Gynecological Tumor Center

A person's genes can be seen as a kind of "cookbook" for our body. They provide our cells with information about how various proteins are made and therefore determine how our body should look and function. However, sometimes the genes have mutations, which leads to the production of proteins changing. These mutations or errors can lead to someone having a particularly high risk of a disease. Genetic testing is an examination method that can be used to find out whether someone carries a certain risk gene.

There are two genes that particularly influence the personal risk of breast or ovarian cancer. These genes are BRCA1 and BRCA2, also known as "breast cancer" genes 1 and 2. Women who have mutations in both of these genes have a particularly high risk of breast or ovarian cancer. Men with one of these mutations also have an increased risk of breast cancer. In addition to breast and ovarian cancer, prostate and pancreatic cancer can also occur in people with these gene mutations.

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

Make sure you seek professional advice before undergoing genetic testing. During such a consultation, you will find out what the results could mean for you and your family. We will also support you sensitively in dealing with any feelings that may arise.

Not every person who has a genetic mutation will necessarily develop cancer. Knowing that you carry a gene mutation can be alarming, but it can also provide certainty and security. In particular, there are ways to significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer by taking preventive measures.

Regular special screening examinations and gynaecological check-ups help to detect cancer at an early stage and therefore make it easier to treat. In addition, taking certain medication over a defined period of time can serve as protection against the disease. Prophylactic operations such as the removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes and possibly the breasts can also be considered. The choice of measures depends on your age and situation and we will be happy to advise you sensitively on these options.

This type of cancer usually only occurs at an older age, but younger women can also develop it. Ovarian or fallopian tube cancer usually causes no symptoms at first and is therefore rarely detected early. Initial symptoms may include

• A feeling of fullness and indigestion
• Unusual menstrual irregularities
• Bloody discharge between periods or after the menopause
• In advanced stages: swelling of the abdomen due to water retention

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

Cancer screening by means of 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 often manifests itself through the following symptoms:

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

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

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

This type of cancer mainly affects women after the menopause. The most common symptoms are itching and any hardening or spots in the labia area.

If the suspicion of a gynaecological tumor is confirmed, the first step in treatment is usually surgery. The aim is always to remove the tumor as far as possible while maintaining the best possible quality of life. Such operations are carried out by specially trained gynecological oncologists. The specialists can examine the tumor using a tissue sample during the procedure and initiate the appropriate treatment steps.

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

Chemotherapy can be used before an operation to shrink the tumor and thus improve the chances of success of the operation. After surgery and/or radiotherapy, chemotherapy is used to kill any remaining tumor. It can also be used for long-term aftercare and to improve quality of life.

Depending on the required dose and composition, the drugs not only attack 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 can lead to side effects such as hair loss, nausea and diarrhea. However, additional medication can alleviate or even prevent these side effects.

In this treatment, high-energy rays are directed at the tumor. These damage the cancer cells - they can no longer divide and die. The intensity and frequency of the radiation depends on the cancer and the treatment.

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

In addition to the three mainstays of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, cancer immunotherapy is becoming increasingly important and is therefore the subject of intensive research. Research into this therapy focuses on reactivating T-cells that have been exhausted by cancer cells. The aim is to mobilize the body's own defences, which in combination with other therapies can lead to better chances of recovery.

In 2015, the Tumor Center of the University Hospital founded a competence network for immunotherapy in order to pool specific knowledge in this area and thus use it to make suitable treatment decisions.

Certain complementary medicine services can help to 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 thus have a supportive effect.

Complementary medical treatments can be selected in such a way that they alleviate symptoms or side effects without reducing the chances of a cure.

Complementary and integrative medicine consultation
In a one-to-one consultation, we focus on your personal needs and wishes and work together to create an individual, holistic treatment concept. We focus on helping to shape the healing process, activating your self-healing powers and your immune system and improving your quality of life. When choosing complementary methods, we pay particular attention to possible interactions with conventional medicine. We specialize in the following areas: Acupuncture / Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hypnotherapy / Mind-Body Medicine / Order Therapy, Nutrition and Exercise Therapy, Yoga, Energetic Massage and Aromatherapy.

Contact
Dr. Isabell Ge
Senior physician for complementary medicine
Innovation focus "Women's cancers"

To the flyer

The gynecological tumor center offers you - in addition to medical therapy - targeted psycho-oncological care. In the form of counseling, we support you in finding your emotional balance, security and orientation again and in dealing better with worries and fears. You can take advantage of this support both during your inpatient stay and during outpatient aftercare.

Further information

Tumor aftercare takes place every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months until 5 years and then annually until 10 years. Patients are then discharged from tumor aftercare. Patients receive a follow-up care pass and are cared for jointly/alternately with the attending gynecologist, oncologist or family doctor whenever possible.