Jun
Many women know that their annual gynecological visit is an important part of their overall wellness. They know that the Pap smear is critical to detecting cervical cancer, the breast exam for breast cancer, and the internal vaginal exam for ovarian cancer. While these types of reproductive cancers are serious, their treatability is greatly improved by early detection.
Dr. Taryll L. Jenkins and his team of physicians have been practicing Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine for many years. They understand that early detection is important and, therefore, work hard to ensure that patients maintain a consistent schedule of well-woman visits.
If, during one of these visits, a vaginal or cervical cancer is suspected, the team will investigate it further with a biopsy. A biopsy is a minor surgical procedure in which cells and tissue are removed from the suspected area. The cells are then sent to a pathologist who will look at them under a high-powered microscope to look for abnormal cells. If abnormal cells are detected, then patients will have several choices for treatment.
The treatment path for any individual patient is unique and depends on many factors, including the amount of cancerous cells that are found, how far the disease has spread, and the patient’s overall health. In some cases, the abnormal tissue can be removed through surgery, while in other cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy will be necessary.
While many individuals who find out they have cervical or vaginal cancer do not have any warning signs, some symptoms could be an indication of a problem. These symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding that occurs between periods, after sex, or after menopause, pain the lower abdomen or pelvic area, pain while having sex, or abnormal vaginal discharge. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to make an appointment to rule out a more serious problem.
It’s also important to note that the process from suspecting cancer to confirming or ruling it out can take several days or even several weeks. During this time, a woman may feel many different emotions, including fear, sadness, anger, and much more. Patients should feel comfortable calling their physician and nursing team. At the Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine, our team is committed to making sure our patients have all their questions answered and their concerns addressed.
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.
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.
Dr. Matthew Mason, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from both the University of Texas at San Antonio and Austin (where he also earned a secondary degree in Business Foundations), he earned his MD from the Ross University School of Medicine. Dr. Mason completed his residency at the Sisters of Charity Hospital in Buffalo, NY, at the Jacobs School of Medicine. Known for his expertise in high-risk obstetrics and advanced surgical procedures, he is a published author and a Junior Fellow of The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
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.
Kaila White, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, is a board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with a background in nursing. She earned her Master’s and Doctorate of Nursing from the University of South Alabama and began her career in 2017 as an oncology nurse in Tampa, FL. Her extensive experience spans medical-surgical, oncology, hospice, geriatrics, labor and delivery, and high-acuity travel nursing. Kaila has also served as an adjunct clinical nursing professor at the University of Houston. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care and empowering women through education and advocacy.