team will work to preserve as much of the reproductive organs as possible to reduce any negative impacts on fertility. If the cancer is at a more severe stage, the surgical removal of affected organs may be necessary.

Types of surgical gynecological cancer treatments include but are not limited to:

• Debulking surgeries. To remove parts of the tumor, thereby reducing its size (debulking it).
• Vulvectomy. To remove any cancerous parts of the vulva.
• Radical trachelectomy. To remove the cervix affected by cancer without removing other parts of the reproductive system.
• Hysterectomies. To remove the uterus and cervix (total hysterectomy) and sometimes lymph nodes, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and parts of the vagina (radical hysterectomy).
• Salpingo-oophorectomies. To remove one ovary and fallopian tube (unilateral) or both of each (bilateral).

After surgical removal of cancerous tissue, the oncologist will determine whether an additional treatment is needed to prevent the cancer from recurring. This is known as an adjuvant treatment. Chemotherapy is the most common example.

Chemotherapy

The goal of chemotherapy is to shrink, kill, or stop cancer cells from returning. Therefore, it may be administered before surgery to reduce the tumor’s size and make its removal easier or after surgery to prevent recurrence. Either way, patients will need to undergo several cycles of chemotherapy.

While most people think of chemotherapy as an intravenous (IV) treatment, there are also oral medications known as chemo pills. According to the American Cancer Society, common side effects of chemo drugs include appetite loss, hair loss, mouth sores, and nausea and vomiting.

Hormone therapy 

Hormone therapy helps treat gynecological cancer by lowering hormone levels or blocking the production of hormones. At best, this stops cancer growth but can also help slow it down. (Note that this is not the same as taking birth control pills or undergoing hormone replacement therapy for menopause).

For example, as per the American Cancer Society, patients with advanced endometrial cancer often benefit from hormone therapy that involves taking progestins to slow down the growth of cancer cells. Hormone therapy may also focus on reducing or blocking the production of estrogen, such as through luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists. Similarly, aromatase inhibitors lower estrogen levels.

Radiation therapy

With this treatment, an oncologist will use radiation to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells. This may sound intense, but it is similar to an X-ray. Like chemotherapy, it may be used before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor and simplify its removal.

Supplementary treatments

Oncologists may recommend supplementary treatments to help the patient and their family through this difficult time. Below are a few of the most common examples.

Fertility care

While the preservation of fertility cannot be guaranteed with some gynecological cancers, many patients are able to recover and have children safely. Patients who are interested in preserving their fertility may benefit from fertility care. An oncologist may provide this themselves or refer the patient to another specialist.

Alternative medicine

Alternative medicine is not meant to replace traditional, scientifically proven medical treatments. That does not mean it is not beneficial, though. An oncologist may recommend such treatments to make better health outcomes more likely, such as proper nutrition care.

Patient support services

Cancer is hard on the body and the mind. In many cases, patients and their families will benefit from professional support. This ranges from detailed treatment plans with our care team to mental health referrals and support groups.

Get more information

There are many proven gynecological cancer treatments available. An oncologist can discuss your options in detail and answer any questions you may have. Contact our Marlton team to get started.

Request an appointment here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876 for an appointment in our Marlton office.

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