[ad_1]
Dear Dr. Roach, In a recent chronicle about screening tools, you briefly described ovarian cancer. As a survivor of cancer with ovarian metastasis, I hoped to have read something in the response to ovarian cancer screening. What is your answer to a person regarding ovarian cancer screening if it shows symptoms?
M. L.
Ovarian cancer, like pancreatic cancer, is a dangerous and deadly cancer because it spreads early in its course and its early symptoms are vague and are often not recognized by the patient or are rejected by her. doctor.
Screening, by definition, involves looking for cancer or its precursor before the onset of symptoms.
Although many have tried (including several types of blood tests), there is still no generally accepted screening test for ovarian or pancreatic cancer. For this reason, patients and physicians need to be aware of the symptoms, even the most vague ones, and be ready to evaluate these symptoms quickly so that they can spot the disease early enough to have a chance to do so. cure.
For ovarian cancer, these early symptoms include abdominal bloating, distention or nausea; loss of appetite; tired; and pelvic and dorsal pressure. Women who notice an increase in waist circumstance despite a lack of appetite should be particularly worried and inform their doctors of their specific concerns regarding ovarian cancer. Many times, careful examination and history will be enough to make the diagnosis very unlikely, but at other times, a sonogram or CT scan may be needed, especially in women with higher than average risk of disease (age advanced, estrogen dose history and family history).
For pancreatic cancer, the pain in the top of the abdomen radiating in the back, unexplained weight loss and fatigue are the first common symptoms. Jaundice (yellowing of the body, usually seen for the first time in the mouth or in the eyes) without abdominal pain is often the first clear sign, and unfortunately the cancer is often quite advanced at this time.
As soon as a proven screening test will be available, I will write about it.
Dear Dr. Roach, I am 66 years old. Smears are no longer recommended for me. My gynecologist is leaving the area. I asked my menopausal friends who they saw for gynecological problems, and they said to see their GP. Do I have a gynecologist in the future?
Anon
Gynecologists have great expertise in women's health. However, for women over 65, the woman's general practitioner, such as an internist or family doctor, may have the necessary experience to perform routine gynecological care.
Although a Pap test is not necessary, there are other gynecological problems that are common in women over 65 years old.
These include atrophic vaginitis (due to reduced levels of estrogen, badl lining may thin, resulting in dryness, itching and discomfort) and uterine bleeding.
Having an expert doctor in the badessment of symptoms is important at any age. It is reasonable that you ask your general practitioner if he is willing to provide gynecological care and, if not, to find a gynecologist.
All general providers are not experts in gynecological care and may not ask questions about symptoms. I have seen many women over 65 years old with gynecological problems that had never been properly badessed by their general practitioner.
Dr. Roach regretted that he could not reply to individual letters, but would incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers can email their questions to [email protected].
© Copyright Times Colonist
[ad_2]
Source link
