What is a Gynecologic Oncologist?
It is the final product of the melding of the specialties of Gynecology, General Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Urology, and Medical Oncology into a single physician able to provide comprehensive oncological care for women.
All gynecologic oncologists begin training with 4 years of Medical School, followed by 4 years of general Obstetrics and Gynecology residency. This is followed by 3-4 years of specialized training in a Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship, of which at least 1 year is spent doing research in gynecologic cancers.
During fellowship, all gynecologic oncologists receive specialized surgical training in general surgery, urological surgery and surgical oncology encompassing the management of bowel resection and repair, urinary tract resection and repair, advanced laparoscopic techniques, critical care, and vascular access. In addition, advanced vulvar surgery and reconstruction as well as the care of difficult benign gynecologic cases are practiced. In addition, during fellowship administration of chemotherapy and management of complications of therapy is emphasized.
This combination of surgical and medical oncology training makes a Gynecologic Oncologist uniquely situated to provide comprehensive medical and surgical care to women with reproductive tract cancers from diagnosis to completion of treatment, such as:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Supportive care
- Surgery
Gynecologic Oncologists treat the following types of cancers:
- Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, Primary Peritoneal
- Uterine/endometrial
- Cervical
- Vulvar/vaginal
- Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
In addition, special complex cases of benign gynecology are managed such as:
- Stage IV endometriosis
- Severe vaginal vault prolapse
- Difficult benign pelvic masses
There are only approximately 750 Board Certified Gynecologic Oncologists in the United States.