Breast Cancer

Understanding the Problem:

Breast cancer refers to an abnormal growth in cells of the breasts. This type of cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women, but it may also occur in men too. Even though, substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped created advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, this type of cancer can be fatal if left untreated.

Signs & Symptoms:

• A lump on the breast
• Unfamiliar thickening of breast tissues
• Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast
• Changes to the skin of the breast
• A newly inverted nipple
• Peeling, crusting or flaking of the breast skin
• Redness of the skin over your breast

Examinations Required:

• Breast exam - a doctor will check and feel for any lumps or other abnormalities
• Mammogram - Breast X-ray
• Ultrasound
• Biopsy - Removing a sample of breast cells for testing
• MRI for Breast - generate images of the breast interior

Vaginal Cancer

Understanding the problem:

Gynecologic Cancers can occur anywhere in the female reproductive system. This consists of the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, with the most common Gynecologic cancers being cervical, endometrial (uterine) and ovarian. Each gynecologic cancer is unique and presents diverse signs and symptoms, henceforth making it very important to get regular gynecologic checks.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Pelvic pain or Pressure
• Itching or burning of the vulva
• Rash, Sores, Warts, Ulcers
• Increased Urination
• Constipation or Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Pain in the back or stomach
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (often after sex)
• Irregular vaginal discharge
• Discomfort during sex

Examinations Required

• Medical history evaluation
• Pelvic Exam
• Lab tests - to check for potential infections
• Ultrasound - detect potential irregular masses or cysts in the ovaries, uterus or fallopian tubes
• CT Scan / MRI - pinpoint abnormal structures or growths
• Pap Test
• Vaginal Biopsy - Removing a sample of vaginal tissue for testing
• HPV Tests
• Colposcopy - inspecting the vagina with a magnifying instrument

If any of these tests suggest Gynecologic Cancer, and treatment doesn’t subside the symptoms, Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery may be advised.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Understanding the problem:

Pelvic organ prolapse refers to a condition where the organs of the pelvis, slide down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. This may occur due to the pelvic floor muscles - the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs, are weakened and cannot hold the organs firmly in place. These organs usually include the uterus, bowel, bladder or the top of the vagina. This condition is presented in three forms: anterior, uterine and posterior wall prolapse, and it’s possible to suffer from more than one of these at the same time. The cause of pelvic organ prolapse originates from a number of reasons such as childbirth, getting older, suffering from obesity, long-term constipation or a failed hysterectomy. However painful and uncomfortable, pelvic organ prolapse is not life threatening.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Heaviness feeling around the lower tummy and genitals
• Feeling like sitting on a small ball - something coming down into the vagina
• A bulge or lump in or coming out of the vagina
• Sexual discomfort or numbness
• Dragging vaginal discomfort
• Urination issues - bladder not emptying completely, frequent need to urinate or leaking a small amount of pee when coughing, sneezing or exercising

Examinations Required

• Medical history evaluation
• Pelvic Exam
• Ultrasound - detect potential irregular masses or cysts in the ovaries, uterus or fallopian tubes
• CT Scan / MRI - pinpoint abnormal structures or growths
• Cystoscopy - inserting a small tube into your bladder to look for any problems
• Urine tests to look for potential infections

If any of these tests suggest Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery may be advised.

Uterine fibroids

Understanding the problem:

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, refer to uncontrollable cell growth in the uterus. This type of irregular cell growth is not associated with uterine cancer and may range in size, from undetectable growth, to a bulging mass that may distort the shape and size of the uterus. This condition has been known to expand so vastly, that it may even reach the rib cage and add unwelcome weight. Many women experience uterine fibroids; however most of them go on with their lives not knowing about the underlying issue due to the lack of evident symptoms. 

Signs & Symptoms:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Menstrual periods lasting more than a week
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Frequent urination / Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation
• Backache or leg pains

• Unexplained low red blood cell count (anemia)

Examinations Required

• Medical history evaluation
• Pelvic Exam
• Ultrasound - detect potential irregular masses or cysts in the ovaries, uterus or fallopian tubes
• MRI - pinpoint abnormal structures or growths
• Lab tests - to check for potential infections
• Hysterosonography
• Hysterosalpingography
• Hysteroscopy

If any of these tests suggest Uterine Fibroids, Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery may be advised.

Endometriosis

Understanding the problem:

Endometriosis refers to the tissue that line the uterus (endometrium), to grow outside of the uterus. Typically, the endometrium lining sheds every month during periods, however the implants - the tissue of the endometrium, stay in place. This condition is common with people who have a family history and generally occurs between the ages of 25-35, but may also appear up until menopause. Women suffering from endometriosis are more likely to be infertile and in some cases, present no visible symptoms.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Abdomen or lower back pain
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Abnormal menstrual flow
• Infertility
• Painful bowel movements and urination during menstrual periods
• Gastrointestinal issues - diarrhea, constipation and/or nausea

Examinations Required

• Medical history evaluation
• Pelvic exam
• Vaginal Biopsy - Removing a sample of vaginal tissue for testing
• Ultrasound - detect potential irregular masses or cysts in the ovaries, uterus or fallopian tubes
• CT Scan / MRI - pinpoint abnormal structures or growths

If any of these tests suggest Endometriosis, Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery may be advised.

Chronic Pelvic Pain

Understanding the problem:

Chronic pelvic pain refers to a feeling of agony below the bellybutton and between the hips. This may last six months or more, and may be the result of another underlying disease, or it can be a condition of its own. Generally though, detecting the source of chronic pelvic pain usually involves a process of elimination due to the many different disorders that can cause it.

Signs & Symptoms:
 

• Pressure feeling deep within your pelvis
• Painful sexual intercourse
• An obstruction in the urethra or vagina
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Vaginal discharge
• Severe and steady pain
• Dull aching
• Cramping
• Pain during urination or bowel movements
• Pain when you sit for long periods of time

Examinations Required

• Medical history evaluation
• Pelvic exam
• Lab tests - to check for potential infections
• Ultrasound - detect potential irregular masses or cysts in the ovaries, uterus or fallopian tubes
• CT Scan / MRI - pinpoint abnormal structures or growths
• Laparoscopy - check for abnormal tissues or signs of infection

If any of these tests suggest a serious cause for the Chronic Pelvic Pain, and treatment doesn’t subside the symptoms, Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery may be advised.