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To have dysplasia or not, that is the question...From: km (anonymous@obgyn.net)Sat, 29 Jun 2002 12:36:53 -0500 (CDT)
I hope my story helps someone reading this posting. I had an annual pap smear which showed high displasia (abnormal cells which although not cancer, can lead to cervical cancer), then a colposcopy biopsy showing high grade dysplasia within the cervix. The result? I had a cold cone biopsy, removing 2 cm wide by 6 cm long. The risks? 5% chance of not being able to conceive or carry a child. Full recovery takes 4 to 6 weeks. Fertility risks at a glance seemed minor compared to the bigger issue --a chance of developing cerivical cancer, a potential terminal illness. However all I think about now are those risks, because in the end I had no dysplasia at all. None. The surgery was all for not. What have I learned? Well, getting a face to face second opinion was not enough. I should have sent my slide mounts to be reread by another pathologist/lab. Also, I should have listened to my gut instinct and not been afraid to insist on having a second colposcopy biopsy. Doctors said I was "going through the proper steps" and no other test was needed. But what was the big deal of having another colposcopy biopsy test (takes less then 15 minutes)? It would have only been an inconvenience for the doctor. In retrospect, I am saddened that I felt I was burdening the doctors and nurses with my concerns. When it came to my health, I should have been as equally confident with them as they were with me. It was hard for me to be assertive (which I vow will never happen again). Everyone has a unique situation. Only you can be the judge of your own circumstance. Best of luck to you.
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