A part of medical science that deals with the diseases of female reproductive system is called gynecology. Obstetrics is also a part of gynecology that involves the study of childbirth, parental care and post-partum care and surgeries like hysterectomy. A physician who specializes in this field is called obstetrician and gynecologist. The diseases that a gynecology treats are hemorrhage, cervix cancer, dysmenorrhagia, urinary incontinence and cervical cancer. Female physicians prefer to work in this field than the male physicians. There are many sub specialties like the maternal fetal care, family planning and reproductive endocrinology.
A gynecologist oncologist is one who specializes in treating cancerous diseases in the reproductive organs of women. A physician treats cancerous diseases in ovary, uterus, endometrium, vagina, cervix and vulva. To become a gynecologist oncologist one has to undergo four years of study in obstetrics and gynecology and then another two years fellowship training in gynecologic oncology. During this period of training, one learns the surgical skills like gastrointestinal surgery, pelvic surgery and urologic surgery. He is also trained in the administration of intraperitoneal, intravenous and oral chemotherapy. A gynecologist oncologist is also enlightened on services like pain management and complications of cancer.
Every woman who is above the age of 40 is at the risk of malignant disease so they check with a gynecologist oncologist to check if they are infected with any type of cancerous diseases. The most common cancerous diseases are cervical cancer, endometrical cancer and ovarian cancer. The physician does a confirmatory test known as the pap smear test to confirm the presence of cancerous tissues. Pap smear test is nothing but removal of the inner lining of the uterus and test for any abnormal cells. The physician then discusses treatment plans with the patient and proceeds with the treatment.
