In gynecologic cancers (uterine, ovarian, fallopian tube, peritoneal, cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers), we usually recommend follow up visit every 3-6 months after completion of your surgery and/or chemo and/or radiation therapy. This 3-6 months check up usually suggested for the first 2 years after completion of your therapy because most cancer recurrences occurred in the first 2 years. From year 3 to 5 after treatment, I usually follow up on my patients every 6-12 months. After 5 years, I usually discharge the patient from my practice since cancer recurrence after 5 years of follow up is rare.
The most important test during follow up is history and physical exam. As my old mentor taught me that 80% of diagnosis could be achieved by just talking to patients. This is why your diary of complaints or concerns are very important in helping your doctor to diagnose your ailments. I love it when my patients come with a written list of concerns and questions.
Based on history and exam, I then decide whether to order CT scan or MRI or other tests. The only tumor marker that helpful to order is for ovarian, fallopian tube, peritoneal and some very advanced uterine cancers. Even this practice of ordering tumor marker (CA125) has been questioned by a randomized trial that I discussed in my earlier blog. For cervical cancer, the SGO guidelines recommend only once a year pap smear. There are some different opinion on this pap smear guideline as well among experts.
So, do bring your list of written questions and concerns to your doctor visit. Remember that a short pencil has much better recall than a long memory.
The most important test during follow up is history and physical exam. As my old mentor taught me that 80% of diagnosis could be achieved by just talking to patients. This is why your diary of complaints or concerns are very important in helping your doctor to diagnose your ailments. I love it when my patients come with a written list of concerns and questions.
Based on history and exam, I then decide whether to order CT scan or MRI or other tests. The only tumor marker that helpful to order is for ovarian, fallopian tube, peritoneal and some very advanced uterine cancers. Even this practice of ordering tumor marker (CA125) has been questioned by a randomized trial that I discussed in my earlier blog. For cervical cancer, the SGO guidelines recommend only once a year pap smear. There are some different opinion on this pap smear guideline as well among experts.
So, do bring your list of written questions and concerns to your doctor visit. Remember that a short pencil has much better recall than a long memory.
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