Page 7 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - December '24

Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens, Page 7
Commonly Asked Questions About Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer improved response rates and the surgeon removes a cone-shaped piece of tissue from
among women worldwide. With the development of survival compared to prior the cervix. The latter procedure removes only the cervix
advanced treatment options, this cancer has become very therapy with radiation alone. and upper vagina.
treatable. As with most cancers, early detection increases More recently, new Q: What are the best ways to help prevent cervical
the chances of survivorship. Adria Suarez Mora, M.D., combinations of treatment cancer?
a gynecological oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Weston with chemo-radiation have A: Receiving regular gynecological exams and getting
Hospital, answers commonly asked questions about been found to improve Pap tests are the most important steps to take toward
cervical cancer. outcomes for patients preventing cervical cancer. In addition, women should
Q: What are the most common symptoms of cervical with cervical cancer get the HPV vaccine, if eligible; use condoms or other
cancer? including combinations barrier methods during sex; limit sexual partners; and
A: The most common symptoms include vaginal with chemotherapy and stop smoking or using tobacco products.
discharge that may be heavy and can have a foul odor; immunotherapy. This makes To make an appointment with Dr. Suarez Mora or another
vaginal bleeding after intercourse or between menses; individualizing treatment specialist at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, call (877)
and heavy menstrual periods that last longer than normal. options for each patient 463-2010 or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Access.
Precancerous changes of the cervix don’t have symptoms, through a multidisciplinary Adria Suarez Mora, M.D.
which is why it’s important to have routine gynecological approach critical to achieve
exams and Pap tests. the best outcomes for each individual patient.
Q: How is cervical cancer treated? Q: What are the surgical options for treating cervical
A: At Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, we employ a cancer?
multidisciplinary approach to develop an individualized A: In its earliest stages, cervical cancer is usually
treatment plan that will provide the best possible outcome curable by removing the cancerous tissue. This may
for each of our patients. involve undergoing a deep resection of the cervix (cold
Prior to discussing treatment options, we consider knife cone), a minimally invasive simple hysterectomy or
many factors including the stage of the disease, the a radical hysterectomy.
patient’s age and general health, and if the patient wishes A simple hysterectomy involves the removal of the
to have children in the future. Our team may recommend uterus but not the tissue next to the uterus. The vagina
radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy and/ and pelvic lymph nodes are not removed. A radical
or immunotherapy. hysterectomy removes the uterus, parametrium, cervix,
In recent years, cisplatin-based chemotherapy given upper vagina and pelvic lymph nodes.
along with radiation, called chemoradiation, has emerged Premenopausal women who wish to preserve the uterus,
as the new standard of care for treating locally advanced or may be able to choose a fertility-sparing surgery, such as
high-risk, early-stage cervical cancer. This combination has cone biopsy or trachelectomy. In the former procedure,

Little Smiles from page 6 Pizza, Cataldo & Son Plastering, Inc., Debt Helper,
David S. Feldman, M.D., Ernst Young, FPL Home,
auction featured over 130 items, adding to the Frank and Herta Suess, Garage Living, Gioia Family,
excitement and charitable spirit of the event. Good Greek Moving & Storage, Ideal Nutrition, Jackie
Brittany Perdigon, executive director of Little and Bert Klawonn at BWG Realty, Joseph Lubeck, The
Smiles Florida, reflected on the event: “The Stars Ball Donohue Group at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management,
is about celebrating these brave children and showing The Leandro P. Rizzuto Foundation, Ocean Properties,
them the love and support they deserve. It’s a reminder Platinum Title Insurers, Reilly Foam Corporation,
that, no matter the challenges, they are not alone, and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, St. Mary’s
their community is here for them.” Medical Center and Palm Beach Children’s Hospital,
Another highlight was the presentation of awards Vertical Bridge, and Waferworld.
that were given to Little Smiles founder Chip Donohue Little Smiles Florida has been making a difference
and to nurse Judy Martyak who received the Amy in the lives of children throughout South Florida for 25
A. Reilly Humanitarian Award. Their dedication years. In 2023 alone, the organization brought smiles
and compassion have made a lasting impact on the to over 55,000 local children, working closely with
organization and the children it serves. 34 pediatric facilities, including hospitals, shelters,
The evening would not be possible without the medical daycare centers, foster homes, and local law
leadership of cochairs Samantha Shepherd and Virginia enforcement.
Sinicki and the generous support of sponsors including For more information about Little Smiles Florida Editorial copy appearing herewith is not necessarily the viewpoint of
Ameriprise Financial The Nickler Group, Bronx House and their ongoing efforts, visit littlesmilesfl.org. Seabreeze Publications of Central Florida. Most editorial copy is created by
the homeowners and is edited by their appointed editor.

Seabreeze Publications

Publisher
M. Sean Reid
S. Miller • E. Miller

Sales
Tom English, Laura Berrio, Bret McCormick

Production Manager Lee Nostrant

Production Department
Elaine Donholt • Ruth Nekoranec • Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout • Karen Kalisz • Michelle Feeney

All rights reserved. Reproduction or utilization of these contents in any
form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, including xerography and
photocopying is forbidden without the written permission of the Publisher.
The Publisher is not responsible or liable for misinformation or misprints
herein contained and reserves the right to accept or reject all copy deemed
unsuitable for publication.
www.seabreezepublications.com
1102 W. Indiantown Rd., Suite 5, Jupiter, FL 33458
(561) 746-3244

FAX (561) 746-2509