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Major Gyn Cancer Surgery

Major surgery for gynecologic cancers ranges from a simple hysterectomy for microinvasive cervical cancer to radical pelvic surgery or radical vulvectomy surgery for vulvar cancer. The term "radical" indicates that this surgery requires the removal of extra tissue, will take longer, and have a longer recovery period than a "simple" hysterectomy, for example. Radical surgery is an option when there is a chance for cure with the surgery and possibly with additional therapy.

Staging

Many gynecologic (Gyn) cancers are staged surgically. Staging refers to the process of determining how large the cancer is and whether it has spread locally, to surrounding tissues or distantly, to organs far from where it began. Staging is important because the stage of the disease then determines what kind of treatment will be offered. Most cancers are staged according to a four-part system using either numbers, letters or a combination. Gyn cancers are usually staged using roman numerals with stage I disease being early stage cancer and progressing through stage IV, the most advanced form of the cancer, which usually involves spread to more distant organs.

In cases of ovarian, endometrial (lining of the uterus), and vulvar cancer, the staging surgery is part of the treatment. Staging can also involve x-ray tests and special exams to look at certain organs more closely. Cervical cancer, on the other hand, is staged clinically. This means that the doctor's exam, in addition to special tests, determine the stage of the disease. Surgery is then only offered if it is appropriate to the stage of disease the woman has. In certain cases of more advanced cancer, surgery can sometimes do more harm than good, and simply trying to "cut out the tumor" is not always the best option. This is why staging becomes so important when you are trying to get the best result possible.

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