Women's Cancer Care
Comprehensive care for cancers affecting women, including breast cancer and gynecologic cancers like cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. We focus on early detection, advanced treatment, and compassionate support.
Why Choose Our Women's Cancer Care?
Early and accurate diagnosis of women's cancers.
Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific cancer type and stage.
Access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists for comprehensive care.
Support and guidance through all stages of treatment and recovery.
Focus on quality of life and managing treatment side effects.
Emphasis on preventive strategies and risk reduction.
Key Procedures
- Mammography
- Breast Ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- Biopsy
- Pap Test
- HPV Test
- Colposcopy
- Endometrial Biopsy
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
- Hysteroscopy
- Transvaginal Ultrasound
- CA-125 Blood Test
- CT Scan
- MRI Scan
- PET Scan
- Lumpectomy
- Mastectomy
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
- Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
- Hysterectomy
- Salpingo-Oophorectomy
- Debulking Surgery
- Radical Hysterectomy
- Vulvectomy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone Therapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Fertility Preservation Counseling
Conditions We Treat
Our expert specialists provide advanced care for a wide range of conditions associated with women's cancer care.
Breast Cancer
Cervical Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
Endometrial Cancer
Vaginal Cancer
Vulvar Cancer
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Endometriosis
Find Women's Cancer Care Near You
We serve patients across Palghar district from our state-of-the-art facility in Virar West.
Virar West
Women's Cancer Care for residents of Virar West. 2-5 mins away.
Virar East
Women's Cancer Care for residents of Virar East. 10-15 mins away.
Vasai West
Women's Cancer Care for residents of Vasai West. 25-30 mins away.
Vasai East
Women's Cancer Care for residents of Vasai East. 20 mins away.
Nalasopara
Women's Cancer Care for residents of Nalasopara. 15-20 mins away.
Palghar
Women's Cancer Care for residents of Palghar. 60 mins away.
Naigaon
Women's Cancer Care for residents of Naigaon. 20 mins away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram?
A screening mammogram is a routine X-ray of the breast performed for women who have no symptoms, to look for early signs of cancer. A diagnostic mammogram is performed when a woman has symptoms (like a lump or pain) or when a screening mammogram shows something abnormal, to get more detailed images and investigate further.
If I have the BRCA gene mutation, what are my options for cancer prevention?
For individuals with BRCA gene mutations, options to reduce cancer risk may include increased surveillance (more frequent screenings), risk-reducing medications (like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer), and risk-reducing surgeries such as prophylactic mastectomy (breast removal) and/or salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of fallopian tubes and ovaries).
How does the HPV vaccine work and who should get it?
The HPV vaccine protects against infection with high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which are the primary cause of nearly all cervical cancers, and a significant proportion of vaginal and vulvar cancers. It is most effective when given before exposure to HPV, typically recommended for adolescents, but can be given to young adults as well. Please consult your doctor for specific recommendations.
What does an abnormal Pap test result mean?
An abnormal Pap test result means that changes were found in the cells of your cervix. It does not necessarily mean you have cancer. These changes can be caused by HPV infection or other factors. Further tests, such as a colposcopy (a closer look at the cervix) and biopsy, are usually recommended to determine the exact cause and if treatment is needed.
Is postmenopausal bleeding always a sign of cancer?
Any bleeding after menopause is considered abnormal and requires investigation. While it is not always a sign of cancer, it is a red flag symptom for endometrial (uterine) cancer and should be evaluated by a doctor promptly to rule out serious conditions.
Why is there no routine screening test for ovarian cancer?
Currently, there is no effective routine screening test for ovarian cancer for the general population. Tests like CA-125 blood tests and transvaginal ultrasounds have not been shown to reduce mortality in average-risk women and can lead to false positives and unnecessary surgeries. Screening may be considered for individuals at very high risk due to genetic factors, but this is not for the general population.
What is the role of a gynecologic oncologist in my care team?
A gynecologic oncologist is a surgeon who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system (cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers). They are a key part of a multidisciplinary team that also includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and other specialists, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated care.
What are the options for preserving fertility before starting cancer treatment?
For younger patients, cancer treatments can sometimes affect fertility. Options for fertility preservation, such as egg or embryo freezing, should be discussed with your care team before starting treatment. This allows you to explore possibilities for future pregnancy.
What is lymphedema and how can I reduce my risk after surgery?
Lymphedema is chronic swelling, often in an arm or leg, that can occur after lymph nodes are removed or damaged during cancer surgery or radiation therapy. To reduce your risk, your doctor may recommend exercises, wearing compression garments, avoiding injury or infection in the affected limb, and maintaining a healthy weight.
How is the stage of a cancer determined and what does it mean for my treatment?
Cancer staging determines the extent of the cancer's spread in the body. It involves physical exams, biopsies, and imaging tests like CT, MRI, or PET scans. The stage (e.g., FIGO for gynecologic cancers, AJCC/TNM for breast cancer) is crucial because it guides treatment decisions, helps predict prognosis, and allows doctors to choose the most effective therapies.
What is the difference between chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy?
Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells throughout the body. Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically attack certain molecules or pathways involved in cancer growth, often with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. Immunotherapy boosts your body's own immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells.
Will I go into menopause because of my cancer treatment?
Some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation to the pelvis, or surgical removal of the ovaries, can induce premature menopause. This can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and infertility, as well as long-term risks like osteoporosis. Your care team will discuss these potential effects with you.
What are the long-term side effects of radiation therapy to the pelvis?
Long-term side effects of radiation therapy to the pelvis can include vaginal dryness, narrowing (stenosis), and pain during intercourse. It can also affect bladder and bowel function, potentially causing urinary frequency or urgency, or changes in bowel habits. Your doctor will discuss strategies to manage these effects.
How often will I need follow-up appointments after my treatment is finished?
After completing cancer treatment, regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor for any signs of recurrence and manage long-term side effects. The frequency of these appointments, which may include physical exams, imaging, and blood tests, will be determined by your specific cancer type, stage, and treatment, typically being more frequent in the first few years after treatment.
What is the difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy?
A lumpectomy (also known as breast-conserving surgery) removes only the cancerous lump and a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue, preserving most of the breast. A mastectomy involves the surgical removal of the entire breast. The choice between these procedures depends on factors like cancer size, location, and patient preference.
Does having dense breasts increase my risk of cancer?
Yes, having dense breast tissue is an established non-modifiable risk factor for breast cancer. Dense breasts can also make it harder to detect cancer on a mammogram, as both dense tissue and tumors appear white on the image. Your doctor may recommend additional screening methods if you have dense breasts.
What is the CA-125 blood test used for?
The CA-125 blood test measures the level of a protein that can be elevated in some women with ovarian cancer. While it is not a reliable screening tool for the general population, it can be useful for monitoring the effectiveness of ovarian cancer treatment or detecting recurrence, and sometimes in evaluating high-risk individuals.
Can lifestyle changes like diet and exercise prevent cancer from recurring?
Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco are important lifestyle choices that can reduce the risk of developing several cancers. While they cannot guarantee prevention of recurrence, these healthy habits are generally recommended as part of a survivorship plan to improve overall health and well-being.
What is inflammatory breast cancer and how is it different from other types?
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer where cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. Unlike other types, it often doesn't present with a lump. Instead, symptoms include a red, swollen, warm, and tender breast, and the skin may have a thick, pitted appearance like an orange peel (peau d'orange). It requires immediate evaluation and treatment.
What is Lynch syndrome and what cancers is it associated with?
Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is an inherited genetic condition that significantly increases the risk of several cancers. It is most commonly associated with colorectal cancer, but also increases the risk of uterine (endometrial) cancer, ovarian cancer, and other cancers.
Are 'natural' or 'bioidentical' hormones safe to use after menopause?
The dossier indicates that hormone therapy, including estrogen alone or in combination with progestin, can be a modifiable risk factor for certain cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer, and unopposed estrogen therapy is a major cause of endometrial cancer. Any hormone therapy after menopause should be carefully discussed with your doctor, considering your individual health profile and cancer risks.
What is cytoreductive or 'debulking' surgery for ovarian cancer?
Cytoreductive or 'debulking' surgery is a procedure primarily used for advanced ovarian cancer. The goal is to remove as much of the visible tumor as possible, even if it means removing parts of other organs. This surgery aims to reduce the tumor burden, making subsequent treatments like chemotherapy more effective and improving patient outcomes.
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