A 25-year-old woman presents to the clinic for irregular menstrual cycles with reduced bleeding for the last two years. She also endorses excessive growth of facial hair for six months. She has a history of prediabetes and was advised lifestyle modification, including a controlled diet and regular exercise. She does not have any other medical conditions and does not take any medications. She does not smoke cigarettes and drinks alcohol socially.
She is 5’2” tall (158 cm), and weighs 176 lbs (80 kg), and her body mass index is 32.2 kg/m2. Vital signs are within normal limits. Physical examination reveals an obese female with evidence of coarse hair growth on her face. She is counseled about her condition and referred for imaging. Upon hearing her probable diagnosis, she is concerned it may increase her risk of cancer.
Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the physician?
- A) An increase in the risk of endometrial cancer is associated with her probable diagnosis
- B) Her BMI, combined with prediabetes, increases her risk of pancreatic cancer
- C) No increased risk of cancer is associated with her probable diagnosis
- D) There is an increased risk of all gynecological cancers, including vulvar, vaginal, cervical, uterine, and ovarian
- E) There is an increased risk of breast cancer, but it can be mitigated by taking progesterone only pills
Author(s)
Krishna Tiruchirapalli
Editor(s)
Dr. Ted O'Connell
Last updated
Nov 11, 2024
