Fertility conversations held early, dignity kept throughout.
Cancers of the ovary, uterus and cervix ask questions no woman should face alone — about children, about menopause, about herself. Surgery here is performed with gynaec-oncology colleagues, and every one of those questions is answered before the operation date is set.
What is gynaecologic oncology?
It covers cancers of the ovary, uterus and endometrium, cervix, vulva, and gestational trophoblastic disease. These operations are performed here jointly with experienced gynae-oncology colleagues — two disciplines at the table, one plan.
The field rewards precision over speed. In ovarian cancer, the completeness of the first cytoreduction shapes everything that follows. In early uterine and vulvar disease, sentinel node mapping answers the nodal question while sparing the complications of full dissection.
The sign never to normalise. Bleeding after menopause is never "just hormones". It always deserves an ultrasound and an examination — promptly, and without embarrassment on either side.
Signs that deserve examination
Most of these will have ordinary explanations. But they are also how gynaecological cancers introduce themselves — quietly, and treatably, when taken seriously.
- ①Bleeding after menopause — at any distance from your last period.
- ②Bleeding between periods or after intercourse.
- ③Bloating lasting more than two weeks, new and persistent.
- ④Pelvic pain or pressure that does not follow the cycle.
- ⑤Unusual vaginal discharge, especially blood-tinged or foul.
- ⑥Pain during intercourse, newly appearing.
- ⑦Feeling full quickly when eating — a quiet ovarian sign.
- ⑧Bladder or bowel habits changing alongside pelvic symptoms.
Cancers treated here
◆Ovarian Cancer
Optimal cytoreduction as the goal of every first operation — it decides the road ahead.
◆Uterine & Endometrial Cancer
Staged surgically with sentinel node mapping keeping recovery lighter.
◆Cervical Cancer
Radical hysterectomy performed to oncological standard, with nerve-sparing intent.
◆Vulvar Cancer
Precise resection with sentinel node technique where pathology allows.
◆Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Managed within coordinated protocols — among the most curable of all.
◆Fertility-Preserving Surgery
In selected early disease, the possibility of children is preserved deliberately.
Operations performed here
- ◆Staging laparotomy & laparoscopyThe disease measured properly — open or keyhole as the case demands.
- ◆Optimal cytoreductionOvarian cancer debulked to the standard that changes survival.
- ◆Radical hysterectomy (Wertheim’s)The definitive operation for cervical cancer, done to full anatomical extent.
- ◆Pelvic & para-aortic lymphadenectomyNodal clearance performed when staging genuinely requires it.
- ◆Fertility-preserving proceduresSelected early tumours treated while leaving the possibility of pregnancy intact.
- ◆Sentinel node mappingIn endometrial and vulvar cancer — the answer without the heavier operation.
From first visit to full recovery
History & examination
Heard fully, examined gently, explained plainly.
Imaging & markers
Ultrasound, CT or MRI with blood markers where relevant.
Biopsy or sampling
Tissue diagnosis before any decision carries weight.
Joint tumour board
Planned with gynae-oncology, medical and radiation colleagues together.
Surgery
Precision resection with reconstruction considered from the start.
Recovery & menopause care
Hormonal support, physiotherapy and surveillance — arranged, not assumed.
Questions families ask first
No — the great majority are benign and settle on their own. Ultrasound features and blood markers separate the two reliably. When a cyst does need surgery, it can often be removed while the ovary stays.
In selected early disease, yes — fertility-preserving surgery exists precisely for this, and candidacy is assessed carefully rather than promised loosely. Where it is not possible, the reasons are explained fully and kindly.
Periods end and pregnancy is no longer possible; if the ovaries are removed, menopause begins and is managed actively — symptoms treated, bone and heart health protected. Life afterwards is, for most women, entirely normal.
Persistent HPV infection causes most cervical cancer — which makes it one of the most preventable. Vaccination and regular screening remain the strongest protection; treatment outcomes are best when changes are caught early.
A joint team: Dr. Patel operating with gynae-oncology colleagues, so both oncological and gynaecological expertise are present throughout. One plan, agreed before theatre.