WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for June, 1999: Re: dysplasia was found inside my cervix

Re: dysplasia was found inside my cervix

From: William D. McIntosh, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 22 Jun 1999 17:31:14 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Teana: "dysplasia was found inside my cervix"

At Wed, 16 Jun 1999, Teana wrote: >
>I would like to thank you for taking the time to review and add your
>opinion to my questions and situation.
>I am a 24 year old white female. I just started a new job, so to go
>with that new insurance. I had to choose a new Gynecologist. I was
>never asked for records from my previous physician. Nor was I asked for
>a family history. I had my routine Pap test done and upon leaving
>mentioned that no family history was ever done. I told my Doctor at
>that time that my mother had cervical cancer as age 23 and had to have a
>full hysterectomy.
>My results then came back abnormal. My doctor requested a colposcapy at
>that time. My first question lies there. I know that vinegar is used
>to turn cancerous cells white. Does that work on everyone?
>My physician saw no changes so she drained some fluid from my cervix. I
>was given the results over the phone today. The findings where of mild
>dysplasia. Everything I have been able to find over the Internet about
>dysplasia was of the outer cervix only, and all forms (grades) required
>treatment. I was offered no treatment for my condition. What treatment
>would dysplasia of the cervical canal (I assume) would be recommended
>and/or are available.
>I realize every case is different and without the slides there is little
>you can tell me, but your opinion is much appreciated. If you have a
>list of questions I should ask that would be wonderful.
>To get back to my family history, after a discussion with my mother, I
>have found that my grandmother and great-grandmother also had cancer of
>the cervix before age 25.
>My last question is in your opinion, what would you think of the
>competency of a firm that does not have a practice of collecting a
>family history. Is this something that should effect my decision in
>continuing care with this practice.
>Thank you so much.

There is not a familial risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix per se, though families tend to share some of the risks factors, such as smoking for example. Cervical cancer is actually a sexually transmitted disease, as a prerequisite for this cancer is a virus known as the Human Papilloma Virus.

Acetic acid (vinegar) is used to assist in visualization of the cervix during colposcopy. It cuts throught the mucus, and dehydrates the surface cells of the cervix. The abnormal cells have larger nuclei, the larger, the more abnormal. This causes abnormal cells to show up whiter than normal cells, and assists in their visualization.

Mild dysplasia does not require treatment, though it does require close follow-up.

A family history is somewhat useful, and most practices have a form that the patient fills out at the time of the initial visit that includes that sort of information. As I mentioned above, family history plays little role in this disease process.

-- William D. McIntosh, MD Clarksville, TN

This is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace consultation and examination by your physician or other health care provider.

Next message: Debbi: "Risks with Laparoscopy?"
Previous message: William D. McIntosh, MD: "Re: complicated pregnancies"
In reply to: Teana: "dysplasia was found inside my cervix"

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