ABSTRACT
@#Extragastrointestinal tumour of rectovaginal septum (rvGIST) is a rare malignancy that affects rectovaginal septum. We present a case of rvGIST that was initially managed as cervical eGIST based on clinical assessment. A 66-yearold woman presented with postmenopausal bleeding and constipation. Bimanual pelvic examination revealed an irregular mass occupying the vagina. CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis showed a 9.2 x 10.0 x 14.0 cm pelvic mass arising from cervix, extending superiorly to involve the uterus. The patient proceeded to undergo total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, enucleation of rectovaginal septum mass, rectosigmoidectomy and permanent colostomy. Intraoperatively, there was a 9 x 7 cm mass arising from rectovaginal septum. Histopathological examination of surgical specimen revealed spindle cell tumour diffusely positive for CD34, CD117 and DOG1. The final diagnosis was rvGIST. In conclusion, the diagnosis of rvGIST require a combination of clinical assessment with intraoperative finding and histological assessment of the surgical specimen.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Marital issues among gynecologic cancer survivors are common but complex. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sociodemographic and clinical factors, including sexual dysfunction and marital satisfaction among Malaysian gynecologic cancer survivors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of married women with gynecologic cancers was conducted at a Malaysian university hospital. Sociodemographic and clinical data were gathered. Sexual dysfunction was measured using the Malay Version Female Sexual Function Index (MVFSFI), while marital satisfaction was evaluated with the Malay Version Golombok Rust Inventory for Marital Satisfaction (MVGRIMS). Results: A total of 116 patients participated in this study. The median age was 59.0 years (Interquartile range, IQR: 49.0-67.0 years); the median duration of marriage was 32 years (IQR: 20.0-40.8 years). 80.2% had a secondary and lower level of education. 37.9% of study subjects (n = 44) reported poor-and below-levels of marital satisfaction, which was equivalent to MVGRIMS transformed scores of >5. The median FSFI total score was 49.9 (IQR: 2.0-63.0). MVGRIMS transformed score correlated significantly with all MVFSFI sub-scores. In logistic regression, lower educational levels were associated with poor marital satisfaction [primary, (adjusted Odds Ratio) aOR = 12.67, 95% CI: 1.40-114.87; secondary: aOR = 11.52, 95% CI: 1.39-95.72], while higher MVFSFI total score reduced the likelihood of poor marital satisfaction (aOR = 0.979, 95% CI: 0.964-0.994). Conclusion: Both sexual dysfunction and low education level may affect marital satisfaction among gynecologic cancer survivors. Targeted efforts focusing on sex education for patients may help to improve marital satisfaction.
ABSTRACT
This retrospective study is aimed at evaluating the role of CT scan in predicting parametrium involvement in early stage of cervical carcinoma. It was conducted in a Gynaecologic Oncology Centre, Hospital Alor Star from January 2004 till December 2008. All patients with operable stage I and II cervical cancer had pelvic CT scan for evaluation of parametrium involvement before undergoing radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Parametrial streakiness or presence of infiltration suggested local invasion. Following radical hysterectomy, the specimens sent for histological confirmation and the correlation between the CT scan finding and the histopathology result was studied. The result revealed a total of 104 patients with operable stage cervical carcinoma had pelvic CT scan. The sensitivity and the specificity of CT scan in assessing parametrial involvement was 33.3% and 84.8%, respectively. In conclusion, CT scan had high specificity but low sensitivity in determining parametrial involvement in early stage of cervical cancer. Hence, routine preoperative pelvic CT scan has a limited role in assessing parametrial involvement in early stage cervical carcinoma.
