Endometrial cancer is a very common gynecological cancer, ranking fifth among cancers in women in terms of incidence.
This type of cancer usually occurs after menopause.
The average age of patients at the time of diagnosis is 68 years.
The main risk factors for endometrial cancer are obesity, diabetes, and treatment with tamoxifen.
Endometrial cancer is suspected in cases of postmenopausal vaginal bleeding, after a gynecological examination has ruled out cervical disease.
A pelvic ultrasound is then indicated to check for endometrial hyperplasia.
This requires a histological examination of the endometrium via biopsy.
Diagnostic hysteroscopy is the primary test required to visualize the uterine cavity.
During this diagnostic hysteroscopy, a biopsy may be performed.
A pathological diagnosis of endometrial cancer must be made before staging and treatment can begin.
Endometrial cancer most often affects postmenopausal women, which is why any bleeding that occurs after menopause is cause for concern and should prompt further investigation.
MRI is primarily indicated for assessing the extent of the tumor prior to surgery, as it allows for evaluation of the depth of invasion and any possible lymph node involvement.
This prognostic value is essential because it allows for the adjustment of treatment (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy).
The standard surgical treatment involves a hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy performed laparoscopically or via laparotomy if the uterus is too large.
A lymphadenectomy (lymph node dissection) is most often indicated; it will be a pelvic lymphadenectomy and, in some cases, a lumbosacral lymphadenectomy.
Radiation therapy and brachytherapy may be indicated depending on the stage of the disease, as determined by the postoperative results.
Chemotherapy is used less frequently and is primarily reserved for patients with distant metastases or peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Every case is currently discussed in a multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) with surgeons and oncologists (radiation oncologists, medical oncologists), thereby ensuring care that is tailored to the patient’s needs, based on consensus, and in accordance with the recommendations of professional societies.
90 % of uterine cancers are linked to HPV (human papillomavirus) infection and could be detected and prevented through regular and careful screening (cervical smear and colposcopy).
Virus strains 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of cervical squamous cell carcinomas (the most common form).
However, an HPV infection does not necessarily mean cervical cancer, especially in young women, because, like any virus, it can clear up on its own: AN INFECTION is not A LESION.
HPV vaccination should be routinely offered to all young girls to eliminate cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women and could be eradicated through effective prevention. .
Regular Pap tests and screening for human papillomavirus (HPV) make it possible to treat early-stage lesions (dysplasia, intraepithelial lesions) through minimally invasive surgery (conization or removal of a small portion of the cervix).
Colposcopy is a highly valuable examination that allows these cervical lesions to be identified under high magnification so that they can be biopsied.
Cervical cancer can be detected during a routine gynecological exam and a Pap test.
On the other hand, cervical cancer can cause bleeding during sexual intercourse.
After diagnosis, a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine the extent of the disease and establish the best treatment strategy.
Most cervical cancers are highly sensitive to radiation (radiotherapy).
In many cases, treatment will involve a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery (hysterectomy and lymph node dissection).
Cervical cancer is initially classified as locally advanced, and its treatment is primarily surgical, supplemented by and/or brachytherapy (local radiation therapy to the vagina and parametrium), radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
In most cases, the surgical procedure will be comprehensive, involving a hysterectomy, removal of the adnexa, and a complete lymph node dissection (pelvic and lumbosacral).
Every case is currently discussed in a multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) with surgeons, oncologists (radiation oncologists, medical oncologists), and psychologists, thereby ensuring tailored and consensus-based care.
Ovarian tumors can be benign (functional cysts, endometriotic cysts, etc.) or malignant (ovarian cancer).
In all cases, this involves an abnormality in the growth of ovarian tissue.
The size of an ovarian tumor varies depending on its origin.
Thus, patients may experience diffuse, fluctuating pelvic pain or acute pain in the event of complications, genital bleeding, abdominal distension, intestinal and urinary problems, and fatigue.
The condition may be detected during a routine examination, an ultrasound, or during pregnancy.
After a thorough clinical examination, an ultrasound will be performed, followed by a CT scan and an MRI if necessary.
The challenge lies in the fact that it is difficult to determine whether a lesion is malignant or benign based on radiological examinations.
Surgery is usually necessary.
Benign functional cysts are common and can be managed with simple monitoring, including an ultrasound follow-up at 3 months.
Cystectomy (removal of the cyst while preserving the ovary)
Oophorectomy (removal of the ovary): most often performed laparoscopically.
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among malignant tumors of the pelvic reproductive organs.
Furthermore, the cancer’s anatomical spread and intra-abdominal metastasis explain its severity and the fact that it is often diagnosed at a late stage, which accounts for its poor prognosis.
The risk factors are still not well understood. The use of oral contraceptives appears to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
Any suspicious ovarian lesion must undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine its extent prior to surgery, which will also allow for tumor staging.
While an ultrasound can help establish a diagnosis, it cannot, on its own, determine the extent of this tumor—which is intraperitoneal (within the abdominal cavity)—or assess lymph node involvement.
An MRI provides an assessment of the extent of the condition, which will be reevaluated during the procedure—usually performed laparoscopically.
Only tumors that are localized, of low histological grade, and found in young women may be treated with a limited surgical procedure, such as the removal of the adnexa (fallopian tube and ovary) on one side, in order to preserve the patient’s fertility.
In most cases, the surgical procedure will be comprehensive, involving a hysterectomy, removal of the adnexa, an omentectomy (removal of the omentum), and a complete lymph node dissection (pelvic and lumbosacral).
The combination of surgery and chemotherapy is essential, and the order—whether surgery comes first or chemotherapy—does not matter.
This decision is made on a case-by-case basis during a multidisciplinary team meeting between the surgeon and the oncologists.
Borderline ovarian cancers are very specific types of ovarian cancer because they do not invade deep into the ovarian tissue and therefore have a good prognosis.
This is most often an anatomopathological finding following the removal of a cyst or an ovary that was not considered suspicious prior to the procedure.
While the surgical procedure may be conservative in young women whose fertility is to be preserved, caution is nevertheless warranted in other cases, and a more radical procedure (hysterectomy + adnexectomy + omentectomy) should be considered.
Dr Nadia Oukacha puts her expertise in gynecology, obstetrics and fertility at the service of every woman, combining listening, prevention and cutting-edge technology.
Each consultation begins with an in-depth discussion to understand your needs and establish a climate of trust.
A complete check-up, nutritional advice and psychological follow-up are adapted to your age and life situation.
Regular smear tests, screening and check-ups aim to anticipate risks and preserve your health over the long term.
Here you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about consultations, specialties, booking appointments and how the practice works.
You can book your consultation directly online via our website or by calling the practice on +212 606 12 12 13. A contact form is also available on the site.
Dr Oukacha specializes in :
Gynecology (consultations, pap smears, colposcopy, ultrasounds)
Obstetrics (pregnancy monitoring, ultrasound, amniocentesis)
Intimate and breast surgery
Fertility and medically assisted reproduction (MAP)
The practice is equipped for :
Gynecological and obstetrical ultrasounds
Cervico-vaginal smear
Colposcopy
Fertility assessment
Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sundays and public holidays: closed
The office is located in Casablanca, at 125 BD Brahim Roudani, 1st floor, Appt 11. An interactive map is available on the Contact page.
Access specialized gynecology, obstetrics and fertility care with confidence and simplicity.