Radiation Oncology Associates
 
 

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Gynaecological Program

Types of Gynaecological Cancers:


 

Cervical


There are two main types of cervical cancer, named after the type of cell they start in. Squamous cell carcinoma, the most common type of cervical cancer, starts in the squamous or skin-like cells which cover the outer surface of the cervix at the top of the vagina. Adenocarcinoma is a less common type of cervical cancer. It starts in cells called glandular cells which are in the cervical canal. The cervical canal is a small opening in the cervix which leads into the uterus (womb).

 

Ovarian

 

This is a malignant tumour in one or both ovaries. The most common type is serous papillary, but other types include endometroid, clear cell and mucinous carcinoma.

 

Uterus

 

This is the most common gynaecological cancer affecting women in Australia. Most cancers of the uterus are cancers of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). Cancers can also develop in the muscle layers of the uterus.

 

Adenocarcinoma

 

This is a cancer that starts in glandular tissue; most women who are diagnosed with cancer of the uterus have this type of cancer. The less common types of cancer of the uterus are adenosquamous carcinoma, papillary serous carcinoma and, rarely, clear cell carcinoma or uterine sarcoma.

 

Vaginal

 

This is cancer that begins in tissue in the vagina. This is a known as a primary vaginal cancer as the cancer first starts in the vagina. Some cancers begin in another part of the body (cervix, uterus, bladder or bowel) and spread to the vagina. These are known as secondary vaginal cancers. The most common type of vaginal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the thin, flat cells lining the vagina. Another type of vaginal cancer is adenocarcinoma, a cancer that begins in glandular cells in the lining of the vagina.

Vulva

 

This cancer begins in cells in the vulva (the external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal lips and the opening to the vagina).

 

What should you expect from treatment?

 
Your specialist will have discussed and chosen an appropriate course of treatment and could include one of or a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and drug therapy (medical oncology).
 

Radiation therapy


Usually the radiation, following the simulation and planning appointment, is given daily 5 days a week over a period of about 5 weeks. Each appointment takes only 15-20 minutes. As with all programs, these figures are a guideline only and you should speak with your medical advisers as to the program best suited to you.

Medical Oncology:


Chemotherapy is usually given as a series of sessions of treatment. Each session is followed by a rest period. The session of chemotherapy and the rest period is known as a cycle of treatment. A series of cycles makes up a course of treatment. Each session of chemotherapy destroys more of the cancer cells, and the rest period allows the normal cells and tissues to recover.
 

Healthy cells in certain parts of the body are especially sensitive to chemotherapy drugs; these parts of the body include:

  • the bone marrow (which makes blood cells)
  • the hair follicles
  • the lining of the mouth
  • the digestive system.


 

Oncology surgery


 

Surgery as a treatment modality is quite tumour specific and therefore we recommend information should be sought from your specialist regarding oncology surgery.

 

How to make a referral?

A referral can be made to one of the Gynaecology tumour program members directly or via phone/ email through our Contact Us page.