The development of gynecological oncology in Scandinavia during the last 50 years

The last 50 years of development in gynecological oncology has changed the methods for the diagnosis of cancer and for treatment of cancer, both to give better treatment results. From the beginning the gynecologist could only inspect or palpate. Later on roentgen examination was introduced and later still microscopic diagnosis, more advanced diagnostic methods, e.g. endoscopy, ultrasound, isotope examination and advanced microscopic diagnosis and computerized tomography. Today we are waiting for the break-through in computerized tomography using nuclear spin resonance for the study of tumors and the spread of tumors. Parallel with the development in diagnosis, treatment has developed. Originally surgery was the only method available. Later on low energy radiation, endocrine therapy, chemotherapy and then high voltage energy treatment became available along with some experimental therapies. Today we have a broad range of therapeutic tools to use. In the future we might use prophylaxis more than we do today to prevent cancer and when cancer is present we might enhance the immune defense or introduce specific immuno-therapy with clonal antibodies, specially made for the actual tumor, and surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy will be used less.