Melanocarcinoma of the uterine cervix
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Melanocarcinoma of the uterine cervix
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:
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Dr. Sanjivani Wanjari and Dr. Poonam Varma Shivkumar
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Melanocarcinoma of the uterine cervix
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20216-20250
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Malignant melanoma of the cervix, also known as melanocarcinoma, is an exceptionally rare neoplasm, predominantly affecting postmenopausal and elderly women, particularly those over 60 years of age. This condition has a poor prognosis, primarily due to the delayed diagnosis associated with its ambiguous presenting symptoms, which can often be mistaken for other gynecological issues. Although the incidence of genital tract mucosal melanomas is estimated at 1.6 cases per million females, malignant melanoma of the cervix accounts for less than 2% of these cases.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in the management and prognosis of malignant melanoma of the cervix. This case study highlights a 55-year-old female diagnosed with FIGO stage 1A disease after presenting with postmenopausal bleeding and abdominal pain. After thorough examination and histopathological evaluation, the patient underwent a Werthiem’s hysterectomy type II, successfully removing the malignant tumor. The importance of identifying such atypical presentations is underscored, as timely intervention can lead to better outcomes for affected individuals.
Symptoms and Challenges in Diagnosis
Symptoms of malignant melanoma of the cervix can include unusual vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding, either post-coitally or post-menopausally. Clinical examination often reveals a polypoid, darkly pigmented growth on the cervix, which may be confused with more common forms of cervical cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. The prevalence of symptom overlap contributes to delays in diagnosis, as medical professionals may not immediately consider melanoma in their differential diagnosis of cervical masses.
Treatment Options and Management
The primary treatment for malignant melanoma of the cervix is radical surgical excision, which should aim for clear margins of at least 2cm. In cases with advanced disease or insufficient surgical margins, additional treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be appropriate. Due to the rarity of the condition, there is a lack of consensus in the management protocols, and individualized treatment strategies based on the specifics of each case are necessary. This patient's treatment involved surgery followed by close monitoring, as she did not exhibit signs of recurrence post-surgery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, malignant melanoma of the cervix is an exceedingly rare condition that warrants a high level of clinical awareness due to its atypical presentation and the associated risks of misdiagnosis. Early diagnosis and rigorous surgical intervention are crucial for improving survival rates. Factors that enhance prognosis include smaller primary tumors, clear surgical margins, and the absence of lymph node involvement. Malignant melanoma represents a significant challenge in the realm of gynecological cancers, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is melanocarcinoma of the uterine cervix?
Melanocarcinoma, or malignant melanoma of the cervix, is a rare neoplasm often diagnosed in postmenopausal women over 60. Its etiology is unclear, and the prognosis tends to be poor due to late diagnosis.
What are the common symptoms of cervical melanocarcinoma?
Symptoms may include unusual vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding, including post-coital and post-menopausal bleeding. These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other gynecological conditions, leading to delays in diagnosis.
How is the diagnosis of cervical melanocarcinoma confirmed?
Diagnosis involves gynecological examination identifying polypoid or exophytic growths on the cervix. Histopathological evaluation after biopsy is needed for confirmation.
What is the preferred treatment for cervical melanocarcinoma?
Surgical excision is the treatment of choice, typically involving radical hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy. Clear surgical margins and the absence of lymph node involvement enhance prognosis.
What factors influence the prognosis of cervical melanocarcinoma?
Prognosis depends on tumor size, surgical margins' clarity, and lymph node involvement. Early-stage treatment tends to yield better outcomes.
Why is awareness of cervical melanocarcinoma important for clinicians?
Due to its rarity and atypical presentation, clinicians should recognize signs of cervical melanocarcinoma to ensure early diagnosis and effective management.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Melanocarcinoma of the uterine cervix”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, leading to the formation of tumors that can invade nearby tissues. In the context of the article, cancer specifically pertains to melanocarcinoma of the cervix, a rare but severe type that poses significant health risks, especially to women over 60 years old.
2) Samjivani (Sanjivani):
Sanjivani Wanjari is one of the authors of the study discussing malignant melanoma of the cervix. Her affiliation with the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences underscores her role in academic research and clinical practice, highlighting the contributions of healthcare professionals in advancing the understanding and treatment of rare cancers.
3) Bleeding:
Bleeding is a critical symptom noted in gynecological cancers, including the case studied in the article. The patient presented with post-menopausal bleeding, which can be a key indicator of underlying malignancies. Its early recognition is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the need for awareness among healthcare providers.
4) Radiotherapy:
Radiotherapy is a treatment modality involving the use of ionizing radiation to control or kill malignant cells. In the context of the article, it is discussed as a treatment option for advanced stages of melanoma of the cervix, especially when surgery does not achieve clear margins or in cases of recurrence, reflecting the complexity of treatment planning.
5) Disease:
Disease refers to any abnormal condition affecting the body or mind. In this case, malignant melanoma of the cervix represents a significant health issue, with a poor prognosis due to its rarity and late diagnosis. The understanding of disease processes is vital for developing effective treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.
6) Post:
In the medical context, 'post' refers to a time frame following certain events, such as post-menopausal bleeding mentioned in the study. This timing is critical in diagnosing conditions like cervical cancers, as symptoms may present differently based on a woman’s hormonal status, directly influencing clinical approaches and patient evaluations.
7) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment used to target cancer cells. The article mentions it as a potential option for advanced malignant melanoma, typically used when surgical options are limited or in cases of recurrence. Understanding the role of chemotherapy enhances the comprehensive management of cervical cancers, emphasizing the need for individual treatment plans.
8) Pur:
The term 'poor' predominantly describes the prognosis associated with malignant melanoma of the cervix, reflecting the challenges faced in early detection and effective treatment. A poor prognosis indicates a lower likelihood of survival and highlights the urgent need for awareness, improved diagnostic techniques, and timely interventions in gynecological malignancies.
9) Maharashtra (Maharastra, Maha-rashtra):
Maharashtra is a state in western India where the research and case study took place, specifically at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha. The region's healthcare infrastructure and educational institutions contribute significantly to medical research, impacting local and national health outcomes, particularly in less common diseases like cervical melanoma.
10) Discussion:
Discussion in academic literature is crucial for interpreting findings, sharing insights, and proposing future research avenues. In this case, the discussion section underscores the complexities of diagnosing and managing malignant melanoma of the cervix, fostering a greater understanding of the disease and reinforcing the importance of multidisciplinary collaborative care.
11) Wardha:
Wardha is a city in Maharashtra, India, significant for being the location of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences. The city contributes to medical education and research, impacting healthcare delivery and cancer treatment options in the region, including rare conditions like cervical melanocarcinoma, enhancing clinical knowledge and practices.
12) India:
India is the country where the study was conducted, reflecting the need for increased awareness and research into rare health conditions like malignant melanoma of the cervix. Understanding regional health challenges is crucial for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers working towards improving cancer diagnosis, treatment, and overall women's health in the country.
13) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of any subject, characterized by observation and experimentation. In this context, science underpins the research on malignant melanoma of the cervix, illustrating the necessity for empirically based approaches to diagnose, treat, and understand rare cancers through ongoing scientific inquiry and clinical studies.
14) Mahatman (Maha-atman, Mahatma):
Mahatma relates to Mahatma Gandhi, whose name is associated with the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, fostering a legacy of service and education in healthcare. This association highlights the importance of ethical practices and community service in medicine, promoting a conducive environment for research and clinical excellence.
15) Developing:
Developing countries often experience higher burdens of rare and common cancers due to limitations in healthcare resources and access to screening technologies. The article underscores the significance of research in the context of developing nations like India, where increased awareness and improved cancer care can lead to better outcomes for patients with cervical malignancies.
16) Account:
An account represents a detailed narrative or report of an event or phenomenon. In the context of this paper, the authors provide an account of a rare case of melanocarcinoma of the cervix, presenting clinical data that can inform health professionals about potential symptoms, diagnostic processes, and treatment options in similar cases.
17) Edema (Oedema):
Oedema refers to the swelling that can occur due to fluid accumulation in tissues. In the clinical assessment noted in the article, the patient exhibited no signs of oedema, which can be an important indicator in evaluating the extent of disease; its absence suggests that the malignancy had not progressed to involve surrounding tissues significantly.
18) Reason:
Reason in the context of medical literature often pertains to the underlying factors contributing to a condition or its diagnosis. The article discusses factors associated with malignant melanoma of the cervix, including hormonal influences and genetic predispositions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluation and understanding of disease etiology for effective management.
19) Varman (Varma, Varmam):
Varma relates to Dr. Poonam Varma Shivkumar, one of the authors of the study. Her involvement in researching melanocarcinoma of the cervix highlights the collaborative effort of healthcare professionals in advancing the understanding of rare cancers and improving patient care through targeted clinical investigations and educational dissemination.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Melanocarcinoma of the uterine cervix’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Radiotherapy, Palliative care, Surgical excision, Clinical significance, Adjuvant therapy, Histopathological examination, Cervical cancer, Gynaecological Examination, Lymph node involvement, Postmenopausal bleeding, Malignant melanoma, Polypoid growth.