Gynecologic Oncology

When it comes to robotic surgical dexterity, gynecologic oncology ranks higher than other disciplines, according to the results of a crowd-sourced assessment of technical skills presented at the 46th AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology.

New interim guidance from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the need for standard screening and monitoring of infants with possible congenital Zika virus infection plus hearing screening and specific testing and evaluation in three clinical scenarios. Plus: Are at-risk women commonly tested for rectal gonorrhea, chlamydia? Also: According to a study, ovarian cancer may originate in fallopian tubes.

One study looks at how successful the 9vHPV vaccine is in preventing HPV-related cervical, vaginal, and vulvar diseases. Plus: FDA approves first neonatal MRI. Also, researchers note that obstetric services in rural areas severely lacking.

One study looks at whether or not women with histories of breast or ovarian cancer are receiving necessary genetic testing. Plus: Can in-office hysteroscopy reliably evaluate uterine pathology? Also, researchers say mammographic density changes should be monitored in patients undergoing hormone therapy as a possible indicator of breast cancer.

A woman sues her ob/gyn claiming that 3 miscarriages occurred because of an IUD that the ob/gyn believed had been expelled shortly after implantation, but was subsequently found using abdominal x-ray. Plus more cases.

A study looks at who is being tested for BRCA mutations as testing becomes more common. Also, a look at the impact of Zika virus on birth defects using benchmark data. Plus: How is the United States doing with infant mortality?

An analysis looks at the impact of diet on bone mineral density. Also, an examination of which antidepressants in pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects. Plus: Is the mortality rate of cervical cancer underestimated?

2016 was a year of change and new challenges. Find out what the top news stories of 2016 were.

A Phase II study examines the efficacy of a urine-based test in screening for cervical cancer. Also, a study looks at whether cost is the reason why some patients do not adhere to breast cancer medications.

A 34-year-old Ohio woman was under the care of her longtime family physician, who had minor privileges to deliver uncomplicated pregnancies at a specific hospital, for her pregnancy. The woman is diagnosed with eclampsia in her third trimester and is immediately given a cesarean. After delivery, she is unresponsive having died from a massive intracranial hemorrhage. The physician is sued for fraudulently representing her abilities in obstetric care. What's the verdict?

A study questions the existing guidance saying only women over 65 years who have risk factors should be screened for cervical cancer. Also, do placental syndromes increase the risk of cardiovascular disease? Plus: A look at Gardisil 9's safety profile.

For Contemporary OB/GYN, Dr Bobby Lazzara discusses the recent lawsuits that claim talc powder usage led to ovarian cancer and how it may affect your recommendations.

A new study looks at whether breast density letters are too difficult for the typical woman to understand. Plus: The FDA issues a warning on fluconazole and miscarriage. Also, do irregular menses provide protection against ovarian cancer or increase risk?

The clinical impact of HPV vaccination and guidelines for its use.

Women with BRCA gene mutations face tough decisions but they have options.

If proven effective, the vaccine, called VGX-3100, would be the first non-ablative therapy for cervical precancer.

A look at whether or not oral contraceptives help with ovarian cancer survival. Plus: Do false-positive mammogram results serve as a sign of future breast cancer risk?

It rarely signifies uterine cancer, according to this study.

Change in Pap smear recommendation has meant fewer occasions for testing for the STI, according to one study.

Results of a multi center observational study suggest that testing for a panel of genes may be the wave of the future for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and alter the course of clinical management.

What are the current recommendations for managing women who are BRCA 1 or 2 carriers?

A new study looks at whether or not women with dense breasts require alternative screening methods. Conventional wisdom about reducing salt intake to lower blood pressure may not be correct. What's the impact of breastfeeding on reducing the recurrence of certain breast cancer types.

Clinical guidelines recently put forth by the American College of Physicians indicate that Pap tests should remain the mainstay of cervical cancer screening in average-risk patients under the age of younger than 30 with HPV testing reserved for older patient populations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discusses the importance of HPV screening, vaccination, and the role of the clinician in helping prevent HPV and related cancers. The video presents three viewpoints: An OB-GYN who treats cervical cancer, a mother / Pediatrician who had her daughters vaccinated for HPV, and a survivor of cervical cancer.

Now that stand-alone HPV tests have been approved, is it worth changing cervical cancer screening recommendations? Juan Felix, MD, weighs in.

Two experts take sides on the clinical merits of performing bilateral salpingectomy alone versus removing the tubes in BRCA mutation carriers.

The GnRH agonist goserelin, when given during chemotherapy, may protect against ovarian failure and early menopause in women with breast cancer.

Hormone replacement therapy won't protect postmenopausal women against stroke or heart disease, but don't discount it for symptoms of menopause just yet.

Clinicians conducting breast examinations who don’t apply enough force during palpation risk missing deeper lesions.

Among BRCA mutation carriers, risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) results in an 80% reduction in risk of ovarian cancer and a 50% reduction in risk of breast cancer if the surgery is performed before the onset of menopause.