Klerksdorp /Tshepong hospital complex recently recruited highly skilled obstetricians and gynaecologists of which among them is Dr. Tom Greve who is the specialist gynaecological cancer surgeon. Since arrival of Dr. De Greve in April 2019, a Gynaecological Oncology services has been developed at Klerksdorp Hospital and now available for women with gynaecological cancer.
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“We now offer Gynaecological Oncology Services treatment and care to women diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer, like cervix cancer for the entire North West Province. This means that such patients are now able to be assessed, diagnosed and treated in Klerksdorp Hospital rather than be subjected to harsh roads to Johannesburg hospitals.” Explained North West Province Department of Health Spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane.
Cervix cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide with over 500,000 new cases and causing 250,000 deaths each year. In South Africa, 1 in every 42 women will be affected by this cancer. The Cervix is the lower part of the uterus or womb (the organ that holds a baby during pregnancy). It is also commonly named the mouth of the womb. Cervix cancer arises from abnormal changes in the cells located in the cervix.
The department advises women with abnormal vaginal bleeding, including inter-menstrual bleeding, post-sexual intercourse bleeding and increased vaginal discharge should consult a doctor to exclude a cancer or pre-cancerous lesion of the cervix.
With this new and innovative Gynaecological Oncology Service, The Department of Health in the province, hopes to reduce the burden of the preventable cancer in women by enhancing the detecting and treatment of pre-cancerous cervix lesions and by treating women locally who have unfortunately developed cervix cancer.
“A diagnosis of cervix cancer can be made by performing a biopsy of the cervix. Once diagnosed with a cervix cancer, a referral to a specialized center should be made” said Dr. De Greve. A multitude of test will be performed, including a scan to assess whether the cancer has spread.
“Depending on several factors a treatment plan will be offered. Treatment of cervix cancer consists of a combination of specialized gynaecological cancer surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Women with an early stage cervix cancer have a good prognosis, if appropriately treated”, added Dr. De Greve.
Dr. De Greve said to make use of LLETZ Procedure (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone). “This is done by use of cervical pre-cancerous lesions which are called Cervical Intra-epithelial Neoplasia (CIN) and can be detected by using the PAP-Smears (a screening test that can be done at clinic local) and easily treated with a LLETZ procedure”.
In explaining his specialized procedure Dr De Greve said “during a LLETZ procedure a small amount of the cervix (with the pre-cancerous lesion) is removed to prevent the development of cervix cancer”. We do this as an outpatient procedure at Klerksdorp hospital specialized Gynaecology Clinic Unit and it is well tolerated by women and causes only minimal discomfort.
Dr. De Greve received his 5 year gynaecological cancer specialist training in Pretoria and Brisbane, Australia, after completing his general gynaecology training in Ghent, Belgium.
Talking to a 40 year old patient from Potchefstroom Boitumelo Selele, who is discharged home on the 15 October 2019 with no complications, and she said “I did pap-smear at Potchefstroom local clinic where the results came back stating that I have a clot in my womb. I was then transferred to Klerksdorp hospital for procedure where I was successfully operated by specialist Dr. Tom De Greve”.
“I am so happy I am healed, I am grateful to have received the most high care from ward 7 staff and I really appreciate their love and care’. ‘ I would like to take this opportunity to specially thank Dr. Tom De Greve with his highly specialized skills, good health practice by making sure I am physically and emotionally healed” added Boitumelo.
-NWPG Health
-The VIP Team
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