Ovarian Cancer
The most complex gynecological tumor, treatable with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.
Reviewed by Prof. Luis González Bayón · Updated: April 30, 2026
Specialty
Gynecological Tumors
At Quenet-Torrent Institute, we treat gynecological cancers with high-complexity oncological surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and a multidisciplinary approach that maximizes cure options while preserving quality of life.
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Clinical summary
Gynecological tumours (ovary, endometrium, cervix and vulva) are treated with specialised oncological surgery combining technical precision and, when applicable, peritoneal cytoreduction. At Quenet-Torrent Institute (Teknon Barcelona · Memorial Publio Cordón Madrid), Prof. Luis González Bayón and Dr. Juan José Torrent lead the unit with expertise in pelvic exenteration.
What are gynecological tumors?
Gynecological tumors include cancers affecting female reproductive organs: ovaries, uterus (endometrium), cervix, vulva, and vagina. Each type has specific characteristics and requires individualized treatment.
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal due to late diagnosis, while endometrial cancer is the most common but generally has a better prognosis. Cervical cancer is highly preventable through HPV vaccination and screening.
Surgery is the cornerstone of treatment for most gynecological tumors. The quality of surgical resection is a determining prognostic factor.
Symptoms of gynecological tumors
Gynecological tumors may present in very different ways depending on the organ involved. The most frequent signs include abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after menopause, or following intercourse), unusual vaginal discharge in appearance or volume, abdominal or pelvic pain or distension, early satiety, and changes in urinary or bowel habits. In vulvar tumors, persistent itching or the appearance of visible lesions are warning signs.
Many of these tumors follow a silent course in their early stages, which underlines the importance of regular gynaecological screening. Any of these symptoms, particularly when they persist for more than two weeks without an apparent cause, warrants prompt consultation with a specialist. Detection at an early stage considerably widens the available therapeutic options and improves prognosis significantly.
Causes and risk factors of gynecological tumors
There is no single cause for gynecological tumors; rather, a combination of factors varies according to the site of origin. Persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is the principal risk factor in cervical cancer and in a relevant proportion of vulvar tumors. In endometrial cancer, hormonal factors play the predominant role: obesity, diabetes, and prolonged exposure to oestrogen without progesterone opposition increase risk substantially.
In ovarian cancer, hereditary mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, as well as Lynch syndrome, account for a significant proportion of cases, so family history must always be considered in the initial assessment. Advanced age and tobacco use are cross-cutting risk factors associated with several of these tumors. Identifying an individual risk profile enables the design of tailored surveillance and early-detection strategies for each patient.
Gynecological pathologies we treat
Our unit addresses the main gynecological oncological pathologies.
Endometrial Cancer
The most common gynecological cancer, with high cure rates in early stages.
Cervical Cancer
Related to HPV, preventable with vaccination and screening.
Vulvar Cancer
Less common tumor that requires specialized surgery.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Experience in gynecological oncological surgery
Quenet-Torrent Institute offers a comprehensive approach, with teams specialized in complex gynecological tumors.
Complex Case Experience
We specialize in treating advanced and metastatic cancer, using complex and innovative techniques that other teams don't offer.
Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Approach
We form a team around you with surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nutritionists, and psychologists, all working together for your cure.
Research Advances
We stay up-to-date with the latest scientific advances, allowing us to apply innovative treatments with better results.
State-of-the-Art Technology
We have facilities equipped with the most advanced medical technology, allowing us to perform high-precision procedures with less impact on the body.
Personalized and Close Care
We care about each patient as a person. We listen, support, and guide at every step of the way.
Our team
Gynaecological tumour specialists
Every physician at Quenet-Torrent Institute is a recognised expert in their field, committed to each patient’s well-being.
Dr. Juan José Torrent
Oncological surgeon
View doctor"As an oncological surgeon, my extensive experience with gynaecological tumours has taught me that surgery is much more than a technique: it is a strategic decision within a global treatment process."
Prof. Luis González Bayón
Peritoneal surgical oncologist
View doctor"Pelvic exenterations are among the most complex procedures in gynaecological surgical oncology, but also a therapeutic option that can make the difference."
Dr. François Quenet
Oncological surgeon
View doctorPrincipal investigator of the PRODIGE 7 trial, an international reference in the treatment of peritoneal metastases. Expert in complete cytoreduction and HIPEC, a central technique in ovarian cancer with peritoneal spread.
Dr. Pablo Lozano Lominchar
Oncological surgeon
View doctorSurgeon in the peritoneal carcinomatosis section at Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón and Associate Professor of Surgical Pathology at the Complutense University of Madrid. Trained at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He is dedicated to surgery for carcinomatosis of gynaecological origin.
Dr. Clara Montagut
Medical oncologist
View doctorHead of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Section at Hospital del Mar and deputy director of the Hospital del Mar Research Institute. An international reference in precision medicine, biomarkers and liquid biopsy, integrating systemic treatment into the surgical strategy.
Frequently asked questions about gynecological tumors
Answers to the most common questions about diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Can gynecological cancers be cured?
Yes. Many gynaecological tumours have high cure rates, particularly when detected early. Endometrial cancer usually gives symptoms soon and is often found while still confined to the uterus. Ovarian cancer is the opposite case: it gives few early symptoms, so it is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Can surgery be performed minimally invasively?
Yes, many gynaecological operations can be done laparoscopically or robotically, with less pain and faster recovery. There is one important exception: for radical hysterectomy in cervical cancer, open surgery is now preferred, because trials showed better oncological outcomes than with the minimally invasive approach.
Is it possible to preserve fertility?
In carefully selected cases at an early stage, yes: there are techniques that preserve the uterus and at least one ovary. The decision depends on the tumour type, the stage and the grade, and calls for joint assessment with oncology and the fertility unit before any surgery is planned.
Is a second opinion necessary?
It is advisable, above all if you have been told the disease is inoperable or if the plan does not include complete cytoreduction. In advanced ovarian cancer the criteria for operability vary widely between centres, and that difference translates into different outcomes for the same patient.
Where can I receive this treatment safely?
In centres with demonstrated experience in gynaecological oncological surgery and enough case volume. It is worth asking how many operations of this type the team performs each year and whether it has a multidisciplinary board. In advanced ovarian cancer, the surgeon's experience has a direct effect on survival.
Where to treat gynaecological tumors?
We operate in two private hospitals of reference in Spain. The same medical team treats you in Madrid and Barcelona, with the same surgical and oncological standards.
Madrid
Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital
Private hospital in Pozuelo de Alarcón with a multidisciplinary team specialised in digestive surgical oncology and cutting-edge surgical technology.
View hospital
Barcelona
Centro Médico Teknon
Internationally recognised private hospital in Barcelona where the team carries out its high-complexity surgical oncology activity.
View hospital
Real cases
Patients who survived cancer thanks to Quenet
Real testimonies from patients treated by our team in high-complexity surgical oncology.
Debra's case
66-year-old English woman with advanced ovarian cancer and peritoneal metastases. Treated with cytoreduction + HIPEC, she is now disease-free.
Read the full caseRosario (Charo)'s case
73-year-old patient with advanced cancer treated with chemotherapy and high-complexity surgical oncology. Excellent survival and quality of life.
Read the full caseFelipe's case
A mistaken diagnosis of terminal colon cancer that a second opinion revealed to be pseudomyxoma peritonei, treatable with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.
Read the full caseSantiago's case
Diagnosed with widespread peritoneal carcinomatosis and considered inoperable. After complete cytoreduction with HIPEC, today his is a story of hope and survival.
Read the full case
Verified reviews
See on Google
★★★★★
What our patients say
L
4 weeks ago
★★★★★
Wonderful surgical team, among the best out there. Dr. Torrent (expert in peritoneal carcinomatosis) is an exceptional surgeon and an even better person. His coordinator is super kind, fast and efficient. The human treatment is great and the results are too. This is of vital importance for cancer patients.
K
5 months ago
★★★★★
In the public healthcare system they gave my father a maximum of one year to live. They only offered him chemo and no hope, said it was impossible, that nothing could be done. He had several tumors inside the peritoneal sac with metastases. A year and a half later he is clean, completely cured. His latest PET scan came back clean. We are very happy. Thanks to Dr. Torrent and his team. THANK YOU.
M
A year ago
★★★★★
Excellent professionals, especially Dr. Torrent, attentive at all times to the patient (my wife), operated for peritoneal pseudomyxoma. They helped us with all our needs since we came from outside Barcelona. Thank you Elisabeth. We are very grateful to Quenet Torrent Institute, thank you for everything.
P
2 years ago
★★★★★
I am a 63-year-old patient. They detected adrenal gland cancer and told me there was nothing to be done. I sought a second opinion and they told me about the Quenet Torrent team, specialists in complex operations. Dr. Torrent, from the first moment, told me they could operate. They operated and removed a large tumor mass. I spent a week in the ICU and a month on the ward. Every day he came morning and evening, no matter Saturday or Sunday. Never throw in the towel. I am happy to have found these professionals who gave me my life back. Thank you.
I
3 years ago
★★★★★
Many thanks for your attention. Dr. Torrent always attentive, involved and decisive. The reception staff very pleasant and always offering the best option. 100% RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU.
M
5 years ago
★★★★★
Dr. Torrent helped me make the best decision at a difficult moment. I think he is a great professional and a person capable of accompanying you and putting himself in another's shoes. Thank you for everything.
F
6 years ago
★★★★★
I have peritoneal carcinomatosis. Sending my diagnosis to every center, practically all agreed on palliative chemo with little survival time since I had very aggressive cell types. Until we reached Dr. Quenet, Dr. Torrent and their team. I can only confirm what their CV announces: they are far ahead of the rest. They saved my life, at surgery the harmful cells everyone diagnosed (and used to refuse to operate) were not there. This intervention has become the best investment of my life.
M
6 years ago
★★★★★
The best decision of my life was finding this excellent team of surgeons who saved my husband's life. At a prestigious international clinic in Madrid he was given up for lost with advanced peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal cancer, and thanks to them, the best professionals in this field, he was operated on very successfully. A perfect recovery with no complications, because they were on top of his progress at all times. They have a great quality: from the start they were very honest and close. I can only be deeply grateful; we went to buy time and thanks to them my husband got his life back.
E
7 years ago
★★★★★
Dr. Torrent is a brilliant surgeon and a very easy-going and polite doctor. When talking with him you can easily grasp his qualities as a professional and human being: perseverance, innate curiosity and passion for learning, humility, honesty and empathy. Having surgery is always an intense experience, anxieties arise and one feels very vulnerable. All of that being said, as his ex-patient I can assure that throughout the process his care and professionalism were absolutely outstanding. I felt safe, supported by him, knowing I was in good hands. I will be forever grateful. Moltes gràcies Dr. Torrent!
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