Gynaecological Oncology Unit
The Unit for Gynaecological Oncology functions as a clinic within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Tygerberg Academic Hospital in Parow, Cape Town.
As a unit we focus on the diagnosis and management of early and more advanced cancer of the gynaecological system and also on the diagnosis and treatment of pre-cancer lesions. This unit has a long history of excellent clinical management of patients and also of research of international standard. We provide a caring and professional service to the population of the Western Cape and also for patients from further away. We believe in a multi-disciplinary team approach for all clinical management decisions and we have regular contact with related departments within the Tygerberg Academic Hospital.
If you would like to help:
- We always need magazines for our hospitalised patients. Patients for radical radiotherapy often stay in hospital for periods of up to eight weeks
- Support the good work of the Hospice and the Cancer Association
- Encourage your friends and family to stop smoking and have regular cancer checks
Services
Colposcopy for abnormal cells on cytology smears (PAP smears)
Our Unit has a regular Colposcopy Clinic for the diagnosis and management of patients with abnormal Pap smears. A referral to this clinic is usually via the local Pathology Laboratory but appointments can be made at the above contact numbers. The aim of colposcopy is to identify those women who will need further treatment for abnormalities and to reassure those with minor changes that are not dangerous.
Invasive Carcinoma
Our Unit manages many new cases of invasive cancer every week. The main bulk of our work consists of the management of patients with advanced cervical cancer and they are referred from all over the Western Cape and also from the Eastern and Northern Cape. We also manage all other gynaecological malignancies including endometrial, ovarian and vulva cancer.
We believe in a multi-disciplinary team approach and each new patient is discussed at a combined meeting before any treatment is initiated. At this meeting the planning for treatment is done by a team consisting of a gynaecological oncologist, a medical oncologist and a radio-oncologist.
We place a strong emphasis on good follow-up after initial treatment and the follow-up is shared between the Departments of Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Gynaecological Oncology.
Excellent palliative care is extremely important and we are indebted to the Hospice and Cancer Association for their invaluable help in caring for our patients.
We have strong support from the Department of Social Work.
Staff
Dr Haynes van der Merwe - Specialist Gynaecologist and Subspecialist Gynae oncology, and Head of Unit
Dr Jenny Butt- Specialist Obstetrtrician Gynaecologist and Subspecialist Gynae oncology,