Fertility Sparing Surgery For Gynecologic Cancers

Gynecologic cancers are a group of cancers affecting women in Singapore. It is even more devastating when discovered at an early age as it will affect fertility.

The following are the 5 main types of gynecologic cancers

Cervical Cancer

It starts from the cervix, the narrow and lower end of the uterus (womb).

Ovarian Cancer

This begins in the ovaries found on either side of the uterus. Others may emerge in the fallopian tube.

Vaginal Cancer

This cancer starts in the vagina, the hollow channel connecting the lower uterus and the outside of the woman’s body. It is a rare type but more common in older women.

Vulvar Cancer

This type of cancer begins in the vulva which is on the outer parts of a woman’s sex organs. It is also very uncommon.

Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer

This cancer starts from the uterus, the muscular organ that allows room for the baby to grow in a pregnant woman. The cancer mostly starts in the lining of the uterus.

Fertility Sparing Surgery; What is It?

This is a surgery done on women who have gynecologic cancers but would want to preserve their fertility and later have kids. Fertility sparing surgeries are performed when the doctor confirms it is safe to do so i.e.when the cancer is diagnosed at stage 1 only.

Fertility Sparing For Ovarian Cancer

Fertility sparing can be a treatment option for a woman with early cancer in one of the ovaries but would wish to bear a child at a later date. This is achieved through the removal of the affected ovary provided the other ovary is normal.Sometimes chemotherapy is necessary after surgery but patients can go on to have children after that. Another option is to preserve the eggs from the normal ovary before embarking on chemotherapy.