Gynecological Cancer Treatment Options

Overview

Gynecological Cancer at Spokane CyberKnife

Facts About Gynecologic Cancers

Gynecologic cancers encompass malignancies of the female genital tract, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

  • According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 80,000 women are diagnosed with some form of gynecologic cancer each year.
  • The three most common types of gynecologic cancers—uterine, cervical, and ovarian—account for over 72,000 new diagnoses annually.
  • Widespread screening using the Pap test has enabled doctors to detect pre-cancerous changes in the cervix and vagina, facilitating the early detection of some invasive cancers.

Treatment Options for Gynecologic Cancers

The treatment for gynecologic cancers varies based on several factors, including the type of cancer, its stage and location, and your overall health. It is crucial to consult with multiple cancer specialists before determining the best treatment plan that aligns with your condition and lifestyle.

  • A gynecologic oncologist is a physician who specializes in the surgical removal of gynecologic cancers and may also manage your chemotherapy treatment. 
  • A radiation oncologist focuses on treating cancer using radiation therapy. 
  • A medical oncologist specializes in treating cancer with medications, primarily chemotherapy. 
  • In some instances, cancer may be effectively treated with a single type of treatment. In other cases, a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy may be the most effective approach.

Preparing for Gynecologic Cancer Treatment at Spokane Cyberknife

Step 1: Consultation

First, you will meet with your radiation oncologist to discuss the recommended radiation treatment options for your specific case and make a collaborative decision about your treatment.

Step 2: Simulation

As part of your treatment planning, the exact location of the tumor must first be determined. This is usually done using a CT scan, which stands for computed tomography, providing a detailed 3-D image of the treatment area using X-rays. Sometimes, temporary skin marks or even tiny tattoos (about the size of a freckle) are made on your body to assist the radiation therapist in positioning you correctly each day for treatment.

Step 3: Treatment planning

After the simulation is complete, your radiation oncologist will create a personalized treatment plan. This plan will take into account the location, type, and stage of your cancer, along with your medical history, lab tests, and other relevant factors to determine the best course of treatment. Typically, radiation therapy will require you to come in for treatment five days a week.

Step 4: Positioning for treatment

On your treatment days, your radiation therapist will position you on the radiation machine’s treatment couch. The radiation therapists will adjust your position on the couch using the alignment marks on your skin and the lasers in the room to ensure proper positioning for treatment. Subsequently, internal imaging is frequently used to further adjust targeting based on internal anatomy.

Step 5: Start of treatment

The radiation is delivered by a machine called a linear accelerator, or linac. The linac will move around you to deliver the radiation. You won’t see, hear, feel, or smell the beam. Treatment sessions typically last about 15 minutes, although your first session may take a little longer.

Step 6: Post-treatment and follow-up care

Every patient is unique, but most can maintain their daily activities during treatment, even if they experience side effects like fatigue. Once your final treatment is complete, your radiation oncologist will arrange periodic follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and the effectiveness of the treatment.