Cervical Cancer

Abnormal Pap After Cone Biopsy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with CIN-3 after a cold cone knife biopsy for an abnormal Pap smear. I have heard that Pap smears after cone biopsy can be inaccurate and asked my physician to also test for HPV. Does this sound like a...
Abnormal PAP smears and observation Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have had abnormal pap smears for 4 years now. I have had colposcopies and biopsies several times - however these show up little or no abnormalities, until recently when a minor abnormality was visible. My...
Abnormal Pap test after Chemotherapy or Radiation Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I read that chemotherapy can cause a Pap smear to be abnormal. How long should I wait to get a Pap after my last chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer (AC-T)? Could radiation have an affect also? Christina S. Chu,...
Abnormal Pap With Negative HPV Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My recent pap results said I have precancerous lesions with mild dysplasia. I have read that HPV causes low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in 85% of cases. My test came back negative for HPV, so what else...
Adenocarcinoma in Situ of the Cervix Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My sister recently had a cold conization of the cervix after colposcopy. The pathology report results are adenocarcinoma in situ from 3 to 6 pm, 6 to 9 pm and 9 to 12. It says the margins are less than 1 mm. The...
Adenocarcinoma of the Cervix Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Through an irregular Pap smear, my daughter was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. We can't locate much information on this type of cancer. Can you help? This tumor is supposedly very rare but how treatable? Where does...
Are all cervical dysplasias associated with HPV? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," If you are told that you have Mild Cervical Dysplasia do you have HPV? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania Health System,...
ASCUS follow up Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My doctor has performed three Colposcopies in the past three years and now wants to do a fourth. I feel this is excessive I have never had pre-cancerous cells or dysplasia. The Paps show inflammation and...
Bcl-2 Gene Expression Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My wife, age 22, was diagnosed with stage IIIA clear cell adenocarcinoma of the cervix. Is it true that if Bcl-2 staining is found in the tumor, then that would make it more resistant to conventional treatments? Are...
Breast and Cervical cancer screening for teens Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is there a certain age that you should be worrying about breast cancer and cervical cancer or should I be worrying about it as a teenager too? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of...
Calcifications of the Cervix Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a vaginal ultrasound for heavy bleeding and they found calcifications on my cervix. What are these and what should I expect? Thank you. Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic...
Causes for an abnormal Pap smear Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Could my abnormal Pap smear result be due to having intercourse within 48 hours of my exam? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania...
Cervical Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My mother was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer. She has had chemotherapy and radiation therapy. We were told that her prognosis is not good. Is there anything we can do to help her? ...
Cervical cancer treatment while pregnant Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am 6 months pregnant and was told that I have cervical cancer. I go back to the oncologist in a month to have another colposcopy done, to see what grade the cancer is. I need to know what I should and shouldn't do...
Cervical Conization Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," What is cervical conization? How serious is it when the doctor recommends conization? How is conization performed? Why do the doctors do this? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of...
Cervical Dysplasia Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," Hello, I have several questions about treatment of CIN 3. I have been treated for this three times in the past. Each time I had a biopsy and cryotherapy. I can not get my doctor to answer any of my...
CIN 2/3 in Young Women Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am 23 years old and I recenty had my first abnormal pap smear. The cytology showed HSIL and I had a colposcopy done which showed CIN 2 in a background of CIN 1 with no endocervical involvement. I have received...
CIN I Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am 23 years old, and I went for the first time to get a Pap smear. It showed that I had CIN1, so a month later I went to another doctor and they performed another Pap smear. Their results were the same. So my...
CIS "carcinoma in situ" and CIN Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia explained Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have just been diagnosed with carcinoma in situ. My gynecologist has Set up an appointment with a gynecological oncologist for tomorrow. They are telling me that it is stage CIN III. What does that...
Clearing HPV Virus Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I read an article on HPV. It states," 80 percent of HPV is cleared by the immune system." Does this mean the body completely gets rid of the virus? I thought when you had a virus you had it for life....
Colposcopy During Pregnancy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I have a question. I am 13 weeks pregnant, my nurse practitioner said I have abnormal cells from my pap. She has explained to me that I should get a colposcopy. Is this safe for me to have while I am...
DES Exposure and Gynecologic Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I found your information on cervical changes and treatment options for abnormal pap tests very informative. In 1996 I underwent a LEEP procedure for the treatment of mild dysplasia and squamous...
Does a combination of HPV and birth control increase your chance of cervical cancer? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with HPV. I have read several studies showing that having HPV increases your chances of cervical cancer. Recently, I read that being on birth control and having HPV will increase your chances by 60%....
High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion of the cervix Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have just learned that I have a high grade cell change, following a Pap test. I am going for a colposcopy in a few weeks. Does this mean that I have cancer? How can they tell if it is not in the uterus too? Will a...
HPV (human papilloma virus) Infection and Dysplasia Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was recently told by my gynecologist that I have HPV, and that the HPV has caused me to develop moderate dysplasia of the cervix. I recently had a colposcopy performed and a LEEP procedure. I just have a few...
HPV in Men Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I recently entered into a relationship with a woman; we have not had intercourse yet. She told me that she has Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). I have heard of it, but never researched it. I would like as much information...
HPV Reinfection Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was recently diagnosed with stage IB1 adenocarcinoma of the cervix. I received treatment and everything is clean. I am very frustrated that there are no tests to see if my husband still has HPV, as well as...
HPV Transmission to a Surrogate Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am a surrogate mother, and the woman in the couple I am dealing with has cervical cancer. She still has her ovaries and can produce eggs. Is there any chance [that] by putting her egg in my body that I can get...
Hysterectomy to treat cervical dysplasia Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have been treated for dysplasia twice in 2 years. I had to have a cone biopsy and LEEP (loop electrocautery excision procedure). How many times should I be treated for dysplasia before a hysterectomy is...
Inflammation on your Pap smear Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Could you tell me what it means if you are told your Pap smear had benign cellular changes/inflammation? I was put on Flagyl for 7 days, and told to have another smear in 3 months. Is this common and is it...
Information on Carcinoma in Situ of the Cervix Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I recently was diagnosed with Carcinoma in Situ of the cervix with both squamous and adeno cells. I never had an abnormal pap before this and have had pap smears every year. I have chosen to have a total...
Instructions after a colposcopy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have just experienced a colposcopy procedure as I was found to have mild dysplasia. Is there any special information or precautions after the procedure? Thanks. Christina S....
Is cervical cancer hereditary? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have a question. My mother recently died from cervical cancer. I'm I at a higher risk of having cervical cancer because she had it? Can it be inherited? Stephen C. Rubin, MD, Professor and Chief of the Division...
Is Circumcision Related to Cervical Cancer Risk? Is a woman at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer if her spouse is uncircumcised vs. a spouse that is circumcised? Ivor Benjamin, MD, Former co-Editor-in-Chief of OncoLink, responds: Possibly. There is some...
Is Hysterectomy for Cervical Cancer Necessary? Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," My sister has been diagnosed with cervical cancer and wasn't offered a hysterectomy. Every time we tell a doctor or nurse about this they seem to be shocked. Is there any reason a person with cervical...
Is squamous cancer of the cervix hereditary? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am a cervical cancer survivor. I am very concerned about my 14-year-old daughter contracting this horrible disease when she gets older. I have been told that it is not hereditary, but I am having serious difficulty...
Is there a link between cervical dysplasia and HPV? Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," If a woman is diagnosed with cervical dysplasia, does that mean she also has a HPV (Human Papilloma virus) infection? Or are those two things separate from one another? Thank you for your time. ...
LEEP procedure and infertility Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is it true that LEEP can lead to infertility or make it more difficult to conceive? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the...
LEEP vs. Hysterectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am 40 years old and have pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix. I will not be having any more children and would like to know if a hysterectomy would be a better way to go than the LEEP procedure? I would like to live...
LEEP while pregnant Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is it safe to have a colposcopy or a LEEP (loop electrocautery excision procedure) while I am pregnant? Christina S. Chu, MD Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at...
Link between cervical and ovarian cancers Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Twenty-three years ago I had cervical cancer and a hysterectomy was done. Now I have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Is there a link between the two and is my ovarian cancer a secondary cancer. I have been on...
LLETZ (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone) for cervical cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am a 24 year old with CIN III. My mum had cervical cancer 2 years ago when she was 48. I have been told that I need LLETZ (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone) under general anesthetic. I...
Lymphedema after cervical cancer treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in February 1998 and subsequently underwent a radical hysterectomy followed by cautionary radiation therapy. I now live with Lymphedema. I currently use a mechanical pump sleeve...
Lymphedema and Leg Weakness Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had cervical cancer in 1996 resulting in a radical hysterectomy and radiation treatment. The lymph nodes were also removed. I am experiencing weakness in one leg that will give out without warning or pain. Can...
Monitoring adenocarcinoma in situ of the cervix Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was wondering what is generally considered to be the most effective way to follow-up and monitor adenocarcinoma in situ of the cervix after a cone biopsy with negative margins. My doctor is going to...
Monitoring after Colposcopy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a hysterectomy after fibroids ten years ago but had also had colposcopy, biopsies etc for positive pap smears. My paps were negative until 6 months ago, when I had a colposcopy after a positive pap smear. Now I...
Multiple sexual partners as a risk factor for cervical cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I've read that "many different partners" may be a contributing factor of cervical cancer. Why this is so? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the...
Muscle Loss after Radiation for Cervical Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was treated for cervical cancer 18 months ago. During the treatments, I lost a good deal of muscle on the top of my thigh, in the back. I have been trying through exercise to rebuild it, but am not having much...
Non-diagnostic results of endocervical curettage (ECC) Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I recently had a colposcopy for a CIN abnormal pap. I was told I had 3 suspicious lesions. An endocervical curettage (ECC) was also done. The biopsy report states the (ECC) was "non-diagnostic" as well as one biopsy....
Options after vaginal closure Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My mother-in-law had a radical hysterectomy seven years ago. Her doctor advised her do a vaginal closure to decrease the chances of infection or recurrence. She has been cancer free for seven years but she doesn't...
PAP Smears After Age 65 If a woman is over the age of 65 and not sexually active, does she still need to continue to have regular Pap smear testing performed? Also, is there an actual age where Pap smear testing is no longer required? Ivor Benjamin,...
Pap smears on patients who are not sexually active Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I work with developmentally disabled individuals. Several local doctors see no need in doing Pap tests on our ladies since they aren't sexually active and some would have to be anesthetized to do the procedure. ...
Pap Tests After Hysterectomy You may think me terribly stupid, although I'm not. I am just not informed. I have had two surgeries for what they called chocolate cysts in my ovaries. When I was 35 years old I had a complete hysterectomy, after a tumor was found in my...
Pelvic exenteration Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was treated for cervical cancer a year ago with a radical hysterectomy. Six months went by and I had a recurrence and underwent radiation along with cisplatin chemotherapy. This treatment did not rid me of all the...
Physician qualifications Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My cervical biopsy results indicated that high-grade pre cancer cells were present and I am scheduled for surgery in a month. I was told that a gynecological oncologist would have a better success rate that the...
Pre-colposcopy instructions Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was wondering if there were precautions I should take before my colposcopy? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of...
Pregnancy after Cervical Conizations Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am pregnant with my first child, (15 weeks) but have had 2 cervical biopsies in the past. I had a LLETZ (large loop excision of the transformation zone) biopsy 10 years ago for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia...
Pregnancy after LEEP Procedure Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Two years ago, I had a LEEP procedure for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia II (CIN II). All of my Pap smears have been normal since, until a recent Pap showed CIN I, which was biopsy-confirmed. I am thinking about...
Pregnancy after LLETZ procedure Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Assuming that the LLETZ procedure removes my dysplasia, and a normal pap result achieved. Is there a recommended time following a LLETZ procedure before, we should try to get pregnant. Stephen C. Rubin, MD,...
Pros and Cons of Laser, cryotherapy, LEEP or cone biopsy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am 30 years old. My post-pregnancy pap smear shows moderate-severe dysplasia. A month later I had a biopsy which confirmed this. I have been told that I will be treated with cryotherapy. My questions/concerns...
Radiation after radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," After undergoing a radical hysterectomy with the removal of lymph nodes and ligaments for cervical cancer with no evidence of spread, I am now faced with the possibility of 6 weeks of radiation therapy. This therapy...
Radical vulvectomy for Bartholin's gland cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have just been diagnosed with Transitional cell cancer of the Bartholin's gland. It seems that my Oncologist's decision for a radical vulvectomy is the most effective procedure. Does radical mean both left...
Recurrence of cervical dysplasia (CIN) after treatment by LEEP Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My regular GYN just called me to tell me that my repeat Pap 1 year post LEEP was back to CIN 1. What is the incidence of recurrence (my initial abnormals were CIN 1-2) and what would you recommend next? ...
Repeat Pap after Atypical squamous cells Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My pap results came back as "A Typical" Squamous cells and my doctor said to return in 3 months for a repeat pap. Is 3 months typical to re-test for this type of result? Thanks. Christina S....
Risk factors for cervical cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have been diagnosed with cervical cancer. Two conflicting opinions have brought me to you. Is it true that the only way to get cervical cancer is through a sexually transmitted disease? Are there are other...
Risk of other cancers after cervical cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is there an increased risk for other types of cancer after a diagnosis of invasive cervical cancer, and if so what types of cancer? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic...
Risks and reasons for repeat colposcopy and cone biopsy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have had an abnormal Pap smear, a colposcopy and a cone biopsy. The cone biopsy showed CIN III. I understand from my doctor that the biopsy did not remove all of the cells. I am currently awaiting repeat...
Risks of the LEEP procedure Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I will be undergoing the LEEP procedure later this week, and was wondering what the risks are in this procedure, and how it could affect my chances of fertility later in life. Thanks in advance for your...
Sarcoma of the Cervix Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am 19 years-old and been diagnosed with alveolar soft part sarcoma of the cervix. They tell me I need to have my uterus removed, but recently they said if it has spread and that they might not be able to operate....
Sedation during a LEEP procedure Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is 1-2 months too long to wait for a LEEP procedure? Also, is there any sedation given during the procedure? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of...
Sex during Cervical Cancer Treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is it safe to have sex while on treatment for cervical cancer? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, responds:If you have...
Sexual Intercourse after a LEEP Procedure Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I just had a LEEP procedure. My doctor said I should not have sexual intercourse for the next 3 weeks. Why is that? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic...
Side effects of radiation for cervical cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Could you give me any information on any possible negative outcomes using radiation to treat cervical cancer? Could scarring occur in the vagina? Where would I find information or statistics regarding a choice of...
Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," What are the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania Health System,...
Small cell cervical cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed and treated for small cell cervical cancer. I have not found any info on this cancer is there another name for it? My doctor said it was rare in the cervix. Stephen C. Rubin, MD,...
Small cell cervical cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with small cell cervical cancer. I underwent chemotherapy, a radical hysterectomy, and radiation. I have CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis every three months - is this enough? What is the...
Stage IB1 cervical cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My sister has been diagnosed with Stage Ib1 cervical cancer. She has had her second cone biopsy performed about a week ago and the tumor has been removed. The Oncologist was not happy with margins so has...
The Risks Of Colposcopy Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I found your article on colposcopy very informative and interesting. I was concerned about the statements on injury and infection from the procedure. Could you please elaborate on the potential...
Timing of radiation after surgery for cervical cancer I would like to know the time gap required between radiotherapy and surgery regarding the management of a patient with cancer of the cervix. Thank you, Dr. S Ken Blank M.D., Editorial Assistant for OncoLink replies: ...
Treatment for Adenocarcinoma of the Cervix Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Please tell me why hysterectomy is not usually performed and not recommended as initial treatment of adenocarcinoma of the cervix, Stage IIA or higher?Stephen C. Rubin, MD, Professor and Chief of the Division of...
Treatment for CIN III Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a biopsy and it came back with carcinoma in situ (CIN III) and adenocarcinoma in situ. I have seen two doctors. One (a regular gynecologist) tells me that I should just wait and have pap smears every...
Treatment for high-grade cervical dysplasia during pregnancy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I am 25 years old and I had a pap smear done this year but shortly after became pregnant. About six weeks later I received a call advising me that my pap smear was abnormal with severe dysplasia and a...
Treatment for stage 1B cervical cancer Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My wife has been diagnosed with cervical cancer stage IB. The pathology calls it adenosquamous carcinoma and poorly differentiated. A radical hysterectomy was performed. Twenty-three lymph nodes were removed...
Treatment options for carcinoma in situ of the cervix Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Last July I had a cone biopsy done for diagnosis and treatment of carcinoma in situ--I was told after surgery that my margins were clear. In January of this year my gyn resumed pap testing again. The results...
Treatment options for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had an abnormal pap with high-grade intraepithelial lesion and moderate dysplasia and was recommended a LEEP procedure but I would prefer a partial hysterectomy. What do you think would be better? I just don't want...
Treatment options for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I recently had a colposcopy, and had 4 biopsies taken from the four lesions found on my cervix. The results have come back as a low-grade abnormal type. I am being told to leave the lesions there, and be...
Vaginal discharge and pain after a pelvic exenteration Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had recurrent cervical cancer and a pelvic exenteration 1 1/2yrs ago. I have continued to have a foul smelling vaginal drainage and bleeding. I am now occasionally bleeding rectally. I did not have colostomy, only...
Vaginal Dysplasia Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a total hysterectomy several years ago. I recently had a Pap smear that returned with HGSIL, yet I do not have a cervix. All of the information I find on the web discusses treatment modalities for cervical...
Vaginal dysplasia after cervical dysplasia Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," At age 30 I had a total hysterectomy due to cervical dysplasia. All annual pap smears in the years following have been normal. I also have an annual ca 125 blood draw - all normal. I am now 42, and received a phone...
Vaginal dysplasia after cervical dysplasia Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a total hysterectomy in 1999 for persistent CIN III, despite 2 LEEPs. The post-op cervical biopsy failed to reveal "clear borders." My subsequent vaginal biopsies have all returned with "inflammatory changes"...
Vaginal Reconstruction Years After Pelvic Exenteration Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," In 1993, I had a pelvic exenteration because of due to side effects from radiation for cervical cancer. My question is "Why didn't they do a vaginal reconstruction at the time of my surgery, and is it safe for me...
VIN vs. HPV Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My 20 year-old daughter was just diagnosed with VIN 2 Differentiated Type and the pathology supports a high-risk HPV infection. It sounds like this is the rare differentiated/simplex VIN, which wasn't caused by the...
Will cervical displaysia lead to cancer or infertility? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have severe cervical dysplasia. How likely is the chance of cancer? Will this affect my chance of having children if properly treated? Thank you. Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of...