I have been getting queries about how to tackle Oncology related topics.
Some people hate reading oncology due to its complexity and staging.
Here is what I did:
I followed two text books- “Obstetrics and Gynaecology: An evidence-based text for MRCOG by David M. Luesley, Philip N. Baker”. This I found to be quiet comprehensive.
And, I believe there is a third edition out too which appears to be much pricier than the second edition. Read up and see what could be the difference.
And OST – which was quite useful, as it was short and precise- but the staging info- make sure they are updated or read the latest updated version.
Latest guidelines and TOGs supplement with the latest information. So read them to get the latest information.
Always be aware of two special cases:
- The pregnant woman with cancer
- The woman with cancer at reproductive age.
Conventional treatment will not be applied and a choice of fertility preservation needs to be considered. So always think- what you would do if the woman is young and wants more children.
Oncology also includes pre malignant conditions. Almost all gynae oncological conditions have a stage of potential malignancy but not yet malignant.
CIN, VIN, Endometrial hyperplasia, Borderline Ovarian Tumors.
- Read and understand the TOC (Test Of Cure) pathway for Cervical pathology –
Invariably comes in exam. Eg: They can give a pap smear sample report and ask the next plan of management.
- Borderline ovarian malignancy is a RCOG favourite- breaking the news, management etc. Be thorough. (TOG)
- Endometrial hyperplasia is a common question as well.
We had it for written and OSCE both. Percentage of cancer that could be present in a sample with complex endometrial hyperplasia. And in structured OSCE, where A PCOS case evolved into a case of endometrial hyperplasia. (TOG)
- VIN is another favourite- we had an OSCE station of this. I was actually going through this TOG article just before the OSCE exam outside the exam hall and guess how lucky I was to get the same thing in the exam. Rattled off the management with class 😉
Please be updated on the latest FIGO staging of all Gynaecological cancers. You need to know the percentage of survival not only in each stage but in sub stage also.
I found a useful link on cancer statistics in the RCOG website :
Hope I didn’t scare you all with what you need to read and know, once you have mastered it, usually a simple revision will revoke the memory.
Let me know if it was useful, it keeps me motivated to provide much value to the community.
[Image: Catrin Austin]
Hi dear ! Hope you r well. Long days you are not uploading any thing. If u don’t mind would you pls give information regarding osce stations. Thanks , we r really looking forward to your advice.
Hi Yeah, I have been very busy lately and was unable to concentrate on my Blog. Will start resuming my writing soon.!
Maam this was an excellent post. I had written the part 2 exam this March. Was not successful. Please give me a plan on how to start preparing for March 2017 exam…. which all books to read …. the most essential.
Thank you for the feed back. I am sorry for your results. However, as you have already given the exam once, you will be aware of the pattern of questions, and where you had deficiency in knowledge or skill. So concentrate on what you missed. EMQs need practice, no matter how much you studied.
I have already written 3 blogs on the source that is needed to cover before the exam. Please go through them to see what you have missed.
http://www.anjanamackeen.com/2016/01/28/sources-in-a-nutshell/
http://www.anjanamackeen.com/2016/02/08/sources-in-a-nutshell-mrcog-part-2-exam-recommended-reading/
http://www.anjanamackeen.com/2016/02/24/sources-in-a-nutshell-mrcog-part-2-exam-recommended-reading-pos-3/
Thank…..thank you very very much its greatful help from you.
You are most welcome. Glad it is helpful. Do let me know, what other topics you all are interested in.
Anjana kindly tell us source for genetics and inheritance and audit and studies.there were about 20 questions in last paper and I regrettably failed in obs emqs probably because of this.
I am sorry about your results. But don’t be disheartened. You will get there soon. I did genetics from Strat Og.
I didn’t study audit particularly for written, only in OSCE We had to master it- as in creating an audit cycle etc.
Strat Og, does have something on it as well.
Thank you so much for your kind effort to help. God bless you.
Thank You Neeta. Congrats on apssing the Part1. Now work towards the part2… All the best
Realy dr anjana u r great…m very thankful to u. Dr anjana is it necassary to take courses for mrcog theory exam
Thank You :). I actually did not do any courses for written. Well if you have the means of doing it, you may attend a course which is reputed.
Its a great great help anjna , you are an angel
Aha that’s a first… Glad to help :).
Do give me ideas for for future topics to discuss. So that I can address them.
Really it is amazing. ..I like it…thanks Anjana
Thank you for the lovely feedback. I need ideas on what more to write on… do let me know
Excellent very useful information. Thank you for your kindness and effort
You are most welcome. Do let me know what more you all want to know about…