Cancer News, Treatment and Research

Ai Hoa is a 78 year old lady. In May 2008 she had chocolate-coloured vaginal discharge. She consulted 2 gynaecologists and both told her, “… nothing was wrong …” Her daughter brought her to Singpaore of further consultation. A PAP smear done on 16 March 2009 indicated high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) / CIN 3. A biopsy indicated microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma. A PET-CT scan on 23 March 2009 indicated a hypermetabolic FDG cervical mass with diffusely increased uterine avidity which was inseparable from the uterus and the upper part of the vagina.There was metastasis, but no evidence of liver metastases. Blood test showed normal ESR, renal and liver function. Her CEA was 6.9 and CA 125 was 124. An endoscopy showed gastritis. She was tested positive for Helicobacter pylori. A colonoscopy showed numerous small polyps in her rectum. She was given Baraclude for the hepatitis B (being a carrier). On 25 March 2009, she underwent concurrent chemo-radiation treatment. Her health worsened. Listen to the conversation.