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1.
Am J Hematol ; 99 Suppl 1: S19-S27, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38425173

ABSTRACT

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common occurrence in cancer and chemotherapy increases thrombosis risk. Current risk assessment models such as the Khorana score (KS) and its modifications have limitations in female cancers. We assessed the coagulation profile of a group of women cancer patients under chemotherapy using thromboelastography (TEG) to determine if this can inform VTE risk assessment. Cancer patients who planned to receive chemotherapy were recruited. Baseline demographics, cancer data, BMI, Khorana Score (KS), and VTE risk factors were recorded and patients were followed for 6 months, for any thrombotic events. A total of 36 patients aged 35-85 (18 breast, 11 endometrial, 7 ovarian cancer) were evaluated. Hypercoagulability was detected in 63% of patients post-chemo cycle 1 and 75% post-cycle 2, with a significant increase in MA (maximum amplitude) and CI (clotting index), reduction in R (reaction time), K (clot kinetics), and LY30 (lysis time after 30 min of MA). KS showed only 7% of patients were high risk, 23% were low, and 70% were intermediate risk. MA and CI significantly increased in patients with intermediate and high-risk KS when compared with the low-risk patients and MA was positively correlated with KS. Five patients developed actual VTE; 100% of the tested ones were hypercoagulable either post-cycle 1 or 2 and 80% were KS intermediate risk. TEG is a hypercoagulability marker and TEG-MA and CI can potentially assess VTE risk. Larger studies are needed to assess the utility of TEG as an adjuvant to KS to better predict VTE in specific female cancers.


Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Thrombophilia , Venous Thromboembolism , Humans , Female , Thrombelastography , Venous Thromboembolism/etiology , Neoplasms/complications , Blood Coagulation Tests , Risk Factors , Risk Assessment
2.
Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol ; 31(3): 181-188, 2023 03 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36695555

ABSTRACT

A subset of endometrial endometrioid carcinomas (EECs) with low-grade histology recur with poor outcomes. Published evidence suggests that poor outcomes may be associated with loss of expression of ER-alpha (ER-α) as well as with ß-Catenin-1 ( CTNNB1 ) and Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog ( KRAS ) mutations. This study reports on institutional experience with the incidence of recurrence in low-grade EEC and their association with CTNNB1 and KRAS mutations as well as estrogen/progesterone receptor (ER/PR) expression. Forty-eight (8.5%) out of 568 cases of low-grade EEC with biopsy-proven recurrence were identified; and were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for ER, PR, p53, MMR protein, and mutation analysis for exon 3 of the CTNNB1 and exon 2 of KRAS in relation to recurrence type, local or distant metastasis/recurrence. Twenty-three patients (4%) developed local, and 25 patients (4.4%) developed distant metastases/recurrence. Decreased expression or loss of ER/PR was found in 17/44 (38.6%) patients with recurrence. Eighty-four percent of patients with low-grade EEC and local recurrence had CTNNB1 mutations. Seventy-three percent of patients with distant metastasis/recurrence had KRAS mutations. The association of these mutations with the type of recurrence was statistically significant for both. Five cases with the morphology of low-grade EEC were reclassified as mesonephric-like carcinoma and were universally characterized by distant metastasis/recurrence, loss of ER/PR expression, large tumor size, absence of CTNNB1 mutations, and the presence of KRAS mutations. In low-grade EEC, CTNNB1 and KRAS mutations are associated with local recurrence and distant metastasis/recurrence, respectively, suggesting that these 2 different progression types may be conditioned by tumor genotype. ER/PR immunohistochemistry may be helpful in identifying poor performers in low-grade EEC. Furthermore, identification of the decreased expression or loss of ER/PR in tumors with low-grade histology should prompt consideration of mesonephric-like carcinoma, which is a more aggressive tumor than the low-grade EEC. KRAS mutations were associated with distant metastasis/recurrence in tumors with and without mesonephric-like phenotype.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Endometrioid , Endometrial Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Carcinoma, Endometrioid/metabolism , Endometrial Neoplasms/metabolism , Receptors, Progesterone/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics , Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/metabolism , Catenins/metabolism , Mutation , Estrogens , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , beta Catenin/genetics , beta Catenin/metabolism
3.
J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol ; 36(2): 107-111, 2023 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36402443

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: DICER1 mutation has been linked to development of Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor and cystic nephroma, among other neoplasms. CASE: We present a unique case of recurrent ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor in a pediatric patient with a known DICER1 mutation and history of cystic nephroma. She underwent surgical staging and adjuvant chemotherapy, and her recurrences have been treated with chemotherapy, whole-abdomen radiation therapy, and further surgical debulking. CONCLUSION: This report adds to the small body of evidence about this rare but unexpectedly highly aggressive tumor, especially in the recurrent setting, and reminds the reader of the importance of cancer diagnosis in this population.


Subject(s)
Ovarian Neoplasms , Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor , Sex Cord-Gonadal Stromal Tumors , Child , Female , Humans , DEAD-box RNA Helicases/genetics , Mutation , Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology , Ribonuclease III/genetics , Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor/genetics , Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor/pathology , Sex Cord-Gonadal Stromal Tumors/pathology
6.
Diagn Pathol ; 16(1): 68, 2021 Jul 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34332600

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma is rare but the most common subtype of cervical adenocarcinoma not associated with human papillomavirus. It is more aggressive with a shorter five-year survival rate compared to human papillomavirus-associated usual type endocervical adenocarcinoma. The objectives of our study were to determine the incidence and clinical-pathological characteristics of Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma in a single institution. METHODS: Twenty four cases of invasive cervical adenocarcinoma were identified between January 2000 and December 2015, from the Saskatoon Health Region pathology database using International Endocervical Adenocarcinoma Criteria and Classification to retrospectively classify endocervical adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry was performed with antibodies for Gastric mucin-6 (MUC-6), p16INK4a, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16), p53 protein (p53), estrogen and progesterone receptors. Clinical and pathological data was retrieved from pathology reports and charts. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-Square test. RESULTS: Using the International Endocervical Adenocarcinoma Criteria and Classification criteria, 19 cases (79.2%) were classified as human papillomavirus-associated usual type endocervical adenocarcinoma, and five cases (20.8%) as Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma. In our study 40% of Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma cases presented at stage III compared to none of the usual type endocervical carcinoma cases. All the Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma cases were positive for MUC-6, and negative for p16. 60% Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma cases demonstrated mutant type p53 staining. In contrast, 84.2% of human papillomavirus-associated usual type endocervical adenocarcinoma cases showed block like nuclear and cytoplasmic positivity with p16 antibodies. The Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma group had significantly shorter median survival time than human papillomavirus-associated usual type endocervical adenocarcinoma group, Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma is 22 months compared to human papillomavirus-associated usual type endocervical adenocarcinoma at 118 months (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, Gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma accounted for 20.8% of all cervical adenocarcinoma with higher stage at presentation and shorter overall survival. Criteria proposed by International Endocervical Adenocarcinoma Criteria and Classification (IECC) are simple and reproducible in differentiating between, HPV- associated (HPVA) and non HPV associated (NHPVA) endocervical adenocarcinoma. Although none of the IHC assays is specific for GAS, but p16, MUC-6, ER, PR and p53 may further aid in confirming GAS and to differentiate it from benign and malignant mimics.


Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathology , Adenocarcinoma/diagnosis , Adenocarcinoma/epidemiology , Adenocarcinoma/metabolism , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Incidence , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Invasiveness , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Saskatchewan/epidemiology , Survival Analysis , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnosis , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/epidemiology , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/metabolism
7.
J Obstet Gynaecol Can ; 43(10): 1177-1179, 2021 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34000443

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ovarian carcinoma diagnosed in pregnancy is rare. Treatment should take both mother and fetus into consideration. CASE: We present the case of a patient diagnosed with a stage IC1 yolk sac tumour of the ovary at 15 weeks gestation, who underwent surgical staging and adjuvant chemotherapy during pregnancy. Intrauterine growth restriction was diagnosed and the patient delivered by cesarean at 36 weeks gestation for obstructed labour. CONCLUSION: Yolk sac tumour of the ovary in pregnancy with concomitant chemotherapy is uncommon. Adverse outcomes, including restricted fetal growth, are possible and their identification may help guide timing of delivery.


Subject(s)
Endodermal Sinus Tumor , Ovarian Neoplasms , Chemotherapy, Adjuvant , Endodermal Sinus Tumor/diagnostic imaging , Endodermal Sinus Tumor/drug therapy , Endodermal Sinus Tumor/surgery , Female , Humans , Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy , Ovarian Neoplasms/surgery , Pregnancy , Yolk Sac
8.
Comput Biol Med ; 99: 38-52, 2018 08 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29883752

ABSTRACT

Automatic segmentation of ischemic stroke lesion volumes from multi-spectral Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) sequences plays a vital role in quantifying and locating the lesion region. Most existing methods mainly rely on designing hand-crafted features followed by a classifier model for ischemic stroke lesion segmentation. Design of these features requires complex domain knowledge and often lacks the ability to differentiate between the stroke lesions and the normal classes. In this work, we propose an unsupervised featured learning approach based on stacked sparse autoencoder (SSAE) framework for automatically learning the features for accurate segmentation of stroke lesions from brain MR images. A deep architecture is designed using sparse autoencoder (SAE) layers, followed by support vector machine (SVM) classifier for classifying the patches into normal or lesions. We validated our approach on a publicly available Ischemic Stroke Lesion Segmentation (ISLES) 2015 dataset, with a mean precision of 0.968, mean dice coefficient (DC) of 0.943, mean recall of 0.924 and mean accuracy of 0.904. The experimental results show that our proposed approach significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in terms of precision, DC, and recall. Quantitative evaluation was carried out and compared with the existing approaches, which demonstrates that the proposed method is 25.71%, 36.67%, and 16.96% higher in terms of precision, DC and recall values, respectively. The unsupervised features learned via SSAE framework performs better than the hand-crafted features and can be easily trained on large datasets.


Subject(s)
Databases, Factual , Machine Learning , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Stroke , Support Vector Machine , Humans , Stroke/diagnostic imaging , Stroke/physiopathology
10.
J Obstet Gynaecol Can ; 39(11): 1042-1045, 2017 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28733062

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Benign peritoneal cystic mesothelioma (BPCM) is a rare disease entity that arises from mesothelioma cells. We describe a rare case of BPCM recurrence 36 years after its initial presentation. CASE: A 62-year-old woman was referred to an outpatient gynaecologic oncology clinic with an incidental finding of multiple pelvic cysts. She had a preceding history of known BPCM treated with extensive debulking surgery. She presented after 36 years of clinical remission. A repeat laparotomy for a debulking surgical procedure confirmed a recurrence of BPCM. CONCLUSION: Our current case represents a woman with a remote recurrence of BPCM after initial optimal debulking surgery. Her clinical presentation of recurrence after 36 years illustrates the need for long-term follow-up and clinical suspicion in symptomatic patients with previously diagnosed BPCM.


Subject(s)
Mesothelioma, Cystic/diagnosis , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/diagnosis , Peritoneal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Hysterectomy , Laparoscopy , Mesothelioma, Cystic/pathology , Mesothelioma, Cystic/surgery , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/surgery , Peritoneal Neoplasms/pathology , Peritoneal Neoplasms/surgery
11.
J Obstet Gynaecol Can ; 39(6): 480-493, 2017 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28527613

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This guideline reviews the potential benefits of opportunistic salpingectomy to prevent the development of high grade serous cancers (HGSC) of the ovary/fallopian tube/peritoneum based on current evidence supporting the fallopian tube origin of disease. INTENDED USERS: Gynaecologists, obstetricians, family doctors, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, residents, and health care providers. TARGET POPULATION: Adult women (18 and older): OPTIONS: Women considering hysterectomy who wish to retain their ovaries in situ have traditionally also retained their fallopian tubes. In addition, women undergoing permanent surgical sterilization have usually undergone tubal ligation using various methods rather than undergoing surgical removal of the entire fallopian tube. EVIDENCE: For the sections "Evidence Supporting the Hypothesis That HGSC Originates in the Fallopian Tube" and "Current Literature on the Effects and Safety of Opportunistic Salpingectomy," relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Systematic Reviews using the following terms, either alone or in combination, with the search limited to English language materials: "high grade serous cancers ovary," "fallopian tube," "peritoneum," "opportunistic salpingectomy," "epithelial ovarian cancers," "origin," "tubal carcinoma in situ," "BRCA mutation," "prophylactic salpingectomy," "inflammation," "clear cell," and "endometrioid." The initial search was performed in March 2015 with a final literature search in March 2016. Relevant evidence was selected for inclusion in the following order: meta-analyses, systematic reviews, guidelines, randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, observational studies, non-systematic reviews, case series, and reports. The total number of studies identified was 458, and 56 studies were included in this review. For the section "Other Factors Influencing the Risk of Developing "Ovarian" Cancers" a general Medline search was carried out using the terms "ovarian neoplasm" and "prevention." The search included papers published from December 2005 to March 2016. Meta-analyses were preferentially selected except where no such review was found. Additional searches for each subheading were also conducted (e.g., "ovarian neoplasm" and "tubal ligation.") Additional significant articles were identified through cross-referencing the identified reviews. For the search for "ovarian neoplasm" and "prevention," 10 meta-analyses were identified. For the search for "ovarian neoplasm" and "tubal ligation," an additional 4 meta-analyses were identified. VALIDATION METHODS: The content and recommendations were drafted and agreed on by the principal authors. The Executive and Board of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada reviewed the content and submitted comments for consideration, and the Board of the SOGC approved the final draft for publication. The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology framework (Table 1). The interpretation of strong and weak recommendations is described in Table 2. The summary of findings is available on request. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND/OR COSTS: The addition of opportunistic salpingectomy to a planned hysterectomy or permanent sterilization did not increase rates of hospital readmission (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.10 and OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.21, respectively) or blood transfusions (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.10 and OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.73, respectively) but did increase the overall operating time (by 16 minutes and 10 minutes, respectively) in a retrospective review of 43 931 women. The risk of repeat surgery for tubal pathology among women with retained fallopian tubes after hysterectomy was at least doubled (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.88 to 2.42 in a population-based study of 170 000 women). If general gynaecologists were to consider removal of fallopian tubes at the time of every hysterectomy and sterilization procedure with referral of all patients with HGSC for hereditary cancer counselling and genetic testing, experts project a potential reduction in the rate of HGSC by 40% over the next 20 years. GUIDELINE UPDATE: Evidence will be reviewed 5 years after publication to decide whether all or part of the guideline should be updated. However, if important new evidence is published prior to the 5-year cycle, the review process may be accelerated for a more rapid update of some recommendations. SPONSORS: This guideline was developed with resources funded by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada and SOGC. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: RECOMMENDATIONS.


Subject(s)
Fallopian Tube Neoplasms , Ovarian Neoplasms , Peritoneal Neoplasms , Salpingectomy , Canada , Fallopian Tube Neoplasms/prevention & control , Fallopian Tube Neoplasms/surgery , Female , Humans , Hysterectomy , Ovarian Neoplasms/prevention & control , Ovarian Neoplasms/surgery , Peritoneal Neoplasms/prevention & control , Peritoneal Neoplasms/surgery , Risk Assessment
12.
J Obstet Gynaecol Can ; 39(6): 494-508, 2017 Jun.
Article in French | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28527614

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIF: La présente directive clinique examine les avantages potentiels de la salpingectomie opportuniste pour prévenir le développement du cancer séreux de grade élevé de l'ovaire, de la trompe de Fallope et du péritoine à la lumière de données probantes actuelles selon lesquelles ce type de cancer prendrait naissance dans la trompe de Fallope. UTILISATEURS CIBLES: Gynécologues, obstétriciens, médecins de famille, infirmières autorisées, infirmières praticiennes, résidents et fournisseurs de soins de santé. POPULATION CIBLE: Femmes adultes (18 ans et plus) : OPTIONS: Les femmes envisageant une hystérectomie et souhaitant conserver leurs ovaires conservent généralement aussi leurs trompes de Fallope. De plus, celles qui subissent une chirurgie de stérilisation permanente subissent habituellement aussi une ligature des trompes selon des méthodes variées plutôt qu'un retrait chirurgical complet des trompes. RéSULTATS: Les sections « Données probantes appuyant l'hypothèse selon laquelle les CSGE prendraient naissance dans la trompe de Fallope ¼ et « Articles récents sur les répercussions et la sûreté de la salpingectomie opportuniste ¼ reposent sur des études pertinentes rédigées en anglais, qui ont été repérées dans PubMed, Medline et la Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews à l'aide des termes suivants, seuls ou combinés : high grade serous cancers ovary, fallopian tube, peritoneum, opportunistic salpingectomy, epithelial ovarian cancers, origin, tubal carcinoma in situ, BRCA mutation, prophylactic salpingectomy, inflammation, clear cell et endometrioid. La recherche initiale a été menée en mars 2015, et une dernière recherche a été effectuée en mars 2016. Dans l'ordre, les données probantes pertinentes ont été tirées de méta-analyses, de revues de la littérature, de directives, d'essais cliniques randomisés, d'études de cohorte prospectives, d'études d'observation, de revues non systématiques, d'études de série de cas ainsi que de rapports. Au total, 458 études ont été repérées, et 56 ont été retenues pour la présente directive. Pour la section « Autres facteurs influant sur le risque de développer un cancer de ″l'ovaire″ ¼, une recherche générale a été effectuée dans Medline à partir des termes ovarian neoplasm et prevention. Ont été inclus dans cette recherche des articles rédigés entre décembre 2005 et mars 2016. Les méta-analyses ont été privilégiées lorsque possible. Des recherches supplémentaires ont également été menées pour chaque sous-descripteurs (p. ex., ovarian neoplasm et tubal ligation). D'autres articles pertinents ont été ciblés au moyen d'une vérification des références des revues de la littérature retenues. Les termes ovarian neoplasm et prevention ont permis de repérer 10 méta-analyses; les termes ovarian neoplasm et tubal ligation, 4 méta-analyses. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Le contenu et les recommandations ont été rédigés et acceptés par les auteurs principaux. La direction et le conseil de la Société de gynéco-oncologie du Canada ont examiné le contenu et soumis des commentaires, puis le Conseil d'administration de la SOGC a approuvé la version finale avant publication. La qualité des données probantes a été évaluée à partir des critères de l'approche GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) (tableau 1). L'interprétation des recommandations solides et conditionnelles est décrite dans le tableau 2. Le résumé des conclusions peut être fourni sur demande. AVANTAGES, INCONVéNIENTS ET COûTS: L'ajout d'une salpingectomie opportuniste à une hystérectomie ou à une procédure de stérilisation permanente prévue n'a pas entraîné une augmentation des taux de réadmission à l'hôpital (RC : 0,91; IC à 95 % : 0,75-1, 10 et RC : 0,8; IC à 95 % : 0,56-1,21, respectivement) ou de transfusion sanguine (RC : 0,86; IC à 95 % : 0,67-1,10 et RC : 0,75; IC à 95 % : 0,32-1,73, respectivement), mais il a entraîné une hausse de la durée des opérations (de 16 minutes et de 10 minutes, respectivement) selon une étude rétrospective portant sur 43 931 femmes. Le risque de subir des interventions répétées pour une pathologie tubaire chez les femmes ayant conservé leurs trompes de Fallope après une hystérectomie était au moins deux fois plus élevé (RC : 2,13; IC à 95 % : 1,88-2,42, selon une étude fondée sur une population de 170 000 femmes). Selon des experts, si les gynécologues généralistes envisageaient systématiquement de retirer les trompes de Fallope lors d'une hystérectomie ou d'une procédure de stérilisation et d'aiguiller toutes les patientes aux prises avec un CSGE vers une consultation en oncologie génétique et un dépistage génétique, le taux de CSGE pourrait diminuer de 40 % au cours des 20 prochaines années. MISE à JOUR DE DIRECTIVES CLINIQUES: Une revue des données probantes sera menée cinq ans après la publication de la présente directive clinique afin de déterminer si une mise à jour complète ou partielle s'impose. Cependant, si de nouvelles données probantes importantes sont publiées avant la fin du cycle de cinq ans, le processus pourrait être accéléré afin que certaines recommandations soient mises à jour rapidement. PARRAINS: La présente directive clinique a été élaborée à l'aide de ressources financées par la Société de gynéco-oncologie du Canada et la SOGC. DéCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS.

13.
J Obstet Gynaecol Can ; 38(2): 164-7, 2016 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27032742

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To provide guidance for referring physicians regarding what gynaecologic oncologists want and do not require in the referral package for a new patient. METHODS: An email survey was circulated to all members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada (GOC) asking what they felt was required in a new patient referral package so that they could provide a timely consultation and management plan. RESULTS: The survey had a 79% response rate among 121 GOC members. Before referral of patients with endometrial cancer, 50% of respondents did not want additional investigations; only 4% wanted an MRI performed prior to them seeing the patient. For patients with high-grade cancers of the uterus (including serous), 40% wanted to see the patient without further investigations, while 42% wanted a CT scan report to be included in the referral package. For patients with cervical cancer, 56% of respondents wanted to see the patient without any further investigations, while 24% wished to have an MRI report included in the referral package. For patients with vulvar cancer, 50% of respondents did not want any further investigations; for patients with a pelvic mass, the majority of respondents wanted a serum CA 125 level in the referral package, while 0% to 3% only wanted an MRI. The preferred modality for imaging of the chest was a chest X-ray only. CONCLUSION: Our survey indicated that gynaecologic oncologists want little information in the referral package beyond the biopsy result. MRI is not required in the workup of most patients with a pelvic mass or uterine cancer.


Subject(s)
Gynecology/statistics & numerical data , Medical Oncology/statistics & numerical data , Referral and Consultation/statistics & numerical data , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Gynecology/organization & administration , Humans , Medical Oncology/organization & administration , Middle Aged , Pelvic Neoplasms/diagnosis , Pelvic Neoplasms/therapy
14.
Int J Gynecol Cancer ; 25(1): 174-9, 2015 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25398019

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: When women are diagnosed and treated for gynecologic cancer, they must find ways to cope. Cancer is both a physically and emotionally challenging disease. This study aims to identify existing coping strategies in women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer throughout their cancer journey and to add to these supports to help women cope with their cancer. METHODS: Women with gynecologic cancer were interviewed individually according to focus group principles during scheduled clinic visits at Saskatoon Cancer Center to identify coping strategies following diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Interviews were used to inform researchers before preparing a survey about coping with cancer. During 8 weeks, women receiving care were surveyed. Questions explored diagnosis, therapy phase, feelings, attitudes, and support. RESULTS: Sixteen women were interviewed; questionnaires were distributed to 75 women with cervical (20.7%), uterine (22.2%), ovarian (60.3%), and vulvar cancer (1.6%). After diagnosis, the major support was family in 96.8%, and talking helped in 71.4%. All women found their gynecologic oncologist and nurse were easy to talk to/supportive. Only 12.7% attended counseling, 17.5% attended workshops/patient education sessions, and 9.5% attended support groups. Reasons for not receiving supportive counseling were voiced. A small number of alternative therapies tried by 60.3% were deemed helpful in 97.4%. Parking at the cancer center was a stressor in 81%. Participants felt that the Saskatoon gynecologic cancer care team fulfilled their needs emotionally. Patients want information about workshops, support meetings, and other modalities to improve their quality of life during their cancer journey. CONCLUSION: Providing better quality and type of available supports may enhance the experience of women following diagnosis and during therapy for cancer and will help women to cope with cancer more effectively.


Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Genital Neoplasms, Female/psychology , Quality of Life , Stress, Psychological/prevention & control , Adult , Aged , Canada , Complementary Therapies , Counseling , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Genital Neoplasms, Female/complications , Genital Neoplasms, Female/diagnosis , Genital Neoplasms, Female/therapy , Humans , Middle Aged , Prognosis , Stress, Psychological/etiology , Surveys and Questionnaires
15.
J Obstet Gynaecol Can ; 32(7): 679-86, 2010 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20707957

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Women attending the University of Saskatchewan Student Health Services are being offered human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination but are not filling their prescriptions. We sought to identify gaps in knowledge of the link between HPV infection, cervical dysplasia, and cervical cancer among women attending the Student Health Services, and to identify barriers to HPV vaccination among this cohort of women. METHODS: Women attending the University of Saskatchewan Student Health Services for any reason were invited to complete an 18-question survey. The survey included questions regarding knowledge of the purpose of Pap smears, the role of HPV infection in cervical dysplasia and cancer, and HPV vaccination. The questions were designed to elicit both quantitative and qualitative data. Data analysis included basic descriptive analysis and summarization of qualitative data. RESULTS: Four hundred surveys were distributed, and 371 (91%) were returned. Eighty-two percent of participants were aware of the HPV vaccine, and 40% ranked their knowledge of HPV as good or very good; however, only 6% correctly answered questions about methods of preventing HPV infection. Participants identified cost (62%), concerns over adverse effects (43%), and lack of knowledge (36%) as barriers to undergoing vaccination. Comments about the HPV vaccine reflected frustration with cost and concerns about adverse effects. When participants were asked if they would undergo vaccination if it were free, 60% responded "yes," 31% responded "maybe," and 8% responded "no." CONCLUSION: The young women in our survey had significant gaps in knowledge of HPV infection and prevention, and educational programs must be structured to address these deficits. Institutions promoting vaccination must deal with the barriers of cost and fear of adverse effects.


Subject(s)
Papillomavirus Vaccines , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Student Health Services , Adult , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Saskatchewan , Surveys and Questionnaires , Universities
16.
J Obstet Gynaecol Can ; 32(5): 467-472, 2010 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20500956

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer metastasizes to skin in < 2% of patients. Cutaneous metastases can be confused with dermatitis. Their presence signals a poor prognosis. CASE: A 66-year-old postmenopausal woman with a diagnosis of stage IVa cervical carcinoma was treated with radical concurrent chemotherapy and radiation. Two months after completing treatment, the patient noted maculopapular skin lesions in the lower abdomen. These were confirmed on biopsy as metastases from the cervical cancer. The cutaneous metastases progressed rapidly to involve the inguinal regions, vulva, and perineum. Further assessment ruled out metastases to other organs. Despite six courses of palliative combination chemotherapy, the patient's disease progressed, and she died six months after the appearance of the cutaneous metastases. CONCLUSION: We reviewed the details of 47 reported cases of cutaneous metastases of cervical carcinoma. In the majority of these cases, patients presented within 10 years of initial diagnosis and died within a mean of 8.5 months from cutaneous metastasis.


Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Adenocarcinoma/secondary , Skin Neoplasms/secondary , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathology , Adenocarcinoma/therapy , Aged , Fatal Outcome , Female , Humans , Skin Neoplasms/therapy , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/therapy
17.
J Obstet Gynaecol Can ; 31(6): 538-541, 2009 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19646320

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis usually affects women in their reproductive years. Most commonly, the pelvic organs are involved. Involvement of the chest wall after hysterectomy is rare. The incidence of malignant transformation is less than 1% for ovarian endometriosis, but is unknown for extraovarian endometriosis. CASE: A 47-year-old woman who had undergone hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for endometriosis presented four years after surgery with a well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma arising in the background of endometriosis in the right chest wall. The tumour was resected, and the patient received six courses of adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Women with endometriosis-associated cancer require individualized management options, depending upon the histopathology and stage of the cancer.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Endometrioid/pathology , Cell Transformation, Neoplastic , Thoracic Neoplasms/pathology , Thoracic Wall/pathology , Endometriosis/pathology , Endometriosis/surgery , Female , Humans , Middle Aged
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