Gynecologic Cancers
In my practice I am often asked about the differences between “cancer” and “pre-cancer.” Dysplasia, another word for precancer, is commonly misunderstood. Learn what it means- and see what your cervix looks like under a microscope in my Ask Doctor K video below. Visit my YouTube Channel, DoctorKTV, for more information on gynecologic oncology.
Here is a story from my practice highlighting the importance of not only getting screened for the BRCA mutation, but also following through with the surgery that could save your life. I saw a 32 year old woman a few years ago. She was referred to me after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Her doctor… Read More
The vulva is the skin and soft tissue that make up the lips outside of a woman’s vagina. Cancers of the vulva can come from any of the different types of tissue that make up the vulva, such as the skin, the glands, the hair follicles, the small muscles, or even the pigment in the… Read More
Uterine cancers originate in either the uterine lining or the uterine muscle. Endometrial cancer, or cancer of the uterine lining, is the most common type of gynecologic cancer. Uterine muscle cancer, called a uterine sarcoma, is much rarer and tends to be more aggressive than most endometrial cancers. Currently, medical science has identified two types… Read More
Known as the “silent killer,” ovarian cancer can sneak up on a woman with vague symptoms that mimic other common benign conditions. Abdominal or pelvic discomfort, urinary urgency, constipation, and pelvic fullness are common. But these same symptoms can occur from something as innocuous as a urinary tract infection or as common as diverticulitis. However,… Read More
In my practice I am often faced with difficult questions regarding how the stage of cancer is reached by the medical field, and what that means for a patient’s health and prognosis. Here are some explanations you may find helpful, as this can be a diffcult topic to address. The term malignancy describes cells that… Read More
Cervical cancer is caused by HPV and can occur if severe dysplasia is left untreated. Again, not all women with HPV get dysplasia, and not all women with dysplasia get cervical cancer. Certain factors predispose women to the progression of dysplasia to cancer, including smoking, immunosuppression, poor nutrition, and an unhealthy lifestyle. In general, cervical… Read More
Many women come to my practice for a consultation and ask this very basic question: “What is a hysterectomy?” A total hysterectomy literally means we are removing the uterus and the cervix. The only physiological purpose of the uterus is to carry a pregnancy, so if a medical condition requires hysterectomy for treatment, a woman… Read More