Key points 1. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database indicate that cancers during the reproductive ages, in order of decreasing frequency are breast, melanoma, thyroid, cervix, and…

Key points 1. Adnexal masses are common, and careful evaluation is required before a therapeutic intervention is planned. 2. Masses are classified based on the workup for risk of malignant…

Key points 1. Women with gynecologic cancers can have significant complications from their cancer and/or treatments. 2. Vaginal bleeding is usually controlled with packing although arterial embolization may be needed…

Key points 1. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is practiced by more than 90% of gynecologic oncologists. 2. Knowledge of anatomy, the disease process, and surgical technique is key during these…

Key points 1. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of all gynecologic cancers. Elderly women are more likely to develop ovarian cancer than are young women. 2. Oral contraceptives decrease…

Key points 1. Malignant cells develop from molecular abnormalities in growth control. 2. The molecular abnormalities are in one or more of 10 key pathways. 3. These altered pathways provide…

Key points 1. Epidemiology is the study of distribution of disease and factors that determine disease occurrence in populations. 2. As much as possible, medical decisions should be based on…

Key points 1. Palliative care is interdisciplinary care that seeks to prevent, relieve, or reduce the symptoms of a disease without affecting a cure. 2. Certain treatments may not result…

Key points 1. The development of new and effective therapies should be rooted in a clear understanding of tumor biology. 2. Bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody to human vascular endothelial…

Key points 1. In malignant tumors, unregulated growth appears to result from a combination of loss of normal cell cycle controls and a failure of normal apoptotic mechanisms. Despite uncontrolled…