Gynaecologic Oncology (Statewide)

The Department will periodically contact patients waiting for an outpatient clinic appointment via SMS, with a link to an electronic form.  This is part of routine waitlist auditing to ensure patient details are up to date.  If you receive this SMS, please update your details.

Timely assessment and management of women with gynaecologic malignancies including those that are suspected or at high risk for development. Advanced pelvic surgery for benign gynaecologic disease.

Availability

North South North West Statewide

Scope

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.

Emergency conditions

Emergency conditions/symptoms include (not an exhaustive list); (list if any)

  • Heavy frank bleeding that cannot be stopped
  • Ureteric obstruction

Referral process

A referral (preferably faxed) is required for all new appointments and must conform to the Referral Standards as outlined on For Clinicians.

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.

Emergency

Proceed to Emergency Department (ED).
LGH ED Reception  – Phone: (03) 6777 6405  Fax: (03) 6777 5201
MCH ED* – Phone: (03) 6478 5120  Fax: (03) 6441 5923
NWRH ED* – Phone: (03) 6493 6351 Fax: (03) 6464 1926
RHH ED Reception – Phone: (03) 6166 6100  Fax: (03) 6173 0489

Advice for medical practitioners can be given by the Medical Officer In Charge (MOIC) - see HealthPathways Tasmania for contact information.
*MCH and NWRH MOICs request GPs call them prior to referring a patient to ensure the patient is being sent appropriately to a safe destination.

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

Referral template

For use by health professionals only

Additional information

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.