Seeking Guidance on Merina IUD for Endometrial Cancer Treatment
Greetings, My sister, aged 34, is currently battling Endometrioid Carcinoma. The recommended treatment typically involves a hysterectomy. However, because she aspires to conceive naturally, we are contemplating the use of a Merina IUD as an alternative. Has anyone in this community experienced a similar situation? What are the potential outcomes and associated risks? Feel free to reach out via direct message if you have insights or additional information.
Answers (1)
7/15/2025, 10:01:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
Using a Mirena IUD as an alternative treatment for endometrial cancer, specifically Endometrioid Carcinoma, requires careful consideration and should be approached with a thorough understanding of both potential benefits and risks.
Main Points:
- Mirena IUD and Cancer Treatment: The Mirena IUD releases a hormone called levonorgestrel, which can help in managing certain endometrial conditions but is not a primary treatment for cancer.
- Conceiving After Treatment: While the IUD may assist in managing endometrial tissue growth, it does not resolve cancer and could pose risks if cancer remains.
- Consultation Importance: It's crucial to have an open discussion with her healthcare team regarding treatment options, especially considering her desire to conceive.
Explanation:
The Mirena IUD is primarily used as a contraceptive and for treating heavy menstrual bleeding. There have been cases where hormonal treatments like the Mirena IUD are used off-label in managing endometrial hyperplasia or pre-cancerous conditions, but its effectiveness in actively treating established endometrial carcinoma is uncertain and not well-supported by clinical practice guidelines.
If your sister's cancer is diagnosed and intended to be treated conservatively to preserve fertility, consultation with an oncologist specializing in gynecological cancers is essential. This way, her case can be evaluated in light of her cancer stage, overall health, and fertility goals.
Next Steps:
- Consult with Specialists: Encourage your sister to speak with her oncologist and a reproductive endocrinologist to evaluate the risks of using the Mirena IUD given her cancer diagnosis.
- Discuss Treatment Goals: Have an open dialogue about her goals concerning fertility and cancer treatment, and explore all available options, including clinical trials or other non-surgical treatments if applicable.
- Informed Decisions: Ensure she is informed about the potential risks of leaving cancer untreated with a Mirena IUD, including the possibility of progression.
- Support and Research: Look into supportive care options to manage symptoms and maintain her quality of life during treatment. Engaging with support groups for those facing similar diagnoses can also provide emotional and practical support.
It’s essential that your sister receives personalized care tailored to her situation, balancing her wishes and the medical recommendations for her health condition.
Related Questions
Concerns About My Toddler's Exposure to Radiation from CT Scans
My son is 2.5 years old. Recently, I stumbled upon an article regarding a JAMA study that caught my attention on social media: He underwent two brain CT scans before his first birthday. The first one was prompted by my doctor’s recommendation to take him to the emergency room due to potential seizures one weekend. At that time, my son was not experiencing seizures, and looking back, I find it troubling that a CT scan was performed without a thorough discussion of the associated risks beforehand. The second scan occurred after he fell off the bed and suffered a skull fracture. Although the emergency room team closely monitored him for eight hours and initially opted against a CT, he later vomited on the way home, prompting us to return to the hospital where they proceeded with the scan. I can't shake the feeling that I've let him down. While I’m not an expert in statistics, my interpretation of the study suggests that there is a 53% heightened risk of cancer linked to brain CT scans in children. Given that my child has had two, I’m disheartened. Am I misinterpreting this information? Should I be concerned about monitoring him for cancer every six months? Is there anything I can do to mitigate the potential effects of radiation exposure? Am I irrational for feeling this way, or do my concerns have merit?
Seeking Insights on My Son's Health Challenges
I’m reaching out regarding my youngest son, who is now 6 months old and has encountered several medical issues from the moment he was born. Despite numerous evaluations, it seems that no clear connections have been established, and I can’t shake the feeling that something more significant is at play. Apologies in advance for the scattered nature of the details, but here’s what we’ve observed: - He was born with several congenital conditions including Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), and Narrowing of the Peripheral Pulmonary Artery. - Thankfully, all these conditions have resolved without requiring surgical intervention. - Initially, he did not pass his hearing screening at birth due to fluid retention in his ears, but he successfully cleared the test a week later. - By 4 months old, he began experiencing constipation. - He was exclusively breastfed until he was 7 months, after which we switched him to a specialized formula in hopes of alleviating the issue. - At 7 months, he started suffering from severe respiratory infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis. - To address these issues, his tonsils and adenoids were removed, and ear tubes were inserted at age 2 across the board. - His ear canals are not growing proportionately, leading to recurrent fungal infections due to excess moisture; therefore, he needs earplugs when around water. - He was diagnosed with Asthma at the age of 3. - His condition is managed with daily medication, a rescue inhaler, and a nebulizer that is kept nearby. - He is particularly vulnerable to illnesses, where a mild cold tends to escalate into a respiratory issue, resulting in pneumonia about 2-3 times per year. - At the age of 5, he began wearing pull-ups again after being fully toilet-trained due to overflow caused by constipation and impaction. - He currently takes MiraLAX twice each day and senna medication at night. - Migraines also became a concern at the age of 5, leading to an emergency room visit for treatment. He experiences flare-ups where all of his health issues worsen, and during one of these instances, laboratory tests showed elevated liver enzymes, which returned to normal once he stabilized. His primary care physician is uncertain about the next steps to take. The pulmonologist is preparing to conduct further tests to assess how frequently he has flare-ups within the next half year. He is scheduled to see the neurologist next month, while the gastroenterologist can't see him until December. An immunologist performed a basic metabolic and immunological panel, which yielded normal results. I can’t shake the instinct that there’s a more serious underlying problem. I'm seeking suggestions or ideas that I can present to his pediatrician to help us uncover what might be going on.
Epidermoid Cyst Update
Key Details: F33. Generally in good health. Currently 31 weeks into my pregnancy. I have developed an epidermoid inclusion cyst. Initially, it was the size of a pea on Thursday, ballooning to the size of a marble by Friday, at which point it appeared inflamed and prompted treatment from my dermatologist who administered an injection. By Monday, the cyst had expanded to roughly the size of a golf ball and had become quite painful, leading her to prescribe Cephalexin 500mg to be taken once daily. After being on antibiotics for 24 hours, I have noticed a change in the cyst; it has shifted from being deeply embedded under the skin to protruding more visibly on the skin's surface. Although it is still clearly defined, its position is now more pronounced. Could this alteration indicate healing, or is there a possibility that it could be evolving into an abscess requiring drainage? Should I seek a second opinion regarding this condition?
Understanding Small Bowel Obstruction
At 29 years of age, I found myself grappling with a diagnosis of subacute intestinal obstruction, which was confirmed on June 30. After a three-day stay in the emergency room, a contrast CT scan conducted on July 3 revealed no signs of obstruction. However, the following day, a family member offered me a small portion of semi-solid porridge. I managed to consume a few ounces, only to experience a tight sensation in my gut by evening, as if it were being compressed. I spent the night in the hospital where I had some loose bowel movements the next morning. Even after being discharged in the evening, I still felt somewhat uneasy. I adhered to a strict liquid diet, experiencing irregular bowel activity characterized by marbles of dark semi-solid stool interspersed with liquid variations. On July 8, a routine abdominal ultrasound was performed, and the results came back normal. Unfortunately, two days later, my condition took a turn for the worse. I began enduring intermittent abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea—though I thankfully did not experience any vomiting. My stool varied between the small, marble-like form and loose consistency, while I remained on a liquid diet. The pain fluctuates, and it can be intense at times. Meanwhile, my parents insist that the recent ultrasound indicated no issues and advise me not to worry too much, suggesting I might be overreacting to the situation.
Aftermath of a Chokehold: Concerns About My Voice
I’m a 23-year-old female, and recently while goofing around with friends during a play wrestling session, one of the guys put me in a chokehold. Ever since that night, I've been experiencing soreness in my neck, which has lingered for about two days. Although I tend to bruise easily, the minimal bruising I have seems to be improving. Currently, my voice has taken on a raspy quality, and I’ve noticed some discomfort when swallowing. There’s also a bit of tenderness when I touch my throat, but thankfully, this discomfort has lessened over the past few days. I’m starting to worry about the possibility of an injury—whether something might be broken or damaged, especially after reading information suggesting I should visit a doctor to rule out a carotid artery injury. However, I’m hesitant to have my parents find out about it. I’ve been managing the pain by using ice and taking acetaminophen to alleviate the symptoms. Should I be worried about any serious issues, or is this something that will likely resolve itself?