Gynaecological cancers
Gynaecological cancers are cancers that start in a woman’s reproductive system. They include cervical, ovarian and womb cancers. The treatment you have varies according to where the cancer started.
Go to the NHS website for more information about:
The Eve Appeal charity offers more information and support about gynaecological cancers.
What to expect at your appointment
Your first appointment at King’s may take between 45 minutes and two hours, and you may have tests and investigations on the same day or at a later date.
You will see a doctor who will ask you about your symptoms and explain which tests or investigations you may need. The type of tests – and the treatment you may have – will vary because there are a number of different cancers which can affect your ovaries, womb, vagina, cervix or vulva.
You may also meet the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) who will be your key worker during your care. They will explain your test and treatment options and support you and your family. You will be given written information about the type of cancer you have, your treatment options, and other sources of support, such as King’s Macmillan Information and Support Centre.
We usually send you appointment letters for tests, investigations or treatments by MyChart, text or post.
Tests and investigations
At your first appointment you may have one or more of the following tests or you may be asked to return at a later date to have them. They help us to find out whether you have cancer and to assess your treatment options. They include:
- biopsy, which you may have during an ultrasound, CT scan, hysteroscopy or colposcopy
- blood tests to check your general health and to detect tumour markers which may indicate you have a cancer
- CT scan
- endoscopy such as hysteroscopy, which you will have as a day case procedure
- MRI scan
- PET-CT scan
- ultrasound, which you may have at your first appointment. You may have an internal (transvaginal) and/or an external abdominal (tummy) scan
Treatments
Your care and treatment depends on the type of cancer you have, its size and where it is, how far it has advanced (the stage) and your overall health. The final decision about what treatment you have is yours.
After our team of specialists reviews the results of your tests and investigations, we will arrange an appointment with you so you can discuss your treatment options with your consultant and clinical nurse specialist.
Your treatment may include one or more or a combination of treatments such as:
- radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital
- surgery at King’s College Hospital, Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) or at St Thomas’ Hospital
Who to contact
At your first appointment, we will tell you who your key worker is and how and when you can contact them. Your key worker is usually a clinical nurse specialist (CNS).
Gynaeoncology clinical nurse specialists
King’s College Hospital
Lucy Machin and Eleanor Ferguson
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 020 3299 6019
Available: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. We aim to respond to your query within 48 hours.
Princess Royal University Hospital
Melissa Turk
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01689 864936
Available: Monday to Thursday, 8am to 5pm. We aim to respond to your query within 48 hours
Non-clinical support
If you have practical queries or want further information about support groups, contact the Macmillan Centre at King’s.
Our team
Your care will be provided by a group of experts called a multidisciplinary team (MDT). This is a team of doctors, nurses and other health professionals specialising in treating your type of cancer. You can discuss your care with them and ask them any questions you have about your treatment. Our team includes.
Consultant Surgeon
- Miss Desiree Kolomainen (King’s College Hospital site)
- Miss Efthalia Tsachalina (King’s College Hospital site)
- Mr Sahathevan Sathiyathasan (PRUH site)
- Mr Ibrahim Elhag (PRUH site)
Additional support and information
We want to make sure that you get all the assistance you need to live well with – and after – cancer. There’s a wide range of support available to help you cope with cancer, including physical, emotional and practical advice for you, your family, friends and carers.