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Review

Fertility-sparing surgery in gynecologic oncology

, &
Pages 211-221 | Published online: 10 Jan 2014
 

Abstract

Gynecologic cancers are primarily diagnosed in postmenopausal women; however, these malignancies can also affect a significant number of premenopausal women. As more women progressively delay childbearing, a significant number who have yet to start or complete their childbearing will be diagnosed with a gynecologic malignancy. Thus, they must cope with not only a diagnosis during their reproductive years, but also with the physical and emotional after effects of treatment. Parenthood is an important aspect of quality of life for many cancer survivors and has drawn an increasing amount of public attention. Since many of the standard treatments for these malignancies result in permanent sterility, surgical fertility-sparing options for select young women who desire to preserve their reproductive function have been investigated. Patients must be aware that data on fertility-sparing procedures are limited, and some may consider many of these options as ‘nonstandard’. These more conservative approaches seem encouraging in the available literature, and should be discussed with the reproductive-age patient diagnosed with early cancer. The available surgical options for patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancers are reviewed here. Given that the care of these patients can be challenging and complex, it may be best provided by a multidisciplinary team that should include gynecologic oncologists, reproductive endocrinologists, perinatologists and, in many cases, psychologists.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Notes

*Patients with suspected impaired fertility are referred to an infertility specialist for formal evaluation.

FIGO: International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

*Controversial.

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