A Q&A with our Gynecologic Oncologist

HealthByte speaks to Dr. Stephanie Ricci, gynecologic oncologist within the Gynecologic Cancer Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and one of only a handful gynecological cancer specialists in the UAE.

Dr. Ricci discusses the role of a gynecologic oncologist and highlights why it is so important for women to attend regular screening.

Dr. Ricci, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a gynecologic oncologist within Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Gynecologic Cancer Program. I qualified in the US and before moving to the UAE, I spent 6 years working at Cleveland Clinic in the US. I have dedicated my career to helping women affected by cancer of the reproductive organs. I have performed over 3000 surgeries, and I have a special interest in complex pelvic surgery including deceased donor uterine transplant, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for ovarian cancer cytoreduction and sentinel lymph node mapping and dissection for endometrial cancer.

Please explain the role of a gynecological oncologist.

A gynecological oncologist is a doctor that provides specialized care for women with cancer of the reproductive organs. You will see one if you have been diagnosed with a gynecological cancer or precancerous condition.

A gynecological oncologist will initially train as an OB/GYN, but then go on to do 3 to 4 years of specialist training in cancer treatment. This training gives us the skills and expertise needed to diagnose and treat these types of cancers.

If you are diagnosed with a gynecological cancer, it is very important that you are referred to a specialist. There are a limited number of hospitals in the UAE that have a gynecological oncologist, but numerous studies have shown there are survival advantages when women are treated by one. We have the experience and technical skills needed to diagnose and treat cancer as effectively as possible.

Can you tell us a bit about the Gynecologic Cancer Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi?

The Program offers compassionate care for women with a range of reproductive cancers. This includes cancers of the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and vulva. We are a multidisciplinary team, meaning we take a truly collaborative approach to the care we provide. I work very closely with a team of nurses, radiologists, and pathologists, who all have integral roles in our patient’s overall care pathway.

For me, this team approach is extremely important when approaching cancer treatment and is an essential factor in improving outcomes for our patients.

What do you think is the most important message to share with women when it comes to gynecologic care?

I can’t emphasize enough the importance of routine screening. Seeing your doctor regularly for a pap smear and pelvic examination is a simple, quick, and proactive way to look after yourself. A pap smear can detect cervical cancer at the earliest stages and as well as other precancerous conditions.

Unfortunately, many gyn cancers, like ovarian or uterine cancer, don’t show any symptoms until they are at a more advanced stage. However, having a routine pelvic exam can lead to early detection, when it is easier to treat, and survival rates are increased.

Secondly, I would urge all women not to ignore any unusual gyn symptoms. Things like bleeding outside of menstruation, or after the menopause, pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, or a change in toilet habits, should always be checked out.

Finally, what do you enjoy most about your job?

The inherent relationships formed with my patients as they navigate an extraordinarily challenging time are the best part of my job. To witness so much strength and grace in my fellow woman is truly inspiring. Patients often thank me for choosing to do this work, but I cannot express enough how much of an honor it is for me to be given their trust and faith in my expertise, to provide the best care possible.