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Congratulations! to Dr. Shannon Crowe who recently completed the Pacific Coast Triathlon in Laguna Beach, California. She won 2nd place in her age group.
Join us in Town Square For the annual “Pretty in Pink” event. Friday, October 11th 6pm to 9:30pm - Sweetwater OB GYN will have a table at this event. Stop by and enter to win a beautiful gift basket!
September is ... National Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
About Gynecologic Cancers (Information from: www.foundationforwomenscancer.org)
Commonly Asked Questions
What are gynecologic cancers?
Gynecologic cancers are the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells originating in the female reproductive organs, including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina and vulva.
What causes gynecologic cancers?
There are many factors that cause gynecologic cancers. Medical research has discovered that some classes of genes, called oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, promote the growth of cancer. The abnormal function of these genes can be acquired (e.g., through smoking, aging, environmental influences) or inherited. Almost all cervical cancers and some cancers of the vagina and vulva are caused by a virus known as HPV, or Human Papillomavirus.
Can gynecologic cancers be prevented?
Screening and self-examinations conducted regularly can result in the detection of certain types of gynecologic cancers in their earlier stages, when treatment is more likely to be successful and a complete cure is a possibility. Diet, exercise and lifestyle choices play a significant role in the prevention of cancer. Additionally, knowledge of family history can increase the chance of prevention or early diagnosis by determining if someone may have a gene which makes them susceptible to cancer.
Physician Assistant, Frances Huynh is a hereditary cancer expert who has received certification in Hereditary cancer risk assessment (HCRA).
Cervical Cancer
Background Info: The cervix is a narrow tube that connects the uterus and the vagina. Cervical cancer occurs when there are abnormal changes to the cervical cells. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. Despite that, cervical cancer is the easiest cancer to prevent with proper screening and follow-up. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is commonly involved in nearly all cases of cervical cancer. HPV vaccines can reduce the chance of developing cervical cancer, if given before a woman becomes sexually active.
Common Symptoms
Often have NO SYMPTOMS but can have any of the following in more severe cases:
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Bleeding after sex
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Painful sex
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Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as heavy flow, spotting, irregular cycles, prolonged bleeding, etc.
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Foul-smelling or watery vaginal discharge
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Pelvic and low back pain
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Weight loss
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Fatigue
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Inability to hold urine or other problems with urinating
Risk Factors
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High-risk HPV
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Multiple sexual partners (≥3 lifetime sexual partners)
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Unprotected sex
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Young age at first sexual intercourse
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Cells are more prone to damage from infection with high risk HPV during teen years
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Lack of regular screening
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Most women who develop cervical cancer have never had a Pap smear, or have not had one within the last five years.
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Previous abnormal Pap results
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Tobacco use
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Weakened Immune System
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Age
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Occurs most often in women over 40
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Race/Ethnicity
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Occurs more often in Hispanic and African American woman than in Caucasian women.
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Diethylstilbesterol (DES) exposure
Screening Tests
Pap Test: The Pap smear is a test in which skin cells are scraped from the cervix and are checked for abnormal changes. You need a Pap test at age 21 or 3 years after becoming sexually active. Women under 30 are tested annually. Women over 30 are tested every 2-3 years if they have 3 consecutive normal Pap test and a negative HPV screen.
HPV DNA Testing: Checks for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) in women who had a Pap test that showed abnormal cervical cells called atypical squamous cells (ASC). If an HPV test shows that high-risk types of HPV are present, further testing, such as a colposcopy or cervical biopsy, may be recommended. Check for HPV in women older than age 30 as part of screening for abnormal cervical cells.
Abnormality Classification
Epithelial Cell Abnormalities
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Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASC-US)
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Atypical Squamous Cells – Cannot Exclude High-grade Lesion (ASC-H)
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Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (LSIL); aka. mild dysplasia, Cervical Intraepithelial Lesion Grade 1 (CIN 1)
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High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL); aka. moderate to severe dysplasia, CIN 2 or CIN 3
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Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Glandular Cell Abnormalities
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Atypical endocervical cells: 1) Not otherwise specified (NOS), 2) Favor neoplastic
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Atypical endometrial cells NOS
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Atypical glandular cells: 1) NOS, 2) Favor neoplastic
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Endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ
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Adenocarcinoma: 1) Endocervical, 2) Endometrial, 3) Extrauterine, 4)NOS
Further Testing
Colposcopy: An in office procedure without anesthesia in which a vinegar solution is used to help identify abnormal cervical tissue on the outer, visible part of the cervix using a special microscope.
Cervical Biopsy: A small sample of cervical tissue is removed and sent to a lab to be studied.
Endocervical Curettage: A small spoon-like instrument is inserted into the cervical canal and scrapes off a small amount of tissue in the cervix that is then sent to a lab to be tested.
Cryotherapy: A procedure for treating ASC-US and LSIL in which the outer part of the cervix is frozen. The dead cells eventually slough off.
Cervical Conization: A procedure in which a cone shaped wedge is removed from the cervix and sent to a lab to be studied. This can also be used as a treatment for abnormal changes. The following methods can be used:
Cold Knife Technique
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)
Large Loop Excision of Transformation Zone (LLETZ)
YOU CAN PREVENT CERVICAL CANCER. VACCINATE EARLY. GET REGULAR PAP TESTS. GET HPV TEST WHEN RECOMMENDED.
Resources:
American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology
http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp163.cfm
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_1x.asp?dt=8
American Society for Colposcopy & Cervical Pathology
http://www.asccp.org/patient_edu.shtml
Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening.htm
Cervical Cancer Campaign
http://www.cervicalcancercampaign.org/
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/screening/cervical
UpToDate: “Cervical Cancer Screening”
http://www.uptodate.com/patients/content/topic.do?topicKey=~bm.DzoCC2SGa5J
Sign up for our medically managed weight loss program and shed those extra pounds. 
Fall specials:
$50 initial weight loss consultation, regular price $100
Free B12 injection with visits
$95 for one month supply of SLIM G®, regular price $122
Erase wrinkles and enhance your look with Botox® and Juvederm®!
Schedule your Botox® and/or Juvederm® service with board certified surgeon Dr Shannon Crowe
Bring a friend and receive $50-$75 off your service
(min. of 20 units Botox/1 syringe Juvederm required in order to receive discount)
Member of the “Brilliant Distinctions” discount points program
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