Rivers
‘UPTH Has Capacity To Treat Ovarian Cancer’
The Management of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) says the hospital has the capacity to diagnose and treat ovarian cancer in women
The hospital appealed to patients with a suspected cases of ovarian cancer to seek early medical attention in the hospital than indulging in self medication.
A Consultant Gyneaurologist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G), Prof Nyengidiki Kennedy, stated this during the hospital’s “Hospital Grand Rounds” with its theme, “Management of Infra Renal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Co- existing with a huge Ovarian mass, a multidisciplinary team approach”, at the weekend.
He urged patients to desist from attributing most abdominal pains to ulcer, but seek early diagnosis in hospital for proper treatment.
According to him, patients with cases of undiagnosed ulcer and ovarian mass do not have specific symptoms, but that ulcer cases can be treated within one to two months, if properly managed.
“Earlier stage of ovarian cancer can be treated here in UPTH. Patients with prolonged ulcer cases should seek medical treatment in the hospital.
“UPTH has the capacity, technical know-how and equipment to diagnose and treat ovarian cancer”, he stated.
On the possible causes of the disease, the consultant attributed it to family history, long ovulation and ovarian malignant.
“As a predisposing factor”, he said, “cases of hypertension, smoking, trauma, and genetics could cause the disease in women”.
Earlier, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), UPTH, Prof Datonye Alasia, called for more preventive measures on cases of ovarian mass or cancer.
He appealed to patients with prolonged ulcer cases to seek medical intervention earlier in recognized hospitals than quacks.
The UPTH Grand Rounds, he said, is to share and improve knowledge amongst experts: Doctors, Nurses and other health workers in the hospital
“We need multiple departmental collaboration to ensure that patients get the best in terms of treatment in the hospital”, he said.
He explained that sometimes ovarian cancer present multiple diseases such as hypertension, anemia and stomach pains to patients.
He urged patients, especially women with suspected cases of prolonged ulcer, to go for periodic checks for earlier diagnosis.
Chinedu Wosu