Nursing & Allied Health ECHO Case Presentations-Physical dysfunctions after cervical cancer

Video Transcription

Video Summary

A 34-year-old woman with class III obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and hypertension was diagnosed in January 2024 with moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix (FIGO stage IIB). Radical surgery was contraindicated because of severe obesity, so she received chemoradiotherapy followed by brachytherapy.<br /><br />Before treatment, she was sexually active and reported urinary incontinence, lower abdominal and vaginal pain, but no prolapse or stenosis. Pelvic floor assessment showed weak muscle strength, short endurance, and compensatory recruitment.<br /><br />After treatment, follow-up imaging in January 2025 showed no evidence of disease progression. At around 72 days post-treatment, she had lost about 6 kg and was walking regularly. Urinary incontinence persisted, and new issues appeared, including dyspareunia, anal incontinence, increased cervical pain, and vaginal stenosis. Pelvic floor awareness and strength improved, but endurance remained limited.<br /><br />The team proposed rehabilitation including vaginal dilators, manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, desensitization, lubrication education, relaxation techniques, bowel management, coordination training, biofeedback when available, and pelvic floor muscle training.<br /><br />The discussion highlighted limited access to specialized pelvic health rehabilitation, the need for better awareness of treatment side effects, and interest in expanding services through tele-rehabilitation and standardized protocols.

Asset Subtitle

Recorded June 2026

Keywords

cervical cancer

chemoradiotherapy

brachytherapy

pelvic floor rehabilitation

urinary incontinence

vaginal stenosis

dyspareunia

tele-rehabilitation