Our specialist consultation services

Our gynaecological oncology clinic treats cancers affecting the female reproductive organs. Each patient undergoes a multidisciplinary assessment to determine a treatment plan tailored to her individual circumstances.

• Ovarian cancer: often diagnosed at an advanced stage, it accounts for around 600 new cases each year in Switzerland. Treatment involves surgery to remove the tumour, as well as chemotherapy. The Valais Hospital is recognised as a highly specialised medical centre (MHS) for ovarian cancer surgery. In some cases, targeted therapies may be considered.
• Endometrial cancer: this is the most common gynaecological cancer, with around 900 new cases per year in Switzerland. It is generally detected at an early stage. Treatment combines surgery and, depending on the case, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or hormone therapy.
• Cervical cancer: mainly linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), with around 255 new cases recorded each year in Switzerland. Treatment depends on the stage: surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy, immunotherapy.

Our team works closely with specialists in surgery, radiotherapy, pathology and oncogenetics to ensure comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Valais Breast Centre

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. It mainly affects smokers or former smokers, but an increasing proportion of cases involve non-smokers, particularly among women. There are two main histological types: non-small cell lung cancer, which is more common, and small cell lung cancer, which is more aggressive.
Management depends on the stage at diagnosis, molecular status, and the patient’s general condition.
For localised forms, surgery is the standard treatment if resection is possible, often preceded or followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Immunotherapy and certain targeted therapies may be used in certain situations.
For locally advanced, unresectable forms, standard treatment involves a combination of concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, often followed by maintenance immunotherapy.
Metastatic forms (stage IV) require systemic treatments. In patients with a targetable molecular alteration, targeted therapy is preferred. In the absence of an identifiable target, management relies on immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy.
Post-treatment follow-up includes regular clinical examinations and imaging scans to detect any recurrence or the onset of late side effects at an early stage.
Supportive care (such as help with smoking cessation and respiratory rehabilitation) is essential at every stage. 

ENT (ear, nose and throat) cancers encompass a group of malignant tumours affecting the oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, nasal cavities, sinuses and salivary glands. The majority of these cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, the main risk factors for which are tobacco, alcohol and, for certain sites such as the oropharynx, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Management is multidisciplinary and depends on the site, stage, comorbidities and the function to be preserved (voice, swallowing, breathing). For localised forms (stage I or II), a single treatment is often sufficient, either surgical (tumour resection, sometimes robot-assisted or via a transoral approach) or radiotherapy. 
For locally advanced forms, the treatment strategy relies on a combination of treatments: surgery, radiotherapy, and concurrent chemoradiotherapy. 
Inoperable or metastatic forms are treated with systemic chemotherapy, sometimes combined with immunotherapy. The aim is to control the disease, relieve symptoms and prolong survival whilst maintaining an acceptable quality of life.
Functional rehabilitation is a fundamental aspect of the management of ENT cancers. Indeed, treatments can lead to various side effects, such as speech and swallowing difficulties, changes in appearance, dry mouth, and so on. Early intervention by speech and language therapists, dietitians, physiotherapists, and sometimes plastic surgeons, is essential.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. It develops slowly, usually starting as small benign growths called polyps, which can become cancerous over time. This cancer generally affects people over the age of 50, but can also occur at an earlier age, particularly if there is a family history of the disease.

Blood in the stools, abdominal pain, bowel problems, or unexplained weight loss can be warning signs.

There is a cantonal screening programme for colorectal cancer, available to the general population from the age of 50. Two screening methods are offered: a faecal occult blood test (FIT) once every two years, or a colonoscopy once every ten years if the initial result is normal.
Treatment depends on the extent of the disease. It is primarily based on surgery, which involves removing the affected section of the colon. In some cases, chemotherapy is offered as an adjunct. If the cancer is more advanced or has spread to other organs, additional treatments such as targeted therapies or immunotherapy may be considered. Each case is discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting to determine the most appropriate strategy for each patient.

Treatment depends on the extent of the disease. It is primarily based on surgery, which involves removing the affected section of the colon. In some cases, chemotherapy is offered as an adjunct. If the cancer is more advanced or has spread to other organs, additional treatments such as targeted therapies or immunotherapy may be considered. Each case is discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting to determine the most appropriate strategy for each patient.

Anal cancer is a rare form of cancer that affects the lower end of the digestive tract. It develops from cells in the lining of the anus. The majority of cases are squamous cell carcinomas, often linked to a persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Diagnosis is based on a clinical examination (digital rectal examination, anoscopy) and a biopsy of the lesion. Imaging tests are then carried out to assess the local and distant spread of the cancer. Treatment for anal cancer mainly involves a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which often makes surgery unnecessary. 

Medical treatments (chemotherapy or immunotherapy) may also be offered if the cancer has spread.
Stomach cancer mainly affects people over the age of 60, with a higher incidence among men. Several factors may contribute to its development: chronic infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, chronic gastritis, certain dietary habits, smoking, or a family history of the disease
The symptoms are non-specific and may include stomach pain or discomfort, feeling full quickly, unintentional weight loss, nausea, or the presence of blood in vomit or stools. 

Diagnosis is based on a digestive endoscopy (gastroscopy), which allows the gastric lining to be viewed and biopsies to be taken. Imaging tests (CT scan, MRI, PET scan) may then be required to assess the extent of the disease.

Oesophageal cancer develops from the cells that line the wall of the oesophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. There are two main types: adenocarcinomas, often linked to chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux, and squamous cell carcinomas, which are more common in smokers and people who drink alcohol excessively.
Diagnosis is based on an oesophageal endoscopy with biopsies. Further tests are used to assess the extent of the disease. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s general condition. It may include: surgery, involving partial or total removal of the oesophagus (oesophagectomy), chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. In some cases, palliative care is provided to relieve symptoms when the disease is advanced.

Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because its symptoms are non-specific in the early stages: abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, digestive problems, and sometimes the onset of jaundice.

Diagnosis is based on imaging tests and a biopsy. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the patient’s general condition. It may include: surgery, where the tumour is resectable; chemotherapy before or after surgery; or systemic treatment alone in more advanced cases.

Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) is a cancer that develops in the bile ducts, either within the liver (intrahepatic) or outside it. This cancer is rare and may be linked to certain chronic liver or bile duct diseases, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Symptoms may include jaundice, itching, weight loss, fatigue and sometimes abdominal pain. Diagnosis is based on imaging tests and histological analysis via biopsy.

Treatment, where possible, involves surgery, sometimes followed by chemotherapy. If surgery is not feasible, systemic chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be offered.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. It develops from the main cells of the liver, known as hepatocytes. This type of cancer most often occurs in a liver that is already weakened, particularly in cases of cirrhosis.

The main causes of cirrhosis (and therefore of the risk of HCC) are chronic hepatitis B and C, excessive alcohol consumption, or certain genetic conditions.
Diagnosis is based on imaging tests, particularly MRI or CT scans, sometimes supplemented by a liver biopsy. Blood tests are also carried out, notably to measure alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a tumour marker that is sometimes elevated in this cancer.

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the condition of the liver and the patient’s general health. It may include: surgery, locoregional treatments such as radiofrequency ablation, chemoembolisation or targeted radiotherapy, and systemic treatments (immunotherapy or targeted therapies) in cases of advanced disease 

The management of urogenital tumours covers a wide range of cancers affecting the organs of the urinary and genital systems in both men and women. Each type of tumour has its own biological, prognostic and therapeutic characteristics, but their management in all cases relies on a multidisciplinary approach involving urologists, oncologists, radiotherapists and pathologists.

Kidney cancers are predominantly clear cell carcinomas. They are often discovered incidentally during an imaging scan, but may also present with haematuria or lower back pain. Treatment relies primarily on surgery, with partial or total nephrectomy depending on the size and location of the tumour. In cases of locally advanced or metastatic disease, targeted therapies (anti-VEGF, tyrosine kinase inhibitors) or immunotherapies (anti-PD-1/PD-L1) may be used.

Bladder cancer, primarily represented by urothelial carcinoma, most commonly presents as gross haematuria (80%). The diagnosis is confirmed by cystoscopy and biopsy. In cases of non-invasive tumours, endoscopic treatment with intravesical instillations (BCG) is recommended. For invasive forms (T2 or higher), standard treatment involves surgery, preceded or followed by chemotherapy.

For metastatic forms, systemic treatment is indicated.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men over the age of 50. It is often asymptomatic in its early stages and detected via PSA testing or digital rectal examination. Diagnosis relies on image-guided prostate biopsies. Localised forms can be treated by active surveillance, surgery or radiotherapy. For locally advanced or metastatic forms, systemic treatment is indicated.

Testicular germ cell tumours: these are rare tumours that mainly affect young men. They present as an enlargement of the testicle, which is often painless. The diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasound and tumour markers (AFP, β-HCG, LDH), but surgical removal (orchiectomy) serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Depending on the histological type and stage, treatment may require chemotherapy and, in some cases, radiotherapy.

Tumours of the penis, which are much rarer, are often diagnosed late due to delayed consultation. Treatment is based on conservative surgery where possible.

The management of brain tumours is based on a multidisciplinary approach, involving neurologists, neurosurgeons, oncologists, radiotherapists and specialists in supportive care. Tumours can be primary (arising from brain tissue) or secondary (brain metastases from a cancer outside the skull). They are classified according to their nature (benign or malignant) and their grade, as defined by the WHO, which reflects their aggressiveness.

Treatment is tailored to the individual based on the histological type, grade, location of the tumour, the patient’s age and their general condition. Surgery is often the first step, aiming for maximum tumour resection whilst preserving functional structures.

Radiotherapy is a standard adjuvant treatment for high-grade tumours. Chemotherapy is also used, particularly for high-grade gliomas.

In cases of brain metastases, stereotactic radiotherapy or whole-brain radiotherapy may be combined with systemic management of the primary cancer. Targeted therapies or immunotherapies are also used for certain metastases, depending on the mutations found.

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which forms part of the immune system. It develops from lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. There are two main types: Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

The most common symptoms include the appearance of painless swollen lymph nodes, most often in the neck, armpits or groin, persistent fever, night sweats and fatigue.

Diagnosis is based on a biopsy of an affected lymph node or organ, supplemented by imaging tests and blood tests. Treatment depends on the type and stage of the lymphoma, as well as the patient’s age and general health.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell produced in the bone marrow. These cells become abnormal, multiply uncontrollably and produce large quantities of abnormal antibodies. This proliferation disrupts the normal functioning of the bone marrow, which can lead to anaemia, bone fragility, pain, or kidney damage.

Diagnosis is based on blood and urine tests, bone marrow examinations and imaging.

Treatment has advanced significantly in recent years, thanks to the introduction of new classes of drugs that have significantly improved overall survival and patients’ quality of life.