What is a gynecologic oncologist?

Most of us have heard of a gynecologist or have encountered one personally in our lifetime. How about a gynecologic oncologist? A gynecologic oncologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancers that are located on a woman's reproductive organs. In more detail, gynecologic oncologists offer an integrated approach to the diagnosis and surgical management of cancerous and noncancerous conditions of the female reproductive system. Some examples include cervical cancer, endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cancer, pelvic masses, uterine cancer, vaginal cancer and vulvar cancer. After the cancer treatment is completed, they also maintain a relationship with the patient for surveillance appointments to provide close, careful observation for side effect management and to evaluate for signs and symptoms of recurrence of the patient's particular cancer. Gynecologic oncologists have taken a special education track; they have completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency and then pursued subspecialty training through a gynecologic oncology fellowship. A residency takes four years to complete, while a fellowship involves three to four additional years of intensive training about surgical, chemotherapeutic, radiation, and research techniques that are important to provide the best care for gynecologic cancers. They are trained to correct any surgical injury obtained during a needed procedure and to create artificial openings for bowel and bladder diversions if required, along with many other complex surgical decisions made during the operation. They are dually certified by the Obstetrics and Gynecology Board and the Gynecologic Oncology Board. Gynecologic oncologists work closely with physicians in medical oncology and radiation oncology. They discuss each individual's treatment, new developments, and research aspects of gynecologic oncology and apply their knowledge to the individual patient's needs. Each patient is an individual and requires a tailored approach. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments are managed collaboratively with other oncology team members, such as radiation and medical oncology physicians. They also work closely with radiologists and interventional radiologists, who help interpret imaging such as Positron Emission scans (PET scans), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT scans), and US (ultrasounds), and aid in diagnostic procedures. The gynecologic oncologist is the captain of a woman's gynecologic cancer care team. They are an integral part of the team for a patient being treated for gynecologic cancer. Their special training equips them to be the leaders in gynecologic oncology decision-making, surgical complexity, and research application for the latest and best care for their patients. It's essential to consult with a gynecologic oncologist before treatment is started for any female organ cancer so that the best treatment regimen is chosen. Mary Beth Brown, APRN, WHNP, MSN, is a certified nurse practitioner at the Armes Family Cancer Care Center.