Gynaecologic Oncology

Emergency conditions/symptoms include (not an exhaustive list):

• Heavy frank bleeding that cannot be stopped
• Ureteric obstruction

For breast cancer please refer to the surgical breast cancer clinic

For follow up of abnormal pap smears see colposcopy clinic

Referrals are accepted statewide for:

• Women with a suspected or proven gynaecological cancer
• Women with a suspicion of a gynaecological invasive cancer on a pap smear, or clinical, or radiological examination
• Women with malignant ascites.  Tubal or ovarian malignancy is the number one cause of newly diagnosed malignant ascites in women
• Women with breast cancer requiring therapeutic oophorectomy
• Women with a strong family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer or women who are carriers of mutations putting them at high risk for gynaecological cancer (BRCAI & II and Lynch II mutation carriers) requiring advice and management
• Women requiring the expertise of advanced pelvic surgeons for gynaecological conditions benign and malignant

Biopsy can be performed by Clinic, if not done prior to referral.

Management can include the use of colposcopy and CO2 laser.

Long term survivors of multimodality cancer treatment with complications from this, or their cancer, may benefit from referral to Oncology Late Effects Clinic.

A referral is required for all new appointments and must conform to the to the Referral Standards as outlined on For Clinicians. eReferral is now the preferred method of referral for this service and is available in all THS regions. Please refer via HealthLink SmartForm eReferral through your software system (either Best Practice, or Medical Director). For instructions, see Quick Guide: Creating an eReferral.

Specific requirements are detailed in the individual clinic and condition referral guidelines.

Clinic Appointments:

Please fax referral to appropriate clinic as above noting the following:

• Women with a suspect or proven gynaecologic malignancy will be seen within 1-2 weeks of receiving the referral

For women presenting with newly suspected malignant ascites possibly due to a gynaecological malignancy, contact with the services Consultants via the Royal Hobart Hospital Switch or their Secretary (Phone: 03 6166 8049) will ensure prompt attention.  On occasion admission for prompt investigation is the optimal management.

Urgent (Category 1)

We will endeavour to see urgent referrals for women with a suspected or proven gynaecologic malignancy within one to two weeks.  If you have any trouble obtaining an urgent appointment please contact our secretary on 03 6166 8049.

Semi-urgent (Category 2)

Women will be given an appointment between one to eight weeks depending upon reason for referral.

There is a cervical cancer vaccination and screening program for women.  Unfortunately there is no available screening test for tubal, ovarian or endometrial cancer.

• Clinical Best Practice: Gynaecological Cancers
• Advice about familial aspects of breast cancer and epithelial ovarian cancer
• Familial Risk Assessment FRA-BOC

Consumer information

• Cancer Australia: Information for women regarding all gynaecological cancers.
• Cancer Council Tasmania: Provides information on local services available to people affected by cancer.
• Canteen: For young people living with cancer and information for young people whose parent or primary carer has been diagnosed with cancer.
• Gynaecological Cancer Support: Provides emotional support to women, carers and families plus information about disease and current treatments.
• Jean Hailes Foundation: Website devoted to women's health and well-being with comprehensive information about menopause.
• Ovarian Cancer Australia: Information for women and others personally affected by ovarian cancer.