Gynecologic Conditions

 

Pelvic Masses

A pelvic mass is an abnormal growth of tissue in the lower abdomen or pelvis and can arise from the female reproductive organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes or uterus) or from another body part. Masses may be benign or cancerous (malignant).

Symptoms include:

• Pelvic pain
• Bladder pressure
• Pain during menstruation
• Irregular bleeding or spotting

The treatment for pelvic masses is removal by surgery. For some women, hysterectomy is also recommended to reduce the risk of developing cancer.  Read more

 

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries. The cause is unknown.

Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating
• Pelvic discomfort or pain
• Indigestion, gas or nausea
• Constipation
• Frequent urination
• Loss of appetite
• Chronic fatigue
• Lower back pain

Treatment of ovarian cancer includes surgery and chemotherapy. The goal of surgery in ovarian cancer is to remove as much of the cancer as possible. For many patients, surgery can be done robotically with a few small incisions and a quick return to normal activity.  Read more

 

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women and is caused by HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). It is 100% treatable if caught early, and routine pap smears are critical for early detection. Most of the time, early cervical cancer has no symptoms.

Symptoms that may occur include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Periods become heavier and last longer than usual

Treatment for early cervical cancer involves removing precancerous or cancerous tissue and can sometimes be done in a way to preserve fertility. Advanced cervical cancer may require radiation, chemotherapy and in some case, hysterectomy.  Read more

 

Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer, sometimes called uterine cancer, starts in the lining of the uterus and as it grows, can work its way into the uterine muscle.

Symptoms:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, spotting, or discharge
• Pain or difficulty when emptying the bladder
• Pain during sex
• Pain in the pelvic area

Treatment varies depending on the existent of cancer and may involve surgery, radiation and chemotherapy with or without post operative. Read more

 

Endometrial Hyperplasia

Endometrial hyperplasia occurs when the lining of the uterus becomes thickened. The most common sign of hyperplasia is abnormal uterine bleeding.

Other symptoms include:

• Heavier or longer periods
• Menstrual cycles that are shorter than 21 days
• Any bleeding after menopause

In many cases, endometrial hyperplasia can be treated with progestin agents. For women with atypical hyperplasia, hysterectomy is the best option to reduce the risk of cancer. Read more

 

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disorder that occurs when the tissue that lines your uterus (endometrium) begins to grow outside of your uterus. The tissue may grow outside onto your ovaries or fallopian tubes, the outer wall of the uterus, the intestines, and organs in the belly.

Symptoms include:

• Painful periods
• Pain with intercourse
• Painful bowel movements or pain when urinating
• Excessive bleeding
• Infertility
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea/Constipation
• Nausea
• Bloating

Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and whether you want to get pregnant. Hormone therapy to lower your body's estrogen levels may reduce pain. If you want to become pregnant, having surgery, infertility treatment, or both may help. Read more

 

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids, also called fibromyomas, are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during your childbearing years.

Uterine fibroids rarely cause symptoms, but if they do, they usually include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Prolonged menstrual periods — seven days or more of menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying your bladder
• Constipation
• Backache or leg pains

Uterine fibroids aren't associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer. Treatment is rarely needed, but in some cases, they can require surgical procedures and medication to shrink or remove fibroids if symptoms are severe. Read more

 

Pelvic Adhesive Disease

Pelvic Adhesive Disease is a condition in which scar tissue binds adjacent organs to each other. All of the organs in your abdominal cavity are covered with a smooth, slippery tissue. When this surface becomes damaged or inflamed, scar tissue forms. Scar tissue that develops between 2 organs will cause the surfaces of the organs to stick, or adhere to each other. The bands of scar tissue are called adhesions.

Maybe women do not have symptoms, except for infertility. Other symptoms include:

• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Menstrual cramps
• Tenderness
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain during bowel movements

Surgery to remove the adhesions is the primary treatment option. It can usually be performed during a laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. Read more