Gynecologic oncology

Gynecologic oncology is a specialized branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers affecting the female reproductive system. Practitioners in this field receive comprehensive training to become experts in addressing these specific types of cancer.

In the United States, approximately 82,000 women receive a gynecologic cancer diagnosis each year, with an estimated 91,730 cases reported in 2013.

Limited but significant evidence suggests that women with gynecological cancer who receive treatment from specialized centers experience better survival outcomes compared to those managed in standard care settings. Meta-analyses of several studies, encompassing over 9,000 and 50,000 women, respectively, indicate that specialized gynecological cancer treatment centers and teaching institutions may extend the lives of patients compared to general or community hospitals.

Gynecological cancers account for 10-15% of women's cancer cases, primarily affecting women beyond their reproductive years. However, younger patients face fertility risks due to these cancers. The standard approach to treatment involves a combination of surgical and non-surgical interventions.