Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Menopause (Expert Forum)
Abnormal pap 15 years after hysterectomy
Answered by
Machelle Seibel, MD - Women's Health, menopause, ReproductiveMedicine
University of Massachusetts Medical School
MA
Questions in the Menopause forum are answered by Dr. Machelle Seibel. Topics covered include menopause issues, depression, hormone replacement therapy, hot flashes, joint or muscle problems, memory problems, mood swings, osteoporosis, sexual problems, skin changes, sleeping problems, vaginal problems, and weight problems.
|
Abnormal pap 15 years after hysterectomy
by BMNS, Dec 13, 2006 12:00AM
I had a total hysterectomy in 1991 due to endometriosis.No precancer or cancer.Diligent about yearly annual exams but due to prior hysterectomy, my last pap was in 1999 without cultures and was normal.My most recent pap 4 weeks ago came back with LGSIL, Mild Dysplasia and HPV effects present.I have done alot of research, but still am unclear on some topics and have the following questions:
1.With only a vagina and no female organs, is there a higher possibility that HPV could spread to other organs easier than if I had them? Does HPV spread within the body?
2.What is meant by HPV effects present?Did I have an HPV test along with the pap or would a pap alone show HPV effects?Having a tough time getting answers from my dr.
3.What is the "normal" next step with this result? Is it to re-test in 3-4 months or coloposcopy and biopsy?If colposcopy and biopsy, is it possible to have the biopsy with some type of numming agent or relaxant prior to the injection of local antisetic?
4.How painful should the biopsy be?I was told it would just be a very brief pinch and then over....that was so far from the truth that we had to stop with the initial local antisetic injection.Is this normal? or is it possible to have it be a less painful and stressful event?
5.How serious is this reading? From my own research, It seems to be very treatable and has a high rate of cure with the knowledge that re-checks are critical to be sure it doesn't come back.Is this correct?
6.What questions/requests should I ask my next Gyn when I see her in a week or so?
I am trying very hard to educate myself as I can't seem to get answers from my medical "professionals." I am scared because there is so much different information out there on this topic centering on HPV and the cervix and really very little that deals with HPV after hysterectomy. Any current information, data or advise that you have regarding this specific topic would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much!
1.With only a vagina and no female organs, is there a higher possibility that HPV could spread to other organs easier than if I had them? Does HPV spread within the body?
2.What is meant by HPV effects present?Did I have an HPV test along with the pap or would a pap alone show HPV effects?Having a tough time getting answers from my dr.
3.What is the "normal" next step with this result? Is it to re-test in 3-4 months or coloposcopy and biopsy?If colposcopy and biopsy, is it possible to have the biopsy with some type of numming agent or relaxant prior to the injection of local antisetic?
4.How painful should the biopsy be?I was told it would just be a very brief pinch and then over....that was so far from the truth that we had to stop with the initial local antisetic injection.Is this normal? or is it possible to have it be a less painful and stressful event?
5.How serious is this reading? From my own research, It seems to be very treatable and has a high rate of cure with the knowledge that re-checks are critical to be sure it doesn't come back.Is this correct?
6.What questions/requests should I ask my next Gyn when I see her in a week or so?
I am trying very hard to educate myself as I can't seem to get answers from my medical "professionals." I am scared because there is so much different information out there on this topic centering on HPV and the cervix and really very little that deals with HPV after hysterectomy. Any current information, data or advise that you have regarding this specific topic would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much!
Doctor's Answer
by Machelle Seibel, MD, Dec 20, 2006 12:00AM
, Dec 20, 2006 12:00AM
A. HPV is a virus that can irritate the cells in the reproductive tract to become abnormal and eventually malignant. Not all strains of HPV can do that, only a few of the many strains that exist. If it is caught at this early time, there is an overwhelmingly good chance it will be cured before it becomes malignant. The new pap tests show these changes and doesn’t require a separate test. Some doctors will just repeat in 3 months. Others will ask you to do a colposcopy which is like looking at the vagina with a pair of special binoculars mounted on a stand. The doctor uses a type of mild acid like vinegar to make the changes stand out and show where to biopsy. It is usually a small pinch but local anesthesia can be used. The experience might be more uncomfortable after a hysterectomy because the cervix (neck of the uterus) has very little nerve endings compared with the vagina.
Ask your gyn if he/she is comfortable treating this and does so regularly. If you have any concerns, you can ask for a referral to an oncologist for a second opinion – not because it is extremely dangerous but because they are very used to this type of problem.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD
Ask your gyn if he/she is comfortable treating this and does so regularly. If you have any concerns, you can ask for a referral to an oncologist for a second opinion – not because it is extremely dangerous but because they are very used to this type of problem.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD
Expert Activity
Related Communities
Crohn's Disease
Dry Skin
Mid cycle Spotting
Stomach Ach
Sunburn
abdomen
bleeding
cervix
clots
colon
hormones
hysterectomy
irregular cycle
irritable
large intestine
libido
low back pain
menopause
ovarian cyst
ovaries
perimenopause
provera
rosacea
sex
sleep
sleeping
spotting
stomach ache
symptom
ulcerative
Communities
Ask a Doctor Forums
Tools and Applications
Personal Information
Medical Information
Doctors and Partners
What is the difference between a Pap Smear without cultures and one with cultures? Does one give more detailed/significant information or????
Thank you!