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Hirsutism is a common endocrine disorder affecting 5–10% of women of reproductive age. A thorough history, physical examination and selected laboratory tests will confirm the underlying cause. This chapter reviews various causes and clinical management of hirsutism. Counselling, lifestyle modifications, mechanical hair removal and selected medical therapies can be used to reduce the degree of hirsutism and to improve self-esteem. Combined oral contraceptive pill is the first-line therapy for hirsutism, provided there has been no contraindication. At least 6–9 months of treatment may be necessary before an effect can be observed.
Imaging is an indispensable diagnostic tool in gynaecological practice. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is most often used in an office environment as an adjunct to clinical examination. Transabdominal ultrasound is employed in specific applications and often as a first step before TVS by non-gynaecologists, while MRI and CT are used selectively as secondary tests for specific indications. Perioperative imaging is increasingly popular in clinical practice. In the first section, the essentials of the ultrasound technique and image optimization skills will be described as well as professional attributes necessary for safe ultrasound practice. In the clinical section, the prescribed approach was based on presenting symptoms as is the case in clinical practice where patients are referred or present themselves with a complaint. It is critical for ultrasound practitioners to accurately recognize normal features easily and, likewise, in the differential diagnosis of abnormal findings, they should master the salient features that will ultimately establish a diagnosis.
Difficulties with diagnosis and aggressive, long-term treatment may result in lower quality of life (QOL), including high levels of anxiety, depression, and uncertainty, greater symptom distress, and lower overall QOL among women with avarian cancer. The purpose of this study was to describe demographic, clinical, and other risk factors associated with compromised QOL among women who have undergone surgery for avarian malignancies.
Methods:
Subjects were recruited to participate in a clinical trial that tested a specialized nursing intervention addressing psychological and physical care among women post-surgical for avarian cancer. QOL was measured using five standardized self-report measures: the State-Trait Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale (MUIS), the Symptom Distress Scale (SDS), and the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Baseline data were collected while women were hospitalized following surgery.
Results:
The sample (n=145) included women with avarian cancer (58%) and other cancers metastasized to the avaries and abdomen (42%). Mean scores on the measures were consistent with or higher than previously reported means for similar populations. Women reporting the lowest QOL were more likely to be younger, more educated, and have early stage disease.
Significance of results:
Women who have undergone surgery for ovarian malignancies have psychological needs that are often considered secondary to physical needs. Interventions should include routine screening for distress and referral to appropriate psychological and social services, thereby facilitating quality cancer care.
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