Infertility and gynaecological oncology

Abstract

Infertility and gynaecological cancer are two major problems in the field of women’s health, where both have serious implications on a woman’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing. There are well established links between many aspects of infertility and different types of gynaecological malignancies, including etiology, pathogenesis and disease management. In this special issue there are valuable articles that highlight different aspects of the relationship between infertility and gynaecological oncology. The issue covers conditions that represent risk factors for both infertility and gynaecological neoplasia. There is emphasis on the role of the fallopian tube being a critical organ for both conditions. There is a review on the advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment with consideration of the preservation of patient fertility. The various technologies for fertility preservation are reviewed and their strengths and weaknesses discussed. One of the important fertility preservation techniques is cryopreservation of embryo oocytes or ovarian tissue. This special issue emphasises that fertility preservation is now an important consideration in oncology clinics, and the options available to patients are routinely offered. Future developments will offer women in this difficult situation more options for fertility preservation, with an individualised approach for each patient. Equally, for infertile patients it is important to assess the risk of malignancy so as to provide optimal and timely intervention.

Keywords: Infertility, Gynaecological tract, Cancer, Malignant, Tumour

Core tip: Infertility and gynaecological cancer are two major problems in the field of women’s health, where both have serious implications on a woman’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing. In this special issue there are valuable articles that highlight different aspects of the relationship between infertility and gynaecological oncology. This special issue emphasises that fertility preservation is now an important consideration in oncology clinics, and the options available to patients are routinely offered.