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Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
About me
Attending physician specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, with a master's degree in gynecological oncology, published 5 articles in core journals.
Proficient in diseases
Specializes in obstetrics and gynecology, with a master's degree in gynecologic oncology. Proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic malignancies.
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Can teratoma be treated with medication?
Teratomas are divided into mature and immature teratomas. Mature teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are benign tumors, commonly found in individuals aged 20-40, usually unilaterally. The contents of the cyst typically include substances like sebum, hair, and teeth. Immature teratomas, on the other hand, are malignant tumors, though less common. They have a higher rate of recurrence and metastasis. Surgical treatment is generally recommended for teratomas, while medical treatment is not advised. Less frequently, laparoscopic surgery can be used for certain teratomas. If a teratoma is suspected to be malignant preoperatively, exploratory laparotomy is often performed. Postoperative outcomes are generally better for benign mature teratomas. In cases of malignant teratomas, chemotherapy may be required after surgery.
Does endometrial cancer require chemotherapy?
Whether chemotherapy is needed for endometrial cancer depends on its clinical stage. If it is advanced endometrial cancer, such as stage IV, chemotherapy is necessary for these patients. Recurrent endometrial cancer also requires chemotherapy. In the case of early-stage endometrial cancer, surgery can be used. The purpose of the surgery is to stage the pathology of the cancer to determine the extent of endometrial cancer infiltration. After the surgery, it will be assessed whether chemotherapy is needed. Therefore, whether chemotherapy is needed for endometrial cancer depends on the surgical staging. Some endometrial cancers may require not only chemotherapy but also radiotherapy treatment.
Causes of endometriosis
The causes of endometriosis are not yet fully understood, but the theory of endometrial implantation is recognized by most experts and scholars. The main reason is that during menstruation, endometrial glandular epithelium and stromal cells can retrograde with menstrual blood, enter the pelvic cavity through the fallopian tubes, implant on the ovaries and adjacent pelvic peritoneum, and grow and spread there, forming pelvic endometriosis. Most clinical and experimental data also support this theory, indicating that approximately 70%-90% of women experience menstrual blood retrograde. Additionally, congenital vaginal atresia can also lead to endometriosis, as well as iatrogenic endometrial implantation, such as abdominal scar implantation after cesarean section or endometriosis at the perineal incision site after childbirth. These factors may also contribute to the development of endometriosis.
How is a teratoma diagnosed?
Teratomas are mostly diagnosed through symptoms, such as abdominal pain or bloating, and are identified with an ultrasound examination. Generally, these two tests are used. Additionally, blood tests may be conducted, but there are no very specific tumor markers that will be revealed. The primary means of diagnosis still rely on ultrasound and gynecological palpation. If a woman of childbearing age experiences unexplained abdominal pain, feels bloated, or notices occasional increases in abdomen size, it is recommended to undergo a gynecological ultrasound examination at a hospital.
Causes of Endometrial Cancer
Patients with endometrial cancer generally have factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity that induce the condition. They are more prone to developing endometrial cancer. Furthermore, endometrial cancer is divided into hormone-dependent and non-hormone-dependent types. Hormone-dependent endometrial cancer occurs when there is an excess of estrogen produced in the body without sufficient counteraction by progesterone, leading to excessive growth and proliferation of the endometrial lining. When this growth becomes uncontrolled, it can lead to cancer. Non-hormone-dependent endometrial cancer is not caused by hormonal factors and its development is more complex. Additionally, the pathology type of non-hormone-dependent endometrial cancer is also quite unique.
How to check for cervical cancer if unmarried
For unmarried women, if there is no sexual activity, they generally do not need to undergo cervical cancer screening. This is because the cause of cervical cancer has been clearly established as being caused by HPV virus infection, mainly transmitted through sexual contact. Therefore, unmarried women without sexual activity might not consider cervical cancer screening necessary. However, it is still recommended for unmarried women who are sexually active to undergo cervical cancer screening, especially if they started sexual activity at a young age and have multiple sexual partners. The screening generally includes HPV testing, cytology (TCT), and colposcopy.
Early symptoms of cervical cancer
The most common early symptom of cervical cancer may be contact bleeding, including vaginal bleeding after intercourse. However, not many patients exhibit these symptoms. Many patients do not show any symptoms, but there are some pathological changes on the cervix. Therefore, it is recommended that women who are sexually active should undergo regular early screening for cervical cancer, including HPV, TCT, and colposcopy examinations. Regular checks can determine whether there are indeed pathological changes on the cervix. This is also a preventive measure for women, and the screening is highly efficient at detecting early pathological changes in the cervix.
Symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia polyps
If endometrial hyperplasia and polyps are present, there may be an increase in menstrual flow and an extension of the menstrual cycle. This is because if many polyps grow on the endometrium, it will increase the surface area of the endometrium, leading to increased menstrual bleeding. Therefore, it is recommended that such patients should go to the hospital in time for examination and treatment. If there are many polyps affecting daily life and reproductive function, a hysteroscopic examination is necessary. Under hysteroscopy, endometrial polyps can also be removed. Therefore, it is advised to seek medical examination as soon as possible.
Does endometritis belong to the pelvic cavity?
Endometritis is an inflammation that occurs in the endometrium, inside the uterine cavity. The uterus is an internal organ located in the pelvic cavity. Thus, this inflammation occurs within the pelvis. If a patient is diagnosed with endometritis, it is advised that they undergo anti-inflammatory treatment. Moreover, if there is a suspicion of an issue with the endometrium, it is recommended that such patients first undergo a type-B ultrasonic examination. If inflammatory symptoms are indeed present, consider performing a segmented diagnostic curettage of the endometrium. If an issue is identified, then anti-inflammatory treatment might be necessary.
Can trichomonas be seen?
If there is an infection of Trichomonas vaginalis, it can be visible under specific conditions through the use of a test strip method which involves adding potassium hydroxide and requires examination under a microscope, as it is generally invisible to the naked eye. It is recommended that patients diagnosed with Trichomonas vaginalis infection through vaginal discharge testing undergo treatment, including treatment for both partners. The medication generally chosen is metronidazole, which can be taken all at once or in divided doses orally to treat the infection. The standard for curing this infection is to re-examine the vaginal discharge after three menstrual cycles; if the trichomonads are negative, then it is considered cured.