Gynecologic Oncology
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Gynecologic Oncology
Specialized Cancer Care for Women
Gynecologic oncology is a medical subspecialty focused on cancers affecting the female reproductive system—ovaries, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, vulva, and vagina. These cancers require specialized knowledge beyond general gynecology or general oncology to ensure accurate diagnosis, optimal surgical technique, and coordinated treatment planning.
Dr. Aiswarya Sekar is a trained gynecologic oncologist who dedicates her practice exclusively to women’s cancer care, combining advanced surgical expertise with compassionate, patient-centered treatment.
Gynecologic cancers affect the reproductive organs—ovaries, uterus, cervix, vulva, and vagina. Each cancer requires specialized knowledge, precise surgical techniques, and coordinated treatment planning. As an organ-specialized oncologist, Dr. Aiswarya focuses exclusively on women's cancer care, ensuring accuracy in diagnosis, optimal treatment sequencing, and better long-term outcomes.
What Makes Gynecologic Oncology Different?
While general gynecologists manage routine women’s health concerns and general oncologists treat various cancer types, gynecologic oncologists receive years of additional subspecialty training specifically in reproductive cancers. This specialized focus results in:
Your journey to healing begins with the right specialist, compassion, and a timely intervention
Better staging accuracy
Proper initial surgery reduces the need for repeat procedures
Improved outcomes
Studies show better results when subspecialists perform cancer surgeries
Fertility preservation options
Specialized techniques to protect reproductive potential in young women
Comprehensive treatment coordination
Expert guidance through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy
Access to advanced techniques
Including minimally invasive surgery, robotic procedures, and HIPEC
Cancers Treated
Ovarian Cancer
The most challenging gynecologic malignancy, often diagnosed at advanced stages. Treatment requires complex cytoreductive surgery to remove all visible disease, sometimes combined with heated chemotherapy (HIPEC). Dr. Aiswarya has extensive experience managing both early and advanced ovarian cancer, including fertility-sparing approaches for young women.
Cervical Cancer
Once a leading cause of cancer death in women, cervical cancer is now largely preventable through HPV vaccination and screening. When diagnosed, treatment depends on stage and may include radical hysterectomy, pelvic lymph node assessment, or fertility-sparing procedures like radical trachelectomy. Dr. Aiswarya also manages precancerous cervical conditions through colposcopy and office procedures.
Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer
The most common gynecologic cancer in developed countries, typically diagnosed early due to postmenopausal bleeding. Surgical staging, often performed through minimally invasive techniques, determines the extent of disease and guides adjuvant treatment decisions. Molecular testing now helps personalize treatment approaches.
Vulvar and Vaginal Cancers
Rare but requiring specialized surgical expertise, these cancers often affect older women. Treatment involves careful balance between cancer control and preserving function and quality of life. Sentinel lymph node techniques reduce complications while maintaining oncologic safety.
Fallopian Tube and Peritoneal Cancers
Managed similarly to ovarian cancer, these malignancies require expert cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy coordination.
Comprehensive Services Offered
- HPV testing and vaccination counseling
- Diagnostic colposcopy for abnormal Pap smears
- Genetic risk assessment for hereditary cancer syndromes
- Risk-reducing surgery for BRCA and Lynch syndrome carriers
- Office endometrial biopsy
- Diagnostic hysteroscopy
- Vulvar and cervical biopsies
- Advanced imaging interpretation and surgical planning
- Minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgery
- Radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy
- Cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer
- Sentinel lymph node mapping
- Upper abdominal surgery (diaphragm, liver, spleen procedures)
- Vulvar and groin surgery
- HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy)
- Fertility-sparing procedures
- Chemotherapy planning and management in coordination with medical oncologist
- Radiation therapy coordination
- Targeted therapy selection based on molecular markers
- Immunotherapy for appropriate candidates
- Fertility preservation counseling
- Genetic counseling for hereditary cancers
- Menopause management after cancer treatment
- Survivorship care and long-term follow-up
- Second opinion consultations
When to See a Gynecologic Oncologist
You should seek subspecialty consultation if you have:
A suspicious ovarian mass
Especially if postmenopausal, with solid or complex features on ultrasound, or elevated tumor markers
Postmenopausal bleeding
Could indicate endometrial cancer and requires evaluation
Abnormal Pap smear results
High-grade dysplasia, persistent abnormalities, or visible cervical lesions
Newly diagnosed gynecologic cancer
Even if another doctor performed the initial biopsy
Unexpected cancer diagnosis
Malignancy found after hysterectomy or other gynecologic surgery
Recurrent cancer
Return of disease after previous treatment
Desire for fertility preservation
Young women with early-stage cancer
Family history of hereditary cancer
Multiple relatives with ovarian, breast, or colon cancer
Rapidly enlarging pelvic mass
Could indicate aggressive cancer or sarcoma
The Treatment Process
Initial Consultation
Dr. Aiswarya reviews your medical history, imaging studies, pathology reports, and performs a physical examination. She explains your diagnosis in clear terms, discusses treatment options, and addresses all questions and concerns.
Diagnostic Staging
If not already completed, additional tests may be needed to determine the extent of cancer—blood work, imaging studies, or minor procedures.
Treatment Planning
Every patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on cancer type, stage, molecular characteristics, overall health, and personal goals. For complex cases, recommendations are developed through multidisciplinary tumor board discussions.
Surgery
When surgery is recommended, Dr. Aiswarya uses the most appropriate technique—minimally invasive when possible, or open surgery for extensive disease. The goal is complete cancer removal while minimizing complications and preserving quality of life.
Adjuvant Therapy
Following surgery, some patients benefit from chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Dr. Aiswarya coordinates closely with medical and radiation oncologists to ensure seamless, well-timed treatment.
Long-Term Follow-Up
Cancer survivorship involves regular monitoring for recurrence, managing treatment side effects, and supporting overall health and well-being.
Why Subspecialty Training Matters
Research consistently shows that patients treated by gynecologic oncologists have better outcomes than those treated by general surgeons or gynecologists. Subspecialists:
Perform more accurate staging procedures
Achieve optimal cytoreduction more frequently in ovarian cancer
Have lower complication rates
Provide appropriate adjuvant treatment recommendations
Offer access to clinical trials and innovative therapies
Personalized, Compassionate Care
Beyond surgical skill and clinical knowledge, effective cancer care requires empathy, clear communication, and respect for each patient’s values and preferences. Dr. Aiswarya takes time to listen, answer questions, and involve patients in decision-making throughout the treatment journey.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer or have concerning symptoms, early consultation with a subspecialist can make a significant difference. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.