I do not personally treat cervical cancers however I do have a good understanding of these disease types mainly for the purposes of rounding on the teaching inpatient oncology service where I could potentially see any solid tumor malignancy and occasionally I am called on from family members with cousins or friends that were recently diagnosed. I wrote this article to mainly provide support and a reading resource for all family and friends. Hope this helps!
The shock of a cancer diagnosis within a family can ripple through every aspect of life, serving as a stark reminder of our vulnerabilities but also our strengths. Recently, a family friend on my wife’s side was diagnosed with cervical adenocarcinoma, a type of cervical cancer, which was discovered following routine tests and further confirmed by a cervical biopsy. A pelvic CT imaging were suggestive of enlarged possibly involved pelvic lymph nodes. This personal experience underscores the importance of understanding and navigating the medical system to ensure comprehensive care and support.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Evaluation
After the initial diagnosis, the journey began with a series of evaluations to confirm the extent of the disease and plan the treatment. This included:
- Advanced Imaging: A CT scan initially revealed pelvic adenopathy, prompting the need for further imaging like a PET scan to assess the possibility of distant metastases.
- Laboratory Work: Various blood tests were conducted to evaluate organ function and overall health, crucial for determining treatment suitability for radiation, chemotherapy, and/or immunotherapy
- Specialist Consultations: Consultations with a gynecologic oncologist, radiation oncologist, and medical oncologist were essential to gather diverse expert opinions and treatment options. There are also ancillary discussions with the nutritionist, fertility specialists, psychologist, and navigators.
General evaluation for all patients with cervical cancers per the NCCN guidelines.
Pathology: Understanding the Enemy
The biopsy results confirmed cervical adenocarcinoma. Pathological review and molecular testing provided detailed insights into the cancer’s characteristics, which are critical for tailoring the treatment effectively. Molecular testing can also help provide insights into potential targeted therapy or immunotherapy if needed.
The Role of Radiology in Cancer Diagnosis
Further radiological assessments were crucial in confirming the initial findings and understanding the full scope of the disease. These tests helped verify the presence of pelvic and potentially paraaortic adenopathy, ensuring an accurate staging of the cancer.
Collaborative Decision-Making Through Tumor Board Review
A multidisciplinary tumor board review was instrumental in integrating and analyzing all diagnostic information. If no additional information is added, then the team will confirm the diagnosis as Stage IIIC cervical cancer and likely agree to start treatment protocol involving chemo-radiation with platinum-based chemotherapy consistent with NCCN guidelines.
The Power of Advocacy in Cancer Care
Throughout this journey, family and friends in the healthcare field can serve as an advocate rather than a direct caregiver. My role was to help my family member understand the complexities of their condition and care, ensure all appropriate tests were ordered, and all potential treatments considered. Advocacy in healthcare is crucial; it helps bridge gaps in communication between medical teams and patients, ensuring that the patient’s voice is heard and their needs are met. Potentially avoid miscommunications, mitigate misunderstandings, and alleviate fears.
The Importance of Support Networks
Cervical cancer, like any serious disease, is a challenging journey not just for the patient but also for their loved ones. Having an advocate in healthcare, whether a knowledgeable family member or a close friend, can provide immense support. They can facilitate better communication, understanding, and comfort for everyone involved, making the difficult journey a little easier.
Understanding each step from diagnosis through treatment planning can help demystify the process and reduce anxiety. By staying informed and involved, patients can actively participate in their care, leading to better outcomes and a greater sense of control.
Dr. Sajeve Thomas is a distinguished medical professional and a compassionate guide in the field of oncology. With over a decade of dedicated experience as a board-certified medical oncologist/internal medicine specialist, Dr. Thomas has become a trusted expert in the treatment of melanoma, sarcoma, and gastrointestinal conditions. Currently practicing at the renowned Orlando Health Cancer Institute, he brings a wealth of expertise to the complex and challenging world of oncology.