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How we treat gynaecological cancers

The term gynaecological cancer covers cancers of the endometrium, the ovaries, the cervix, the vulva and the vagina. These intimate cancers require multidisciplinary, personalised care and treatment.

The examinations needed to establish an accurate diagnosis of gynaecological cancer depend on the organ or tissue concerned. In all cases, the following are standard:

  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis;
  • a biopsy of the suspicious tissue;
  • in ovarian cancer, if the patient has a personal or family history of breast cancer, a genetic mutation may be looked for.

Depending on the individual case, these examinations may be supplemented by an endoscopy (of the colon, the bladder, etc), a CT scan, and an abdominal ultrasound to establish the extent of the tumour and detect any possible metastases.

ESGO accreditation

ESGO

The Institut Jules Bordet is the second Belgian centre to obtain ESGO accreditation for the treatment of locally advanced ovarian cancer. This is a recognition of the quality and excellence of the treatment of this type of cancer at the Institute. The accreditation, obtained in May 2018, is based on very strict criteria assessing, in particular, the surgical management of a minimum number of cases of locally advanced ovarian cancer per year, the presentation of files to the gynaecological Multidisciplinary Oncology Consultations (CMO). In addition, the team must include surgeons with expertise in performing macroscopically complete cytoreduction surgery (debulking).

Scientific studies have shown that centres that meet these quality criteria for the management of patients with locally advanced ovarian cancer have a better chance of patient survival. ESGO, the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology, is an organisation of over 3,400 professionals worldwide, dedicated to ensuring excellence in the care of women with gynaecological cancers.

Patients treated at an ESGO-accredited centre have a better chance of recovery.