Gynecological Cancer Center

A person’s genes can be seen as a kind of “recipe book” for our bodies. They provide our cells with information about how different proteins are built and thus determine how our bodies should look and function. However, sometimes the genes have mutations, which cause protein production to change. These mutations or errors can lead to a person being at a particularly high risk of an illness. Genetic testing is an examination method used to determine whether someone carries a certain risk gene.

There are two genes in particular that affect one’s personal risk of breast or ovarian cancer. These genes are BRCA1 and BRCA2, also known as breast cancer genes 1 and 2. Women in whom both of these genes are altered have a particularly high risk of breast or ovarian cancer. Men with such mutations also have an increased risk of breast cancer. In addition to breast and ovarian cancer, people with these gene mutations may also develop prostate and pancreatic cancer.

Genes are passed from one generation to the next. Therefore, genetic testing is particularly recommended for women whose close relatives have breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer to find out if they have abnormal forms of the breast cancer genes. In particular, genetic testing may be useful if two or more close relatives have breast or ovarian cancer, especially if a relative has both breast and ovarian cancer, or if these cancers occur in more than one generation of the family.
However, a conspicuous accumulation of cancers in the family does not always mean that abnormal genes are the cause of the disease.

Be sure to seek professional advice prior to genetic testing. In a professional consultation, you will find out what the results can mean for you and your family. We also compassionately support you in dealing with any feelings that may arise.

Not everyone who has a gene mutation will develop cancer. Knowing that you are carrying a gene mutation may be frightening, but it also provides certainty and security. In particular, there are ways to significantly reduce the risk of cancer by taking preventive measures. 

Regular special screening examinations and gynecological check-ups help detect cancer early on, making it easier to treat. In addition, taking certain medications over a specific period of time can serve to protect against illness. Preventive surgical measures such as the removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes and possibly the breasts may also be considered. The choice of measures depends on age and situation, and we would be happy to advise you compassionately on these options.

These types of cancer usually occurs at an older age, but they can also affect younger women. Ovarian or fallopian tube cancer usually does not cause any symptoms at first and is therefore rarely detected early. Initial symptoms may include:

• Bloating and digestive problems 
• Abnormal menstrual cycles 
• Blood discharge between menstruation or after menopause
• In advanced stages: Swelling of the abdomen due to water accumulation

This type of cancer usually only occurs after menopause. The first signs may be unusual, irregular or unusually severe bleeding. Regular ultrasound examinations of the uterine cavity can usually detect the disease at an early stage. 

Cancer screening using a cell smear, also known as a pap smear, enables early detection of this type of cancer. Early treatment can prevent the development of cancer in many cases.

Advanced cervical cancer is often characterized by the following symptoms:

• Irregular bleeding, e.g. after sexual intercourse
• Bleeding after physical activities such as cycling, horse riding, etc.

The origin of this type of cancer is outside the ovaries, but the characteristics of the cancer are similar to those of ovarian cancer.

Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that usually only causes symptoms in the advanced stage of the disease. The first signs are increased vaginal discharge or unusual bleeding between periods. However, these symptoms can also have harmless causes, which is why it is always advisable to consult a specialist. Other symptoms include difficulty urinating or pain in the back and legs if the nerve roots on the spinal cord are affected.

This type of cancer mainly affects postmenopausal women. The most common symptoms are itching and any hardening or spotting of the labia. 

If the suspicion of a gynecological cancer is confirmed, the first therapy step is usually a surgical intervention. The aim is always the maximum removal of the cancer while maintaining the best possible quality of life. Such procedures are performed by specially trained gynecological oncologists. Specialists can examine the tumor using a tissue sample during the procedure and initiate appropriate treatment steps.

During chemotherapy, patients receive medication that inhibits the division of cancer cells and thus their growth. The drugs are usually administered by infusion for a predefined number of cycles and at predefined intervals.

Chemotherapy may be used prior to surgery to reduce the tumor size and thus improve the chances of success of the surgery. After surgery and/or radiation, chemotherapy is used to kill any tumor residues. It can also be used for long-term follow-up care and an improved quality of life.

Depending on the required dose and composition, the drugs attack not only cancer cells, but also healthy cells – especially those that divide quickly. These include the cells of the hair roots, the intestinal mucosa and blood cells. This may cause side effects such as hair loss, nausea and diarrhea. However, additional medications may mitigate or even prevent these side effects.

This treatment focuses high-energy rays on the tumor. These damage the cancer cells, which can no longer divide and die off. The intensity and frequency of radiation depends on the cancer and treatment.

Similar to chemotherapy, radiation can also affect healthy cells. This can lead to temporary side effects and discomfort, but unlike cancer cells, healthy cells largely recover.

In addition to the three pillars – surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy – cancer immunotherapy is gaining importance and is therefore being intensively researched. Research into this therapy involves the reactivation of T cells that have been exhausted by cancer cells. The aim is to mobilize the body’s own defense system, which in combination with other therapies can lead to better chances of recovery.

In 2015, the Tumor Center of the University Hospital established a network of excellence for immunotherapy in order to pool specific knowledge in this area and use it for appropriate treatment decisions.

Certain complementary medicine services can help improve quality of life in addition to treatments during or after cancer therapy. These types of therapy are not aimed at curing cancer, but acupuncture and massages, for example, can increase general well-being and have a supportive effect.

Complementary medicine services can be chosen in such a way as to alleviate any symptoms or side effects without diminishing the chances of recovery.

Complementary and integrative medicine consultations
In a one-on-one consultation, we specifically address your personal needs and wishes and jointly develop an individual, holistic treatment plan¬. In doing so, we focus on helping to shape the healing process, activating your self-healing powers and immune system, and improving¬ your quality of life. When choosing complementary medicine methods, we pay particular attention to possible interactions with conventional university medicine. Our focus is on the following areas: Acupuncture/traditional Chinese medicine, hypnotherapy/mind-body medicine/order therapy, nutritional and exercise therapy, yoga, energetic massage and aromatherapy.

Contact
Dr. Isabell Ge
Senior Physician for Complementary Medicine
Innovation Focus on Women’s Cancer

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In addition to medical therapy, the Gynecological Cancer Center offers targeted psycho-oncological care. In the form of counseling, we help you regain your emotional balance, security and orientation and deal better with your worries and fears. You can take advantage of this support both during your inpatient stay and during your subsequent outpatient care.

Further information

Cancer follow-ups are performed every three months for two years, then every six months for up to five years and then every year for up to ten years. Patients are then discharged from cancer follow-up care. Patients receive a follow-up care passport and receive joint/alternating care from the gynecologist, oncologist or family doctor, whenever possible.