Gynecologic cancers are challenging to spot early, but targeted screening, vaccination and timely expert reviews can improve outcomes, said Dr. Radhika Gogoi, M.D., Ph.D., a gynecologic oncologist with the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.
“Gynecologic cancers are really cancers of the female reproductive tract,” Gogoi said during an appearance on Live in the D. “The most common cancer is really uterine or endometrial cancer. And then other less common cancers, luckily, are ovarian, cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancers.”
Screening options remain limited. “Unfortunately, there are not great screening tools that we have for gynecologic cancers,” she said. The exception is cervical cancer, for which “the recommendations are for screening beginning at the age of 21 with either a Pap or a Pap combined with an HPV test.”
HPV plays a central role in cervical cancer risk, Gogoi said. “HPV is a common cause of a number of cancers,” she noted, adding that while many infections remain dormant, persistent HPV can drive precancerous changes and cancer. “There is a vaccine available,” she said. “The vaccine can be given to kids as early as the age of nine,” and patients should discuss eligibility with their physicians.
Gogoi emphasized the value of second opinions at Karmanos, where patients are evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. “They’re not just seen by the gynecologic oncologist, but really a team of specialists,” she said, citing radiation oncologists, pathologists, social workers and nutritionists. “Patients seek second opinion for a number of reasons … and, in my mind, at least, the most important is really to see if there are clinical trial options available for them.”
To watch the segment, click on the video above. For more information, or to schedule your second opinion, you can call 1-800-KARMANOS or visit Karmanos.org/secondopinion.