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Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) is primarily associated with mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Mutations in other genes are associated with HBOC but are less common. BRCA gene mutations can be inherited from either the mother or father, and only one copy of the mutation is needed to be at risk.1
HBOC syndrome is associated with an increased risk of:1
• Early-onset breast cancer
• Triple-negative breast cancer (estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and Her2/neu negative)
• Bilateral breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer at any age
• Prostate cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Melanoma
• A second primary cancer
• Cancer recurrence1
Genetic Testing
Dr. Pareen Vahora, M.D., FACOG, a Board-Certified Gynecologist offers Genetic testing in the comfort of her office for her patients. Genetic testing is a cutting-edge medical technique that looks at your unique genetic makeup, which can be used to see how your DNA might shape your health over the course of your life. A sample of DNA is collected— typically with a small sample of blood or saliva— then analyzed in a lab to look for evidence of genetic disorders or vulnerabilities to some diseases. For example, people with specific gene mutations might develop some cancers earlier in life, or at a higher rate, than the general population. This is particularly the case with breast cancer and the BRCA gene mutations.
BRCA Positive
In some cases, if you are positive for a BRCA mutation, your gynecologist and surgeon may recommend that you have a partial or full hysterectomy. These precautionary surgeries will reduce your risk of breast cancer by 50% and ovarian cancer by approximately 90%. However, this will cause your body to go into a menopausal state early.
Multiple conflicting research and studies show it’s not safe to receive any hormonal estrogen therapy if you have the BRCA gene. One school of thought is that it intensifies further cell mutations in breast cancer.
When you have early onset menopause caused by surgery, your symptoms, and risk factors are just as uncomfortable as if you were going through the change naturally. These symptoms can cause hot flashes, weight gain, and very painful intercourse.
Whether you can’t take estrogen or choose not to, for women of all ages, it’s unfair to experience these distressing symptoms, especially sexual discomfort with your significant other.
MonaLisa Touch®
Due to the limited estrogen supply, the walls of the vagina start to thin out, causing dryness, burning, and inflammation. This can make intercourse very painful and can cause urinary disorders and can even interfere with daily activities for many women due to the extreme pain and discomfort that it can cause.
Dr. Vahora offers MonaLisa Touch®, an advanced procedure the revitalizes the vagina and makes it feel like a younger vagina. For Countless women and their partners, it has turned back the clock of time.
This advanced technology is called the MonaLisa Touch®. It is a new laser therapy for the vagina and vulvar. There are no medications, not cutting and no lengthy healing times with this procedure. It’s similar to having a basic Pap smear test done. The laser does not hurt or cause any pain. You will only feel tiny vibrating sensations from the machine, and the best part is that the entire procedure is accomplished in an outpatient, office setting.
The laser assists with the bodies cell renewal and will regenerate the mucous membrane and help with the restoration of collagen and renewing the proper trophic balance to the membrane.
Now it’s possible to have relief from vaginal and vulvar atrophy due to the MonaLisa Touch’s® ability to gently improve the tissue of the vaginal mucosa. The laser stimulates the production of collagen, improving the functionality of the treated area and restoring the proper trophic balance to the mucous membrane.
Whether you’re in menopause and experiencing vaginal dryness, or if you are suffering from these sexually uncomfortable symptoms due to a hysterectomy or breast cancer, Dr. Vahora can help.
If you are concerned about your genetic mutations and cancer risks, Dr. Vahora is now offering genetic testing for women with a family history of breast, ovarian or uterine cancer, and also for men who may have personal or family history of colon, stomach, prostate, or stomach cancer.
Please follow this link for a quiz on your genetic risk factors, https://www.hereditarycancerquiz.com/vahoramd.
If you’re concerned about breast cancer, or if your sex life has lost its spark, please contact Dr. Vahora to schedule a consultation. Call today to schedule your gynecological, genetic testing, or your MonaLisa Touch consultation at (727) 376-1536.
Parveen Vahora, M.D.
A Board Certified, fellowship trained laparoscopic gynecological surgeon, Dr. Vahora sees patients in her private practice in Trinity, Florida. She is an expert on sexual health and intimacy. In addition to being the only practitioner in the area to offer the MonaLisa Touch® Laser, Dr. Vahora performed the first single-site robotic hysterectomy in North Pinellas County. She is highly trained in minimally invasive procedures for conditions such as pelvic pain and is able to conduct sophisticated genetic testing.
Dr. Vahora is an expert on reproductive cancer diagnosis, sexual health and intimacy; please contact her to schedule a consultation.
Call today to schedule your consultation at (727) 376-1536.
Info@ParveenVahoraMD.com
www.ParveenVahoraMD.com
Connie Moler, APRN, joins Dr. Vahora’s office. Originally from Central Illinois, Ms. Moler obtained a B.A. in Psychology from Indiana University. She then completed her MSN as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Vanderbilt University. Ms. Moler brings her 20 plus years of experience and her joy of caring for women to her new position with Dr. Vahora.
Reference:
1. CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Syndrome”, 2019, cdc.gov.