At times pap smears come back abnormal. Some Paps represent benign conditions. Others represent precancerous or cancerous conditions. Any abnormal pap should be evaluated to insure good health. At Carteret Ob/Gyn we are able to evaluate your abnormal pap here in our office. Sometimes it involves a simple exam or repeat pap. Other times it requires a special exam called colposcopy. Your provider will be able to advise you about the best way to proceed.
Colposcopy is a special examination of the cervix performed when there is an abnormal pap smear. The cervix is prepared with special stains to make abnormal cells stand out. Sometimes a biopsy is performed to evaluate those cells further. This exam is performed right in the office at Carteret Ob/Gyn. No special preparation is needed. It is very similar to the process of getting a pap smear.
Sometimes women have menstrual cycles that are not normal. These abnormalities range from no period at all (amenorrhea), frequent bleeding (metrorrhagia), to very heavy long periods menorrhagia. Your provider can evaluate and treat these disorders using medicines or surgery, whichever is the most appropriate for your individual situation. Sometimes a sonogram will be performed. Sometimes a biopsy is recommended. In preparation for your visit it is useful to keep a menstrual diary. This can be done on a small calendar which can be carried in your purse or pocket or kept by your sink or nightstand.
A number of conditions can cause pelvic pain. Some of these include ovarian cysts, endometriosis, menstrual cramps, adhesions, infection, among others. Your provider at Carteret Ob/Gyn is well qualified to evaluate and treat these disorders using medicines or surgery, whichever is the most appropriate for your individual situation. Sometimes a sonogram will be performed. Sometimes surgery will be recommended. Our philosophy is to use the least invasive means that will be effective.
A variety of conditions cause lesions in the female genital areas. Some are benign and require no treatment. Others can be more concerning and require treatment, removal, or biopsy. Sometimes the appearance of lesions is deceiving when in this location. What looks like a common mole on another part of the body can act differently on the vulva, especially if it has only been noticed recently or if it has changed in appearance over time. There are also other conditions such as lichen sclerosis, condylomata, vulvar cancers and precancerous lesions, among others that can affect this area. Your Carteret Ob/Gyn provider is experienced in evaluating lesions on the vulva and in the vagina. Often the diagnoses can be made with minimal testing such as a small in office biopsy or colposcopy.
Vaginal discharge can be normal or indicate a problem such as infection. It is important to have them evaluated promptly especially if you are sexually active. Your Carteret Ob/Gyn provider is experienced in evaluating vaginal discharges and in many cases can diagnose and treat these in one brief visit.
The providers at Carteret Ob/Gyn are qualified to diagnose and treat most pelvic masses. Known ovarian cancers are generally referred to a gynecologic oncologist at ECU, Duke, Chapel Hill, or Wilmington.
Hormonal disorders can affect women in a variety of ways. One of the best known is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This can result in infertility, obesity, unwanted male pattern hair growth, heart disease, and diabetes. Your Carteret Ob/Gyn provider is experienced in evaluating and treating the various aspects of this and other female endocrine issues. We often use ultrasound and lab testing during the evaluation process. These are available in our office for your convenience.
Carteret Ob/Gyn offers in house ultrasound for both obstetric and gynecologic patients. The images are interpreted by our physicians who will be using the information to develop the proper treatment plans for your individual situation. We have state of the art equipment with Doppler capabilities. Both abdominal and vaginal sonographies are used regularly at our facility. Our sonographer, Debbie Brooks is employed full time for your convenience. Advanced techniques like saline infusion sonography are available for more accurate diagnosis.
Pelvic prolapse is a condition that can be very disturbing for those affected. It can include bulging of the bladder, cystocele, bulging of the rectum, rectocele, bulging down of the uterus, uterine prolapse, or some combination of them. Both surgical and non-surgical methods are used to treat these conditions at Carteret Ob/Gyn. Pessaries often reduce the need for surgery. If surgery is necessary, our physicians are experienced in surgical techniques for correction. These may include traditional surgeries or more advanced use of synthetic meshes if necessary.
Nearly half of women will develop these benign tumors of the uterus before reaching menopause. Some will never know it. Others will have symptoms including heavy bleeding or pain. Carteret Ob/Gyn providers are experienced in conservative and surgical management. Ultrasound is often used to evaluate this condition. If surgery is necessary, it can often be accomplished through minimally invasive techniques such as hysteroscopy or laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy.
Breast lumps are commonly found during exams or through self breast exam. Most are benign, but the possibility of a breast cancer is always considered. Carteret Ob/Gyn providers are experienced in the initial evaluation of breast masses. Surgical evaluation will be arranged through our office when needed. Breast cancer screening is also available through our office and includes the latest digital mammography capabilities.
3511 John Platt Drive
Morehead City, NC 28557
252-247-4297