Mar
Studies have shown that ovarian cancer occurs in approximately 1 in 18,000 pregnancies. When women have received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, they may feel at a loss as to how to proceed with their pregnancy. Drs. Taryll Jenkins of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine can assist in treating malignant ovarian tumors during pregnancy.
Diagnosis is performed during pregnancy with an ultrasound, as CT and CAT scans can increase radiation exposure. If an ultrasound does not provide enough information for a proper evaluation and diagnosis, then an MRI may be appropriate and safe. CA-125 blood testing, which is typically used for diagnosis, is often not accurate during pregnancy because there is usually an elevation in the marker during pregnancy, which can create a false positive. However, extremely high numbers are abnormal, even during pregnancy.
The primary step used to treat ovarian cancer is surgical removal. For pregnant individuals, the second trimester is often the most successful, unless the patient is a high-risk pregnancy. There are always risks when it comes to surgeries such as this during pregnancy, which need to be discussed prior to treatment. Chemotherapy is another option.
If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and are currently pregnant, it is important that you receive proper care. Drs. Taryll Jenkins in Katy, TX provides the services necessary to deal with cancer during pregnancy. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with our staff to learn about the options of treating malignant ovarian tumors while carrying a child. Our friendly office staff can be reached at 855-346-8610 to schedule an appointment at our practice conveniently located at 23920 Katy Freeway #215 in Medical Plaza 1. We welcome new patients who are seeking discreet, reliable care.
We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all
stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L.
Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of
Medicine from Meharry
Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the
University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.
Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological
Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie
Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today,
she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with
high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive
volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program
in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.
Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.
Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her
Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University
of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the
Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive
years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior
Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee
Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local
and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.
Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.