Medical and Surgical Management of Gynecologic Cancers
Clear, Respectful Care at Every Step
Gynecologic Cancer Treatment: Personalized Medical & Surgical Care
Receiving a cancer diagnosis, or even the possibility of one, can bring a rush of questions, fears, and many different emotions. It’s a moment that can feel overwhelming, and it’s completely natural to feel uncertain about what comes next.
At Minnerva Clinic, our deepest goal is to guide you clearly, calmly, and confidently through each step of your treatment journey. We understand that this is a sensitive time, and you deserve care that is not only medically excellent but also deeply compassionate and respectful of your feelings.
We offer safe, science-backed options for managing cancers that affect women’s reproductive organs, including cancers of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, and vaginal area. Our approach focuses on personalized plans, ensuring you receive the right care for your unique situation in a calm, private, and patient-first environment.
You are not alone — we’re here to help with clarity and care.
What Does Cancer Management Mean?
When we talk about "cancer management" or "treatment" at Minnerva Clinic, it means a carefully planned approach to address the cancer and support your overall well-being. It’s not a single step, but a journey with several parts, all designed to give you the best possible outcome.
Cancer management includes:
- Medical treatments: These involve using special medicines or drugs to fight cancer cells throughout your body. This can include hormonal therapy or targeted drug therapy.
- Surgical procedures: These are planned operations to remove the affected tissue or organs where the cancer is located.
- Regular follow-up and monitoring: After treatment, we continue to check on your health and ensure you’re recovering well and that the cancer remains managed.
- Supportive care: This includes counselling, advice on nutrition, and emotional support to help you cope with the journey.
Every treatment plan at Minnerva Clinic is personalized. This means we create a plan specifically for you, based on several important factors:
- Type of cancer: Different cancers behave differently and respond best to specific treatments.
- Stage and spread: This refers to how much the cancer has grown and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Early-stage cancers often require less complex treatments.
- Your overall health: We consider your general health, any other medical conditions you have, and your ability to tolerate different treatments.
- Your age and comfort: We take your age into account and, most importantly, your comfort level and preferences regarding treatment options.
- Your personal goals: We discuss what's important to you for your quality of life during and after treatment.
Our team will explain all these factors clearly and discuss how they shape your personalized care plan. You’ll be involved in every decision.
Cancers We Treat at Minnerva Clinic
At Minnerva Clinic, we specialize in the diagnosis and management of cancers that affect the women's reproductive system. These are often referred to as gynecologic cancers. Our expertise covers:
Cervical Cancer:
What it is: Cancer that starts in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
How it's often detected: Most often found early through regular Pap smears or HPV tests, or if symptoms like unusual bleeding occur.
Our approach: We focus on early detection and offer various treatments depending on the stage, from simple procedures for precancerous changes to more involved care for confirmed cancers.
Uterine / Endometrial Cancer:
What it is: Cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium.
How it's often linked: Often linked with symptoms like heavy or unusual bleeding, especially after menopause.
Our approach: We use tests like ultrasounds and endometrial biopsies for early detection. Treatment often involves surgery, and sometimes medical therapies, tailored to your specific situation.
Ovarian Cancer:
What it is: Cancer that starts in the ovaries, which are the two small organs that produce eggs.
How it's often found: It can be more challenging to detect early as symptoms might be vague (like bloating or abdominal discomfort) and often found via ultrasound or a blood test called CA-125.
Our approach: We provide a thorough diagnostic evaluation and work closely with you to determine the best surgical and medical management strategies.
Vaginal / Vulvar Cancers:
What they are: Less common types of cancer that affect the vagina (the birth canal) or the vulva (the outer parts of the female genitals).
How they're screened: Often screened for during routine pelvic exams, especially if there are unusual lumps, itching, or bleeding.
Our approach: We offer careful examination, biopsy if needed, and discuss appropriate medical or surgical options, ensuring sensitive and comprehensive care.
For each of these cancers, our team provides comprehensive care, from accurate diagnosis to personalized treatment plans and compassionate follow-up.
Types of Treatment We Offer
At Minnerva Clinic, we offer both medical and surgical approaches to manage gynecologic cancers. The specific type of treatment recommended for you will depend on your cancer type, stage, and personal health. We will always explain each option clearly, so you understand what to expect.
1. Medical Management
Medical management involves using medicines to fight cancer cells throughout your body. These treatments are carefully chosen to target the cancer while minimizing side effects.
Used for: Medical treatments can be used for very early-stage cancers, to shrink tumors before surgery, to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery, or to manage advanced cancers.
Includes:
- Hormonal therapy: For certain types of endometrial cancer, medicines that affect hormones can be very effective in slowing or stopping cancer growth.
- Targeted drug therapy: These are newer medicines that specifically target certain weaknesses in cancer cells, often with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. We coordinate closely with specialized oncologists for these therapies.
- Chemotherapy: These are powerful medicines that kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells. If chemotherapy is part of your plan, it will be given only after a full consultation with you and often in coordination with a medical oncology specialist.
Monitored closely, explained in simple terms: Throughout your medical treatment, our team will monitor you closely to track how you're responding and to manage any side effects. We will explain the purpose of each medicine, how to take it, what side effects to expect, and how to manage them gently.
You’ll know what to expect and how to manage effects gently: We provide clear instructions and support to help you navigate medical treatments, ensuring you feel as comfortable as possible.
2. Surgical Management
Surgery is a common and often very effective way to treat many gynecologic cancers, especially in their early stages. It involves a planned procedure to remove the affected tissue or organs.
Done when: Surgery is typically performed when cancer needs to be physically removed from your body.
Performed by: Our skilled gynecologic surgeons, led by Dr. Pragya Gupta, perform these procedures with precision and care.
Types of surgery include:
- LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) or Cone Biopsy: These are smaller procedures often used for early cervical changes or very early-stage cervical cancer. They remove only a small, cone-shaped piece of the cervix containing the abnormal cells.
- Hysterectomy: This is the surgical removal of the uterus. It can be partial (removing only the uterus) or total (removing the uterus and cervix). It's a common treatment for uterine cancer.
- Oophorectomy (Ooh-fuh-rek-tuh-mee): This is the surgical removal of one or both ovaries. It might be done if cancer is in the ovaries or if it's part of a broader treatment plan for other gynecologic cancers.
- Salpingectomy (Sal-pin-jek-tuh-mee): This is the removal of the fallopian tubes, often done along with oophorectomy or hysterectomy.
- Lymph node sampling: Sometimes, lymph nodes (small glands that are part of your immune system) near the cancer site are removed and checked. This helps determine if the cancer has spread and guides further treatment.
Each surgery is:
- Clearly explained beforehand: You will have a detailed discussion with your surgeon about the type of surgery, why it's recommended, what to expect during and after the procedure, and any potential risks.
- Done under anesthesia in a certified hospital: All surgical procedures are performed in a well-equipped, certified hospital setting under appropriate anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety.
- Followed by recovery support and instructions: After surgery, you'll receive clear instructions for your recovery at home, including pain management, wound care, and activity guidelines. Our team will be available to answer your questions and support your healing.
We aim to provide effective treatment while ensuring your comfort, safety, and clear understanding every step of the way.
What to Expect Before Treatment
Before you begin any medical or surgical treatment at Minnerva Clinic, we ensure you are fully informed, comfortable, and prepared. This pre-treatment phase is crucial for building trust and clarity.
Here’s what you can expect:
- A full explanation of your diagnosis: We will sit down with you and explain your specific cancer diagnosis in simple, easy-to-understand language. We'll talk about the type of cancer, its stage, and what that means for your health.
- Time to ask questions and discuss family concerns: This is your dedicated time. We encourage you to ask every question that comes to mind, no matter how small. We also understand that a diagnosis affects your loved ones, and we can discuss how to communicate with your family and address their concerns.
- A thorough medical review: This might involve:
- Reviewing existing scans and blood tests: We'll look at all your previous test results to get a complete picture.
- Ordering new scans or blood tests: Sometimes, additional tests like specific scans (MRI, CT, PET scans) or blood tests are needed to get more detailed information about the cancer's extent or to check your overall health before treatment.
- Referrals if needed: If your treatment plan requires the expertise of other specialists (like a radiation oncologist or a medical oncologist), we will facilitate those referrals and ensure seamless coordination of your care. We work as a team to support you.
- Discussion of all treatment options: We will present all suitable medical and surgical treatment options for your specific situation. We'll discuss the benefits, potential side effects, and recovery process for each, helping you weigh your choices.
- You’ll never be rushed or pressured: We understand that making treatment decisions takes time. We will provide all the information you need, but the pace of decision-making is always yours. We support you in taking the time you need to feel comfortable and confident.
Our goal is for you to feel empowered and clear about your path forward, knowing you have a compassionate team supporting you.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Your journey with Minnerva Clinic doesn't end when your active treatment is complete. Recovery and careful follow-up are vital parts of your overall care, ensuring your long-term well-being.
- You’ll be given a personal recovery plan: After surgery or medical treatment, you'll receive clear, easy-to-follow instructions for your recovery at home. This will include guidance on managing any discomfort, wound care (if applicable), activity levels, and when you can gradually return to your normal routine.
- Regular follow-ups every 1–3 months (or as advised): We will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and check on your health. The frequency will depend on your specific treatment and needs, usually starting more frequently (e.g., every 1-3 months) and then becoming less often over time.
- Support for:
- Managing side effects: If you experience any lingering side effects from treatment, our team will help you manage them effectively, providing practical tips and solutions.
- Mental well-being: We understand that the emotional journey continues after treatment. We offer ongoing support, including counselling, to help you process your experiences and maintain your mental health.
- Returning to normal activities: We'll guide you on safely and gradually returning to your work, hobbies, and daily life, ensuring you don't overdo it.
- Our team checks in with you — in person or by phone: We believe in consistent care. Your follow-up appointments can be in-person at the clinic or sometimes by phone, depending on your needs and convenience. We're always just a call away if you have questions or concerns.
Our commitment is to support your healing and ensure you feel strong, healthy, and confident as you move forward.
Support Services Included
At Minnerva Clinic, we believe that comprehensive cancer care goes beyond just medical procedures. It includes supporting your emotional well-being and practical needs throughout your journey.
Our supportive services include:
- Private consultations: All your discussions with our doctors and team are held in complete privacy and confidentiality, ensuring you feel comfortable speaking openly.
- Counselling for emotional wellness: We offer dedicated oncology counselling sessions where you can talk about your fears, anxieties, and any emotional challenges you face in a safe and non-judgmental space.
- Help with family communication: We can guide you on how to talk to your loved ones about your diagnosis and treatment, helping you find the right words and manage family dynamics.
- Lifestyle and nutrition tips during recovery: Our team can provide practical advice on healthy eating and gentle activities to support your body's healing and overall well-being during and after treatment.
- Referrals to oncology partners if needed: If your care plan requires specialized expertise (e.g., radiation oncology, advanced medical oncology, or specific support groups), we have a network of trusted partners and will facilitate seamless referrals, ensuring you receive comprehensive, coordinated care.
- Pain management support: We help you manage any discomfort or pain effectively during and after treatment, ensuring your comfort.
- Information resources: We provide clear, easy-to-understand information about your condition and treatment options, empowering you with knowledge.
Our goal is to ensure you feel fully supported, not just medically, but emotionally and practically, every step of the way.
Why Choose Minnerva Clinic?
Women-led team focused on privacy, respect, and trust
Our entire clinic, led by Dr. Pragya Gupta, is composed of women. This creates an environment where you feel truly understood, respected, and comfortable discussing sensitive health matters.
Clear communication — every step is explained
We pride ourselves on explaining complex medical information in simple, easy-to-understand language. You will always know what's happening, why, and what to expect.
Non-judgmental support at every stage
From your first consultation through treatment and recovery, you will receive consistent, empathetic, and non-judgmental support.
We don’t rush into treatments — we work with you
We believe in shared decision-making. We will present all your options and give you the time to make choices that feel right for you, without any pressure.
Known for combining medical accuracy with emotional care
Our clinic is recognized for its high medical standards and expertise, combined with a deep commitment to your emotional well-being.
Personalized, patient-first approach
Your treatment plan is uniquely tailored to your specific diagnosis, health, and preferences. You are at the center of your care.
Comprehensive care under one roof (or coordinated)
From diagnosis and counselling to medical and surgical management, we offer a full spectrum of care, ensuring continuity and coordination.
Testimonials
"I had early-stage uterine cancer, and the diagnosis was a shock. The team at Minnerva Clinic, especially Dr. Gupta, gave me a clear plan and constant support. I felt so much calmer knowing exactly what was happening."
"When I found out I needed surgery for cervical cancer, I was scared. But they explained my surgery in simple words, step by step, and helped me recover smoothly. I felt cared for throughout the whole process."
"My ovarian cancer diagnosis was overwhelming. The counselling combined with the medical care here made a huge difference. They helped me understand my options and manage my fears."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is surgery always required for gynecologic cancer?
Not always. The need for surgery depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and your overall health. For some very early-stage cancers or precancerous conditions, medical management or smaller procedures might be sufficient. Your doctor will discuss all suitable options for your specific situation.
What are the risks of treatment?
All medical treatments and surgeries have potential risks and side effects. Your doctor will explain the specific risks associated with your recommended treatment plan in detail, ensuring you are fully informed. We also provide support to manage any side effects you might experience.
Can I delay treatment for a few weeks?
The urgency of starting treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. For some very early-stage conditions, a short delay might be acceptable, but for others, prompt treatment is crucial. We will discuss the recommended timeline with you, explaining the implications of any delay, so you can make an informed decision.
Will I need to go to a cancer hospital?
Many initial diagnoses and some treatments can be managed at Minnerva Clinic. If your treatment plan requires very specialized procedures, radiation therapy, or complex medical oncology that is best delivered at a larger cancer hospital, we will facilitate seamless referrals to trusted partners and coordinate your care closely with them.
Do you work with other specialists if needed?
Yes, absolutely. We believe in a team approach to cancer care. If your treatment plan requires the expertise of other specialists, such as medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, or other surgeons, we will coordinate your care with them to ensure you receive comprehensive and integrated support.
Can I get counselling along with treatment?
Yes, definitely. Oncology Counselling is an integral part of our comprehensive care at Minnerva Clinic. We encourage you to utilize these sessions throughout your treatment journey to help manage emotional challenges, understand information, and maintain your well-being.