Suspected cancer
Prompt assessment and urgent investigation of symptoms that could suggest a gynaecological cancer, with fast-track referral into specialist oncology care. Most women seen do not turn out to have cancer.
Understanding
Oncogynaecology covers the cancers that can affect the female reproductive system — the womb (endometrium), ovaries, cervix, vulva and vagina. It also covers the assessment of symptoms or scan findings that might point to a cancer. It is worth saying clearly: most women referred with suspicious symptoms are found not to have cancer, and many of the causes are benign and easily treated.
When a gynaecological cancer is a possibility, the priority is a clear answer, quickly. Mr Orabi provides prompt, unhurried assessment, arranging the right investigations — often examination, scan and biopsy in the same visit where possible — so that nothing is left uncertain for longer than it needs to be.
If investigations confirm or strongly suggest a cancer, Mr Orabi arranges urgent, fast-track referral into the specialist gynaecological oncology pathway, where your case is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team and onward treatment is planned at a dedicated cancer centre. Many gynaecological cancers are highly treatable, particularly when found early, which is why acting promptly on the symptoms above matters.
Common symptoms
Bleeding after the menopause, or between periods
Bleeding after sex, or abnormal vaginal discharge
Persistent bloating, or feeling full quickly
Pelvic or abdominal pain that does not settle
A vulval lump, ulcer, persistent itch or skin change
Unexplained weight loss, tiredness, or change in bowel or bladder habit
Diagnosis
Approach
A structured workup, often within one appointment, to identify the cause and shape a clear treatment plan.
Full history and pelvic examination
Transvaginal and abdominal pelvic ultrasound
Endometrial biopsy and hysteroscopy where the womb lining is involved
Colposcopy, cervical or vulval biopsy where appropriate
Blood tests, including tumour markers such as CA125 when ovarian cancer is suspected
Onward CT or MRI imaging arranged through the cancer pathway when needed
Treatment
Treatment is built around your symptoms, preferences and any other conditions. Options often combine medication, hormonal treatments and where appropriate, surgery.
Urgent (fast-track) referral into the specialist gynaecological oncology pathway
Discussion of your case at a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting
Onward care at a gynaecological cancer centre for surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy as required
Reassurance and discharge back to routine care where investigations are clear
Coordination and support throughout, so you are never left waiting without a plan
Related procedures
Imaging
A detailed scan of the womb, ovaries and pelvic structures, performed and interpreted in clinic by Mr Orabi. Available abdominally, transvaginally, or both.
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Outpatient sample
A small sample of the womb lining, taken in clinic, to investigate heavy or abnormal bleeding. Quick to perform and usually well tolerated.
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Diagnostic & operative
A short procedure that lets us look directly inside the womb using a slim camera. No cuts are needed. Available in clinic under local anaesthetic, or at hospital under general anaesthetic for more involved cases.
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Cervical treatment
A close-up look at the cervix using a magnifying instrument, with the option of treating abnormal cells in the same visit using a heated wire loop (LLETZ).
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Outpatient sample
A small tissue sample from the vulva, taken under local anaesthetic in clinic, to clarify the cause of skin changes, persistent itching or chronic symptoms.
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Your consultation
A first appointment is unhurried. We work through your history, your symptoms and your priorities, and where helpful arrange examination, imaging or further tests at the same visit. You leave with a clear plan and time to ask any question you bring.