Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Breast Cancer And Early Detection

          Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.   1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer.  Most cases of breast cancer are sporadic with only 5-10% of cases have a genetic link. Therefore, it is important for women to perform their self- breast examinations monthly, have a breast exam by a health care provider yearly as well as yearly mammography screening.  Early warning signs of breast cancer are new lump or changes in breast tissue or skin.  There is no cause but lifestyle modification can help reduce risks. These risks include low fat diet, exercise, avoiding alcohol and smoking.  

Early detection saves lives. Nearly 70 percent of all breast cancers are found through self-exams; with early detection, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent. The National Breast Cancer Foundation has an a 60-second online tool for helping remind you to perform your breast self-exam, schedule your clinical breast exam, and get your mammogram as needed.
           As a woman, a mother and health care professional, I will continue to work diligently to educate women about how to perform self- breasts examinations and to educate their family and friends  about raising awareness. You can help save lives by joining a fundraiser, show support by donating, join the Avon Walk or purchase merchandise from the Susan G. Komen foundation. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month please make a difference!


Dr. Magdala Beauvil
Every day, I look forward with great enthusiasm to providing the best quality of care to women’s health. I am board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology.  I have comprehensive experience in obstetrics, adolescent gynecology, reproductive endocrinology, gyn surgery including operative laparoscopy. I am hardworking, patient, dedicated and eager to stay current with the literature.
As part of the Garden Ob/Gyn, I am proud to work with colleagues who share similar goal, and that is providing the highest quality of care to countless women.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Preparing For Your Delivery!

Obstetrical patients are best served if served if they are well prepared for their delivery experience.
            Long Island Jewish Medical Center offers a prepared childbirth course along with classes on breastfeeding, child care and CPR. This class should be taken in the mid third trimester. It includes information on when to call your OB about labor, when to go to the hospital and what happens at the hospital.      
            Garden Ob/Gyn recommends that all patients obtain a copy of their prenatal reports to bring to the hospital with them (just in case the faxed medical record can’t be found). We also like all of our patients to take a hospital tour at 32 weeks. Its important to familiarize yourself with the hospital grounds, parking and visitation rules before you give birth!
            Preparation is essential in having a smooth, well controlled birthing experience.

Geno Manna, M.D.
A native of Long Island, Dr. Manna completed his undergraduate degree at Manhattan College and attended medical school at the University of Bologna in Italy. Dr. Manna completed his residency at The Brooklyn Hospital before entering private practice. He practiced solo in Western Nassau County before joining the practice in April 2011. The majority of Dr. Manna’s patient deliveries are done at Long Island Jewish Medical Center with special attention to antepartum and high risk patients.

Friday, August 30, 2013

An Easy Guide to HPV by Dr. Maria Culotta


What is HPV?
o   A very common infection that infects the genital and anal skin.
o   Over 100 types, low and high risk.
o   Low risk HPV is responsible for genital warts.
o   High risk HPV increases your risk for cervical cancer if not found in time.
o   Most infections don’t cause anything and your immune system clears it in a few months, but HPV can persist for a few years.
o   If HPV doesn’t clear, it can increase your risk for developing cervical cancer.
Why did I get HPV?
o   Sexually transmitted
o   Very common infection!  Means that you have a common virus that usually clears from the body without having any issues.
o   It is not unusual for HPV to be diagnosed in a long-term relationship!
What is a pap smear?
o   Screening test looking for abnormal changes in your cells in the cervix before they turn into cancerous cells.
o   Small brush is used to swab cervical cells and it is sent to lab for evaluation.
When should I get a pap smear?
o   ACOG recommends no earlier than 21 years of age.
o   Usually once a year, but new guidelines are available based on new research, so please discuss with healthcare provider.
o   Can refer to ASCCP.ORG
What is HPV testing? Is it the same as a pap smear?
o   Not the same as a pap smear.  It specifically looks for HPV infection.
o   It is done as a co-test for women 30 years of age and older, and as followup for abnormal cells on a pap smear.
Why isn’t HPV tested in women under 30 years of age?
o   HPV is very common in younger women and will most likely to be cleared naturally.
What is HPV genotyping?
o   Useful to see who is infected with “High risk” HPV infection that may increase risk of cervical cancer.
o   Important types are 16 and 18, which are found most with cervical cancer.
 What happens if my pap is abnormal?
o   Depends on severity of Pap.  You may need to simply repeat it more often.
o   If more extensive changes and “high risk” HPV positive, you will need in-office procedure: COLPOSCOPY.  Special microscope is used to closely examine cervix and biopsies are taken.
  What if I need treatment?
o   Mild cervical changes can be monitored because your immune system can naturally clear the infection.  Helpful hints to help clear the HPV infection: Take your daily vitamins, stop smoking if you are and decrease your stress level!
o   Moderate and severe infection are usually treated and treatment depends on age, if pregnant, and where cells changes are located.
o   Treatment options: cryosurgery (freezing), laser, LEEP (thin, electrically charged wire to cut away abnormal cells), cone biopsy (surgical knife to cut away cells)
What about HPV vaccine?
o   CDC recommends routine HPV vaccination for males and females age 11-26 years of age

o   Makes it much less likely a woman will develop cervical cancer or have precancerous cervical cell changes.


Dr. Maria Culotta was born and raised on Long Island, NY. She graduated summa cum laude from Canisius College, Buffalo, NY, with a Bachelors of Science. Dr. Culotta then moved to Washington, D.C. where she attended Georgetown University School of Medicine. After graduating in 2007, she completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown University Hospital and Washington Hospital Center. She served as academic chief her senior year and received "The Uro-gynecology" award for clinical excellence and "Outstanding Resident Teacher" award in 2003. 

Dr. Culotta specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is dedicated to providing her patients and family a unique and memorable experience. She encourages patient involvement and actively includes the patient and her partner in the decision making process during the labor, delivery, and postpartum period. She also provides Gynecological care and is interested in minimally invasive surgical techniques. She has a special interest in women's health care and education. Dr. Culotta is a member of the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.