Many women wonder about screening tools for breast cancer. The first line of breast cancer screening is a patient’s own awareness. Patients are encouraged to complete monthly self-breast examinations and be aware of any skin changes, new lumps, masses, or nipple discharge. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), “Breast cancer often is found by a woman herself. This happens in almost one half of all cases of breast cancer in women aged 50 years and older. In women younger than 50 years, more than 70% of cases of breast cancer are found by the women themselves ..read more

Every year in October, we acknowledge Breast Cancer Awareness. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), “In the United States, one in eight women will develop breast cancer by the age of 75 years.” It is good to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, complete monthly self-breast exams, and educate the women around you. Breast cancer can be detected early in individuals who do monthly self-breast exams at home, as well as those who keep up with annual screening appointments. Awareness of certain breast changes, including changes in the skin of the brea ..read more

New technology is available to assist surgeons to treat patients in the least invasive way possible.  Surgeries that used to be completed with large incisions or multiple incisions, can now be completed with the assistance of the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System and one single incision. This system is powered by advancements in robotic technology that allow the hand movements of the surgeon to be translated into small, very precise movements of tiny instruments used inside of the patient’s body.  One of these instruments, a laparoscope (a thin tube with a tiny camera and light attached), sends ..read more

By: Sanchita P. Yadalla, M.D., FACOG Do you suffer from painful periods? You’re not alone. According to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), “more than one half of women who menstruate have some pain for 1-2 days each month.” There are two different types of painful periods, or dysmenorrhea. The first type, Primary Dysmenorrhea, is caused by natural chemicals in the lining of the uterus called prostaglandins. At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, prostaglandins increase, thus increasing menstrual pain. During a period, the lining of the uterus is shed. As the lining s ..read more

By: Christopher Petr, M.D. Dr. Christopher Petr Cervical cancer screenings are used to determine if a woman has cell changes that could progress to cancer. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), “Healthy cells grow, divide, and are replaced as needed. Cancer of the cervix occurs when these cells change.” It can take many years for cancer of the cervix to develop. Early cell changes, also known as dysplasia, occur prior to the development of cancer. The most common cause of cervical cancer is HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection. HPV can be shared du ..read more

By: Christopher Petr, M.D. Antonio Chavez, D.O. Cervical cancer screenings are used to determine if a woman has cell changes that could progress to cancer. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), “Healthy cells grow, divide, and are replaced as needed. Cancer of the cervix occurs when these cells change.” It can take many years for cancer of the cervix to develop. Early cell changes, also known as dysplasia, occur prior to the development of cancer. The most common cause of cervical cancer is HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection. HPV can be shared du ..read more