When Should You Consult an Obgyn Oncologist? What Signs and Symptoms Should You Watch Out For?

Obgyn oncology is a specialist who focuses on treating cancers of the female reproductive system, including cervical, ovarian, uterine, and vulvar cancers. Early detection is essential in treating gynecologic cancers, so understanding when to consult an obgyn oncology and recognizing the signs and symptoms can help increase the chances of recovery.

1. When Should You Consult an Obgyn Oncology Doctor?

Some conditions that require consultation with an obgyn oncology are family history. If there is a history of gynecologic cancer in the family, the risk of developing cancer also increases. An obgyn oncology can help monitor health with regular check-ups or genetic testing that can identify risk earlier.

Symptoms of Gynecologic Cancer That Do Not Go Away, If you experience suspicious symptoms that persist or get worse, such as pelvic pain, abdominal swelling, or abnormal bleeding, it is highly recommended to consult an obgyn oncology.

Then if the doctor finds abnormal results on a PAP smear test, ultrasound, or biopsy, they may refer you to an obgyn oncology for further evaluation. This specialist can determine whether the cell or tissue changes found are cancerous or precancerous.

2. Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For

Here are some signs and symptoms that can be early signals of gynecologic cancer:

Changes in Menstrual Cycle: If you experience very heavy, prolonged, or abnormal bleeding outside of your menstrual period, this could be a sign of uterine or endometrial cancer.

• Pelvic or Lower Abdominal Pain: Persistent or sudden pain in the pelvic or lower abdomen can be an early sign of ovarian or cervical cancer.
• Abdominal Bloating or Swelling: Swelling in the abdominal area that does not go away even after maintaining a healthy diet can be a symptom of ovarian cancer.
• Changes in Urination or Defecation Habits: Cancer in the reproductive area sometimes affects the surrounding organs, causing problems such as frequent urination or constipation.
• Postmenopausal Bleeding: After menopause, women should no longer experience bleeding. If there is bleeding or spotting, then this needs to be checked immediately because it can be a sign of endometrial or uterine cancer.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Drastic weight loss without any changes in diet or exercise can be a sign of various types of cancer, including cancer of the female reproductive system.

3. Examination and Diagnosis by an Obgyn Oncologist
If you experience one or more of the above symptoms, an obgyn oncologist will recommend further examination. Some common methods used in diagnosing gynecological cancer include:

a. Physical Examination and Medical History: An obgyn oncologist will perform a physical examination, ask about your medical history, and the symptoms you are experiencing.
b. Imaging Tests: Several imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI are often used to see if there is abnormal cell growth in the reproductive organs.
c. Biopsy: This procedure is done by taking a tissue sample from the suspected area. A biopsy is one of the most accurate methods for detecting cancer cells.

4. The Importance of Early Detection
Recognizing the early symptoms of gynecological cancer and immediately consulting an obgyn oncology subspecialist at RSU Hermina Pandanaran can increase the chances of successful treatment. Early detection allows doctors to immediately plan appropriate actions, from surgery to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Maintaining reproductive health by routinely conducting check-ups and not ignoring symptoms that appear is an important step in preventing the development of cancer.

 

References

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms-of-cancer.html

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/gynecologic-cancer

https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/gynecologic-oncology/overview/ovc-20424080

Created by : dr. Viola Belivia, Sp.OG
Reviewed by : dr.Very Great Eka Putra,Sp.OG.,Subsp.Onk