|
Dr Russell Land specialises in the comprehensive treatment of all gynaecological cancers which includes:
Cervical Cancer:
This usually presents with abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge particularly bleeding after intercourse. Pap smears are designed to pick up pre cancers of the cervix and have been very effective in reducing the number of cervical cancers within Australia. Cervix cancer can be treated with either surgery or chemoradiation depending on where and how large the tumor is. Some early cancers may still allow preservation of fertility if this is an issue. All treatment decisions will be individualized to suit patients unique needs
Ovarian Cancer:
Ovarian cancer usually presents with persistent vague abdominal symptoms including fullness, bloating ,and decreased appetite. Ovarian cancer has frequently spread within the abdominal cavity at the time of presentation but it usually stays within this cavity. Treatment is usually a combination of surgery ( to remove as much cancer as possible) and chemotherapy. Most patients can be put into remission ( no evidence of disease) with a combination of these treatments, with then close follow up required and retreatment as necessary. Some patients will be referred with a strong family history or genetic testing showing they are at increased risk of ovarian cancer. These patients may undergo prophylactic surgery to significantly reduce their risk.
Peritoneal Cancer:
This cancer is essentially the same as ovarian cancer in terms of symptoms and treatment except that it starts not in the ovaries but in the lining of the abdominal cavity which is known as the ‘peritoneum’.
Uterine/Endometrial/ ‘Womb’ Cancer:
Uterine cancer typically presents with abnormal bleeding after the menopause but 20% will affect premenopausal women and may just present with heavy or irregular vaginal bleeding. The treatment is normally surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) and ovaries and most patients will require no additional treatment. If any additional treatment is required (eg if cancer has spread to lymph nodes) radiation treatment is usually what is required.
Vulval Cancer:
This usually presents with itch/irritation or a lump on the skin around the entrance to the vagina. Most of these cancers are like skin cancers elsewhere and are usually very treatable with surgery. Radiation treatment may be utilized post operatively in cases where lymph nodes are involved or preoperatively where cancers are very close to important structures such as the urethra to avoid continence problems.
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease:
This is essentially a tumor of placental tissue and usually presents with abnormal bleeding during or after a recent pregnancy ( usually a miscarriage). These tumors are very treatable with chemotherapy even in circumstances where they have spread elsewhere. Surgery is occasionally required for acute bleeding problems. | 
