Our care pathway

You are referred to the Gynaecological Oncology team because of symptoms, scan findings, or test results that need specialist assessment. A referral to our team does not always mean you have cancer; sometimes we are asked to see patients as they needed specialist surgery or management.

At your first appointment, the surgical gynaecological oncology team will:

• Review your symptoms and previous tests
• You may be examined in this appointment, which can include a vaginal examination and biopsies as necessary
• Discuss what is already known and what is still unclear
• Plan further investigations if needed
• This appointment is about working towards a clear diagnosis

Further tests may be arranged, such as scans, blood tests, or biopsies.

These investigations help us understand:

• Whether cancer is present
• The type of cancer
• How far it has spread
• Results are reviewed carefully and discussed by the specialist team

Your case is discussed at a specialist multidisciplinary team meeting. This brings together surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and specialist nurses.

The team agrees:

• The most appropriate treatment options
• Whether surgery is recommended
• Whether other treatments (such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiotherapy) should be involved
• Treatment planning appointment

You will be seen in clinic to discuss the results and recommended options.

At this appointment, we will aim to:

• Explain the findings in clear terms
• Talk through treatment options, including alternatives
• Discuss risks, benefits, and expected recovery
• Answer your questions
• Decisions are made jointly with you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach

If surgery is part of your treatment, preparation may include:

• Assessment by the anaesthetic team
• Input from dietetics or prehabilitation services
• Ongoing support from your Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Coordination by the administrative team
• This stage is focused on optimising safety and recovery

On the day of surgery:

• You will meet your surgical team
• Consent will be confirmed
• The planned procedure will be carried out (although rarely we do have to cancel a planned procedure because you are not fit or do to emergency work that needs to take priority)
• After surgery, you may spend time in recovery, on the ward, or occasionally in a high-dependency unit, depending on your needs.

Tissue removed during surgery is examined by specialist pathologists.

These results:

• Often take several weeks
• Are discussed again at a multidisciplinary team meeting

You will be seen after surgery to:

• Discuss the pathology results
• Review your recovery
• Agree whether any further treatment is recommended
• Plan follow-up care
• Throughout your journey