KARACHI, Jan 11: A meeting of the Gynaecological Oncology Group on Friday recommended that every abnormal swelling, lesion or ulcer on any part of the body should be taken very seriously and the earliest possible consultation with a medical expert followed with a clinical examination was the best course to follow.

As usual the Group discussed various clinical cases of cancer in female patients. Dr Amna and Dr Majida from Sobhraj Maternity Home presented two cases of the cancers of the cervix and uterus and said that these cancers were not uncommon. They pointed out that in majority of such cases patients initially sought treatment from quacks or so-called cancer specialists and in the process ended up with irreparable damage to their health and finances.

They said that in both the cases the women were in their late 30’s. Their cases were mismanaged by quacks to whom they had initially gone. They said that cancer of the cervix and uterus were treatable if diagnosed and treated early.

Dr Hina Jabeen of the Sindh Government Qatar Hospital spoke about her patient— a 26-year old female who developed cancer of the cervix after delivering her sixth child. She pointed out that the family physicians and gynaecologists had failed to make appropriate diagnosis.

She said that any women with a history of multiple pregnancies and abnormal or excessive bleeding should be taken extra care of as it was better to scientifically exclude cancer instead of falsely hoping there it was no cancer.

Dr Junaid Rangeenwala of Ziauddin Hospital said that despite limited resources it was possible to provide effective management of cancer patients and suggested a closer coordination and cooperation among gynaecologists, radiologists, oncologists, pathologists and other speciality for that purpose.

Prof Sirajud Daula Syed of the Sindh Medical College said that a greater level of awareness was needed among general practitioners and people so that remedial measures could be initiated at the slightest of suspicion of tumour in the body.

He said the best treatment was only possible when early diagnosis was made and the lesion surgically removed.

The meeting was held at the PMA House and it was attended by gynaecologists, oncologists, pathologists and postgraduate medical students.