The Uterine Sound Podcast

Episode 45: Syphilis in Pregnancy

In this episode of The Uterine Sound podcast, hosts Carla, Mel, and Anne dive into the history and current relevance of syphilis in the management of pregnancies. The discussion highlights a concerning resurgence of syphilis in Australia, particularly among women of reproductive age and Indigenous communities, with significant increases in congenital syphilis cases. The hosts detail the national strategic response to address rising rates, including updated antenatal screening guidelines aimed at reducing infections and protecting maternal and infant health. Tune in for a fascinating blend of history, science, and all you need to know in the management of syphilis in pregnancy.

Episode 44: Uterine Sarcoma

Join Anne, Mel, and Carla in this episode of The Uterine Sound as they dive into the critical topic of uterine leiomyosarcoma—an aggressive and rare cancer that can often be mistaken for benign fibroids. They break down the differences between these conditions, risk factors like ethnicity, age, and tamoxifen use, and why accurate diagnosis is so challenging. Tune in to learn about the latest on imaging techniques, signs to look for, and the complexities of treatment options for women at risk of this elusive malignancy!

Episode 43: Fibroids

In this episode of The Uterine Sound, hosts Carla, Anne, and Mel dive deep into the world of uterine fibroids, a condition affecting up to 80% of women. While these benign tumors may seem simple, their effects on fertility, daily life, and overall health are far from straightforward. The team unpacks the biology behind fibroid development, explores the risks and symptoms, and breaks down the latest advancements in diagnosis and treatment, including medical and surgical options. Whether you're a healthcare professional or just curious, this episode provides a comprehensive and engaging look at fibroids!

 

 

Episode 42: Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Welcome back to The Uterine Sound podcast! In this episode, we explore the common condition heavy menstrual bleeding through Mikayla, a 35-year-old patient grappling with the issue.

Join Carla, Mel, and Anne as they unravel what defines normal vs. heavy bleeding and the historical methods for quantifying it. Discover the causes of HMB using the PALM-COEIN system, from structural issues like fibroids to non-structural problems such as hormonal imbalances.

They break down the spectrum of treatments, from non-hormonal options like tranexamic acid and NSAIDs to hormonal therapies including the Mirena IUD and oral contraceptives. Plus, get the lowdown on surgical options like endometrial ablation and hysterectomy for those who need them.

With Mikayla’s results largely normal, our hosts offer practical guidance on choosing the right management strategy based on individual needs and fertility goals. Don’t miss this fast-paced, informative episode packed with actionable insights into managing heavy menstrual bleeding!

Episode 41: Evidence with Anne - GONC Trials

In this electrifying episode of The Uterine Sound podcast, hosts Carla Pecoraro, Mel Acreman, and Anne Woolfield dive into groundbreaking gynaecology oncology research that could transform patient care.

First, we unravel the mysteries of the PLCO study—“Effect of Screening on Ovarian Cancer Mortality.” This 2011 JAMA blockbuster pits CA125 and transvaginal ultrasound against routine care in a high-stakes battle for ovarian cancer mortality. With over 78,000 women in the mix, the results are eye-opening: while screening increased cancer diagnoses, it didn’t cut mortality rates. Plus, the fallout from false positives led to serious complications. Tune in to find out why this study could reshape how we think about ovarian cancer screening.

Next, the podcast heats up with the LACE trial—“Effect of Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy vs Total Abdominal Hysterectomy on Disease-Free Survival.” Published in 2017, this study compares laparoscopic hysterectomy to the traditional abdominal approach in treating stage 1 endometrial cancer. Discover how TLH stacks up against TAH in terms of disease-free survival and why TLH's benefits might make it the new gold standard for quicker recoveries and less post-op pain.

Get ready for a dynamic episode packed with crucial insights from these landmark trials. Whether you're a clinician or just curious, this episode delivers cutting-edge information that’s essential for understanding and improving gynaecological cancer care. Don’t miss out—this is a must-listen for anyone invested in women's health!

Episode 40: Endometrial Cancer Part 2

This week on The Uterine Sound, we're diving deep into the world of endometrial cancer. Meet Pamela, a 64-year-old with post-menopausal bleeding and a concerning endometrial thickness of 15mm. After a hysteroscopy and curettage, Pamela’s results reveal endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

Join us as we walk through Pamela's journey, from delivering the diagnosis and outlining the next steps to discussing staging and management strategies. We'll cover:

• Breaking the News: How to approach delivering a cancer diagnosis with compassion and clarity.
• Staging & Investigations: What tests are crucial before referring to the Gynecology Oncology team.
• Surgical Options: The preferred surgical approach for endometrial cancer and the evolving role of lymph node evaluation.
• Adjuvant Therapy: Decisions on whether Pamela needs additional treatment based on her cancer’s risk classification.
• Follow-Up & Recurrence: Strategies for monitoring and managing potential recurrences, including when to consider advanced treatments.

Tune in to explore the complexities of managing endometrial cancer and gain insights into how treatment plans are tailored to individual cases.

Episode 39: Endometrial Cancer

In this eye-opening episode of The Uterine Sound podcast, hosts Anne Woolfield, Mel Acreman, and Carla Pecoraro tackle the rising tide of endometrial cancer. With rates surging due to factors like obesity and an ageing population, this episode sheds light on why it’s more important than ever to understand and address these trends.

Discover essential strategies for prevention, from making lifestyle changes like improving diet and exercise to leveraging hormonal contraceptives. The hosts also unravel the complexities of endometrial cancer classification and tackle the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of screening.

Tune in for a comprehensive exploration of endometrial cancer, complete with actionable insights and the latest research updates. Don’t miss this crucial discussion that promises to keep you informed and empowered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Episode 38: Endometrial Hyperplasia

Join Anne, Mel, and Carla as they delve into the mysteries of endometrial hyperplasia. Meet Tiana, a 30-year-old grappling with irregular bleeding and an unexpected diagnosis post-polypectomy. Is it a benign polyp? Not quite—it's endometrial hyperplasia! But what does that mean?

In this episode, we uncover the nitty-gritty of endometrial hyperplasia, from its ominous precursor status to endometrial cancer to its surprising risk factors. Learn how unopposed estrogen, obesity, and even genetic conditions like Lynch Syndrome can tip the balance. Discover why menopausal hormone therapy and medications like tamoxifen might inadvertently set the stage for this condition.

Anne, Mel, and Carla break down the diagnostic journey, and cut through the old classification system's confusion and unveil the simplified guidelines of today.

But wait—what about treatment? From expectant management to the nuanced world of progesterone therapies and the pivotal role of the Mirena, they explore options tailored to each patient's needs. Should Tiana opt for fertility preservation? Discover the challenging decisions and implications when managing atypical hyperplasia, where the stakes are higher and fertility hangs in the balance.

Join us for this episode packed with clinical insights, debunking myths, and empowering women to navigate the complexities of endometrial health. Whether you're a clinician, patient, or simply curious, this podcast episode promises to demystify and enlighten. Tune in to The Uterine Sound for all things O&G!