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Even with an annual Pap smear test and the new vaccination for young women, cervical cancer can’t be totally prevented. But there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing cancer of the cervix.
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Vaginal cancer is a relatively rare disorder, comprising about 2% to 3% of all gynecologic cancers. Approximately 2,400 women are diagnosed each year with vaginal cancer in the United States.
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The chance of getting ovarian cancer increases as a woman gets older. Ovarian cancer occurs in women over the age of 50 and the highest risk is in women over 60.
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Uterine cancer is the most common of all cancers in the female reproductive system. It can either form in the inner lining of the uterus or the outer layer of muscle tissue.
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Thought to be caused by a problem with the genetic information transmitted between an egg and sperm, molar pregnancy can develop during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Testimonials
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When Jan Holsclaw found out she had ovarian cancer, she was referred to Dr. Bigsby at Florida Hospital Cancer Institute for surgery and treatment. With reassuring words and...
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TV Personality Jan C. Garavaglia, M.D., (aka "Dr. G") is the chief medical examiner for the District Nine (Orange-Osceola) Medical Examiner's Office in Florida. When she... -
Bonnie has helped to raise millions of dollars for ovarian cancer research taking place at National Cancer Institute (NCI), Department of Defense (DOD), Centers for Disease...
Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
Excessive menstrual bleeding can happen for different reasons. Hormonal imbalance and uterine growths are two of the most common causes.
Hormonal Imbalances
Your menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. When they are out of balance, these same hormones can cause heavy periods or bleeding between periods. Causes of hormonal imbalances may include:
- Hormonal changes in teens and women nearing menopause
- Diabetes, thyroid disease or other medical problems
- Obesity
- Stress
- Strenuous exercise
- Anorexia (an eating disorder)
Types of Benign Uterine Growths:
- Fibroids are round “knots” of uterine muscle tissue.
- Polyps are small growths of tissue from the uterine lining that grow inside the uterus.
- Adenomyosis occurs when cells of the uterine lining grow into the muscle wall.
- Hyperplasia is an overgrowth of the uterine lining.
Surgical Treatment Options for Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
Surgery can be used to remove uterine growths or for a more definitive treatment, to remove the uterus itself. Surgical procedures include endometrial ablation, endometrial resection and hysterectomy.
- Endometrial ablation is a medical procedure that uses energy to destroy the endometrial lining of a woman's uterus. This technique is most often employed for women who suffer from excessive or prolonged bleeding during their menstrual cycle and is most commonly done on an outpatient basis. Endometrial ablation is contraindicated in patients who may want to get pregnant.1
- Endometrial resection is the surgical removal of the uterine lining.
- Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of your uterus. Depending upon your condition, your fallopian tubes, ovaries and other growths in your pelvic cavity may also be removed.