Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-q99xh Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-22T18:36:53.907Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Brain cancer and sexual health: A case report

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 May 2005

MICHAEL L. KRYCHMAN
Affiliation:
Gynecology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
ALISON AMSTERDAM
Affiliation:
Gynecology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
JEANNE CARTER
Affiliation:
Gynecology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
MERCEDES CASTIEL
Affiliation:
Gynecology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
LISA DeANGELIS
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021

Abstract

Objective: Cancer patients often encounter sexual concerns during the diagnosing, treatment, and recovery phase of their illness. However, the sexual concerns of these patients are often overlooked. Brain cancer patients are no exception to this oversight.

Methods: A case report of a 39-year-old patient with a history of high-grade anaplastic astrocytoma presented to the Sexual Health Program at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center complaining of vaginal discharge and several months of amenorrhea. Although the patient was administered extensive aggressive antineoplastic treatments, her disease rapidly progressed.

Results: Despite the patient's terminal illness she continued to have normal sexual thoughts, feelings, and desires; however, she had difficulty discussing these issues with her partner and caregiver, who was her mother. An examination by the sexual medicine gynecologist noted no clinical signs of genital infections; however, there was minimal vaginal atrophy. Her sexual health laboratory evaluation was extensively abnormal. Her treatment consisted of intravaginal non-hormonal moisturizers and vaginal lubricants, counseling, and sexual education. The patient successfully engaged in sexual contact with her partner by the third counseling session.

Significance of Results: Almost all oncology patients have sexual concerns during or following cancer treatment. These patients should be referred to comprehensive sexual health programs for treatment, if available.

Type
CASE REPORT
Copyright
© 2004 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Baird, A.D., Wilson, S.J., Bladin, & P.F., et al. (2002). Hypersexuality after temporal lobe resection. Epilepsy & Behavior, 3, 173181.Google Scholar
Baird, A.D., Wilson, S.J., Bladin, & P.F., et al. (2003). Sexual outcomes after epilepsy surgery. Epilepsy & Behavior, 4, 268278.Google Scholar
Blumer, D. & Walker, A.E. (1967). Sexual behavior in temporal lobe epilepsy: A study of the effects of temporal lobectomy on sexual behavior. Archives of Neurology, 16, 3743.Google Scholar
Hunter, R., Logue, V., & McMenemy, W.H. (1963). Temporal lobe epilepsy supervening ion longstanding transvestism and fetishism. Epilepsia, 4, 6065.Google Scholar
Marlowe, W.B., Mancall, E.L., & Thomas, J.J. (1975). Complete Kluver–Bucy syndrome in man. Cortex, 11, 5359.Google Scholar
Mitchel, W., Falconer, M.A., & Hill, D. (1954). Epilepsy with fetishism relieved by temporal lobectomy. Lancet, 25, 626630.Google Scholar
Ozmen, M., Erdogan, A., Duvenci, & S., et al. (2004). Excessive masturbation after epilepsy surgery. Epilepsy & Behavior, 5, 133136.Google Scholar