Answers from the Pros Archive
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A collection of past Answers from the Pros columns:
January 1, 2002: What conditions other than ovarian cancer can cause an elevated CA-125?
December 15, 2001: Can Methotrexate, used to terminate a ectopic pregnancy, have a potential side effect, like fallopian tube cancer?
December 1, 2001: Can taking the birth control pill, following D&C for molar pregnancy, cause the hCG level in the blood to rise?
November 15, 2001: Are they looking for a vaccine for HPV that will also cure people already infected, or will it be only to prevent future spread?
Not yet: I recently had a vaginal ultrasound performed. I have not been informed of the results yet. It was just last week (6/13). I am now experiencing symptoms of pregnancy after having relations the evening of the procedure. Is there something about the procedure that can release eggs from the ovaries which could have contributed to a pregnancy??
Not yet: I had a leep procedure done in December and by doctor told me that the leep is successful in 90% of cases. My question is what happens if the leep is not successful? I just went for my 6 month pap smear check up and am waiting on the results. I had the leep done because pre-cancerous cells were detected.
Not yet: I underwent tumor removal and unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy on May 23, 2001, just weeks after my 37th birthday. After frozen sections were studied, it was determined to be a borderline malignancy. Subsequent ultrasounds indicated a growth on my remaining ovary (it was benign) and additional surgery was recommended. In December 2001, I underwent an abdominal hysterectomy, removal of my remaining ovary and fallopian tube, omentectomy, biopsy of lymph nodes and pelvic and abdominal tissues, plus staging procedures.
Not yet: I have had problems with extreme lower abdominal swelling, pain on left and right sides and back pain, and nausea. Laproscopy surgery has been performed and they say nothing is wrong. Would a CA125 blood test and vaginal ultrasound be advised or is there some other problem that is not female related?
Not yet: I was diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma in 1985. I had a radical hysterectomy and radiation treatment. My question is: Can radiation create problems with the colon? I recently went for a colonoscopy and the doctor was unable to get the scope into the colon for any great distance. She indicated that my colon had probably narrowed because of the radiation. Is that a possibility?
Not yet: how significant is a CEA125 reading of 41 to someone who has also been diagnosed with endometriosis, enlarged ovaries that return to normal with medication and ovarian cysts which come and go?
Not yet: I am concerned that I may have cancer. I have, for years suffered extreme pelvic pain between periods and, very painful and heavy periods. The pain between the periods is not constant, comes on suddenly, and can be comparable to transitional labor pain, or just mild, dull and acheing. I also have very heavy watery discharge between periods. I suffer from severe fatigue and mood swings. Ive been to several drs about it. All say nothing is wrong as far as they can see, paps come back normal, sonos are clear, nothing unusual, even been to the ER, and left 16 hours later with no answers. What could be wrong? Should I demand that my dr do some sort of outpatient surgery to rule out cancer? Or continue to suffer from this. I am 29 years old and have suffered this way for 8 years.
Not yet: Hey again. I found out some things I wanted to share. I think it would be cool if you all put it in your website so people like me don't go all wacky worrying about cancer issues. Anyway, I did get some more info about what can cause your uterus to enlarge and to have abnormal thickening of the endometrium. Like diseases such as Endometriosis and Adenomyosis or Hyperlasia. I must say it's a relief knowing there may be something other causing that for me than cancer. I know there's still that possibility, but I feel much better knowing there are others also, and knowing what they might be. I don't need my previous questions answered now but wanted to say thanks very much for responding the first time. Thank you!!
Not yet: Three weeks ago, I had sex twice, using a condom, with someone I know. Afterwards, he found out that someone he slept with sex months ago (using a condom) has cervical dysplasia. I know that there's an 80+% chance that she has HPV due to the cervical dysplasia. I know that condoms don't necessarily prevent HPV. And I know that the gestation is 3 weeks to 9 months. However, I don't know for sure if she has HPV or when she might have gotten it. I'm extremely concerned! I got a pap a few days ago (no results back yet) and he went to his doctor. Neither one of us has symptoms, but I'm really scared. I'd like to know if there's a way to tell the likelihood of contraction with a condom and with limited (times of) intercourse. Also, what should I be looking for as far as preliminary symptoms? Is there any way to pass this to my daughter? I feel like no matter what I do, I'm not clean. I feel like if I have this, any chance of being with someone is over. I don't know what to do other than to gather as much info as I can. But, none of it has me feeling very reassured. Please help me with any information you may have. Thanks.
Not yet: My last pap smear led to a colposcopy that has resulted with a scheduled "LEEP" treatment for high grade dysplasia and precancer cells. I know that this is a simple and common procedure but I have to be honest, it has made me more worried about recurrent stomache aches I get - usually every month to every other month-in the middle of my mentrual cycle. For the last several years I have experienced these painful pains below my belly button, usually on the left side. A few years ago I went to the hospital and was told I had a ruptured cyst alhtough nothing showed up on the ultrasound. The last 6 months have been particularily bad and I also suffer from recurring bloating (but no gas)and often mild pain during sex (not vaginal pain but abdominal) Should I ask my doctor to check if I have anymore cysts growing? Can this pain be linked with the dysplasia? My husband and I have also been hoping to get pregnant for 10 months with no success...Can all this be related? How should I bring up my concerns with my doctor without sounding like a hypocondriac?
Not yet: Which type ultrasound is best at diagnosing ovarian cancer? Also, should more than one test be
Not yet: RE: Sores in the mouth
Not yet: Can the CA-125 blood test detect pancreaitis cancer. Cancer of pancreas.
Not yet: I had a friend that was in her first trimester. A month before she got pregnant she had a fibroid removed. During her first trimester the OB/GYN told her that she needed a vaginal ultrasound....she said that it was very uncomfortable but they needed to make sure that the baby wasn't in her fallopian tubes. After the ultrasound they said that everything was fine and that the baby was in place. On her next visit they repeated the same ultrasound she got this down about three or four times during her first trimester. One day (still in her first trimester) she began to spot. So she went to the doctor and they told her that she and the baby were fine...and nothing else. Then she went to go hear the baby's heart beat and they said that they couldn't find one and that they would recommend because of her age that she get a dnc because she may miscarriage. Not knowing that she was about to abort the baby she went ahead and got it. Then they told her that the fibroid wasn't malignant but they would recommend (again) that she get a hysterectomy. Please tell me that it is not only me that finds this weird. Were the doctors correct in recommending a DNC? Are they supposed to give so many vaginal ultrasounds? Couldn't they give her a regular one? Do you think she could have carried the baby to term if she was on bedrest?
Not yet: My name is James Fedinec, I am an ER physician in Illinois. My wife miscarried in July of 2001. We went through shots of methotrexate and also intra venious doses for 5 days. My wife has had low levels of hcg between 5 and 30. She has also had normal periods. Our doctor permitted us to try to get pregnant a few months ago. We have been trying for two months. This past month( May) she did not get her period-thought she was pregnant. Hcg levels 132, progesterone 4.5 indicates not pregnant. She still has not received her period. She is now 13 days late. Do you know of anyone that conceived having low levels of hcg? Do you have any advice as to treatment?
Not yet: 44 yr old female,tubal ligation,no history of any STDs,took noranyl-180s for 2 years at age 17-19 for regularity.3 children,complications in 2 births,hemorraging,cervical tears ect.
Not yet: I had a hysterectomy two months ago I still have a lot of pain inside on the side where my ovaries were and sometimes I get a fever for a day is this normal or should i be concern and see my doctor?
Not yet: Dear Sirs,
Not yet: iam 47 yrs old. a yr ago i was diagnosed with an left ovarian enowmetrioa 3.8 cm. It has remained the same since. however, doctor wants to perform a laparosocopy and remove the cyst. and, also do a d&c because i have heavy monthly menstrual flow. however i have had heavy periods for yrs. I also have small fibroids amd polyps on utrine wall which he will also remove. The other doctor says to leave alone. Can i have the cyst removed without removing the ovary? and are edometriomas pre -cancerous? Please help me i am confused?
Not yet: What can I expect if I need chemotherapy or radiation? Loss of hair, vomiting? And how long will it take place. I just had the LEEP procedure done today and I'm curious about what I might be facing.
Not yet: Recently my last pap was normal but showed endometrial cells, so my Doctor would like to do an endometrial biopsy, Do you think this is needed? Four years ago I had an abnormal pap and biopsy of the cervix that showed severe dysplsia my doctor said it was grounds for a hysterectomy if I wanted one or I could have a leep procedure preformed. I went with the leep procedure and my pap test have all been normal for the last 4 years until now. Could the endometrial cells seen on my pap test have anything to do with my pap test in the past. My age is 38 and my pap test was not perfomed around the time of menstruation. Why would it show endometrial cells?
Not yet: I am 14 weeks pregnant with two 6.5cm ,one 4.3cm and one 2.2cm fibroids. Also an ovarian cyst 5.5cm. I am in pain now. What are the realities I face?
Not yet: What do the degrees RMA, MSW, MBchB, FCP(SA), CRNP, MSN, D.O., FACOOG, BScN, MHSc, and MSc mean?
Not yet: hi my name is adrianna n im only 17yrs.old n im not to sure who i should ask this but ive been real worried i havent had my period like in 6 months n i havent go to the doctors to get checked out cause im scared but i do sometimes feel a little pressure down there n ill feel light headed n nauseas and i know im not pregneat cause im a virgin ..so could u tell me what u might think i have
Not yet: Do you think that painting a wall is too much exercise to do 2 weeks after a subtotal hysterectomy? It feels ok but I am afraid of doing internal damage.
Not yet: A freind of mine was advised today that when she had her hysterectomy performed years ago, that the operating doctor "forgot" one of her fillopean tubes. She had been complaing of abdominal pain and discomfort, vaginal bleeding through her urine, symptoms of flu. However she was sent to an oncologist who advised her there may be cancer in her fillopean tube which is still remaining. I am very anxious to know if she will need surgery, chemo, radiation, etc. Also, I am curious to know what her survival rate will be. Moreover, I am concerned about the fact that it may have spread to other areas and am wondering if that is typical of this disease. Is it possible this could be a benign situation.
Not yet: Because I am bleeding every 15 days and have a history of polyps, my doctor decided to test for precancerous cells. In addition to the bleeding, I am having constant pain in my lower right side which extends to the thigh and hip area. Apendicitis has been ruled out and a pelvic ultrasound only revealed a cyst on my left side (no pain associated with this). Do you have any idea what can cause the pain and should I worry?
Not yet: I had a cone biopsy on March 19th. On the Wednesday nite I experienced alot of pain in my right groin area along with fever. I was unable to move my leg almost paralyzed. I kept calling and leaving messages with the surgeon for answers. On the following Monday I had a little bit of pain and fever but the pain was no where near what I had. So I finally got in to my family physician. Upon checking my pelvic area and me screeming pain she determined I had a very bad infections which I took six pills all at once. It now Monday April 1 and since March 19th till today I am still bleeding...What is the solution and why am I still bleeding? Your thoughts.
Not yet: my doctor says that i must undergo a procedure called LEEP excision. Although i have seen much information on it i am very scared about the pain involved with this procedure. could you please give me some insight as to what exactly happens during a LEEP procedure and also how much pain is involved? thank you
Not yet: Dear Lola & Judy:
Not yet: I am currently living in the United Kingdom and have just had 2 pap smears, 6 months apart, each coming back with slight abnormalities. The latest has come back with mild Dyskaryosis. My doctor has requested another test in 6 months.
Not yet: In Oct/2000 I had a complete hysterectomy after a suspicous mass was found. Thank God, it turned out not to be cancerous. Due to family history on both sides of my family, with my mom having colon cancer and 2 of my dads sisters having cervical and uterine cancer, along with all my sisters having some kind of precancer cells, my doctors reccommended full hysto. Now, I have been having problems with additional pain since end of December. The pain has been in my lower pelvic area, concentrating in lower right corner and up right side and in my lower to mid back on right side. I was at first diagnosed with UTI and put on strong antibiotic because of blood in urine. I took the medicine for 5 days. I ended back up at an urgent care facility on Tuesday with severe abdominal pain. I still had blood in my urine, but no signs of infection. On Wednesday I still had blood in my urine and on Friday I did not. Now it is Monday, I have an odor I can smell just sitting at my desk and when I went to bathroom I wiped blood again.(pink) I have had this also happen a couple of times. Since I no longer have my ovaries or uterus, are there any risks of any kinds of cancer that I need to be concerned about. If so, which kinds and what can I do to be one step ahead of the game. Thanks for any input I can get.
Not yet: If you have precancerous lab results come back, and are not planning to have any more children....is it best to go ahead and have a LEEP done? Or just skip right to the Hysterectomy? I don't want to have repeated biopsies or worry in the years to come of recurring bad pap results. Therefore, feel I just want a hysterectomy. My colposcopy was very uncomfortable and I don't want anything like that again. What do you suggest? Thank you for any information, Mary
Not yet: I had a colposcopy and biopsy performed 2 weeks ago. I was diagnosed with severe dysplasia, stage #3. The procedure and pain were absolutely horrible. I had even taken a prescription pain pill, because I cannot take Ibuprofen. I ended up fainting afterwards and vomiting. Then they told me that it can be a shock to your central nervous system. Now that the Dr. wants to do the LEEP procedure, I am terrified because of what I went through before. My doctor is out of the office until Monday, so I cannot talk to her. In this case, would most Drs. be willing to do the procedure as an outpatient, so I can be given a general anesthetic? Please reply, as I am really stressed out about this. Thank you for your help.
Not yet: What is the risk of cervical biopsy at 21 weeks into a pregnancy?
Not yet: Can you please tell me if my radiation treatments could have caused me to have thigh and leg pain? Sadie
Not yet: In March 2001 I was diagnosed with Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma, the tumor was isolated and with the hystorectomy and removal of lymph nodes the pathology showed that I caught it very early and it had not spread. My question is, I have two doctors, my OBGYN and oncologist who recommended radiation as a precaution, I finished my last treatment July 10th, 2001. Did I make the right decision? I know it's too late now but I have two young children and a wonderful husband and family. I am learning that radiation can lead to other cancers and I am scared. My doctors take this lightly and say I will live to be 90. My next question is, I am only taking an estrogen vaginal insert tablet for hormone replacement, and nothing else. Should I worry about hormone replacement, my oncologist believed ESS derived from estrogen, is this true and should I not take the vagifem? Please help? I want to do what is best to live long and healthy. Melissa
Not yet: I'm 36yrs old and recently received abnormal pap test results...High grade squamous....and atypical gladular cell consistent with adenocarcimo in situ of the endocervix. My Obgyn has just performed a biobsy. I do not have the results yet....I cannot find alot of info on adenocarcinoma....when I do find information it it ususally alarming. I have also read that if symptons are present it is ususally an indication of a more invasive type of cancer. Is this true? Can you tell me anything about adenocarcinoma?
Not yet: I have a gynecological concern. I am an eighteen year old female. I have noticed a bump right under, almost protruding, from the vaginal area near the back of my upper right leg. It is semi-hard and smaller than the size of a pea. It doesn't produce pain, and has not grown in size or changed shape. I have had it for awhile. I am in otherwise good health with no unusual bleeding or discharge. I do not experience pain during urination, and I have never had sex. I have heard of vaginal cysts. Could this be what this growth is, or is it evidence of a larger problem?
Not yet: I had a cervical biopsy 1 month ago & I am waiting for a LEEP procedure.
Not yet: I was dx with ovarian cx in March, 2001 and had a hys and 6 chemo treatments, during which time my CA125 level ranged between 5 and 8. it remained this way until June, 2002 and then began a fairly slow climb. 11 in june, 16 in september, then 26 in Oct. i had a ct in early November, which was clear. i read your ask the pros answer to the question of what would cause elevated ca125, but most of the answers seemed to be concerning someone who had never had OC. what about someone like me who seems to be fine, but the numbers just keep rising, for no apparent reason? is there something i should be looking for? my doc was not too concerned until the 10 point jump in october, but now that the ct is clear, he's back to being unconcerned. i'm looking for answers, if possible. i don't want to be taken by surprise again. thanks much, mary
Not yet: I was diagnosed with skin cancer about 5 years ago. It was caught early and was frozen. I just recieved an abnormal pap smear in July 2001(I am to have a repeat in Dec.). I was wondering if having skin cancer(squamous cell carcinoma)puts me at a higher risk for cervical cancer.
Not yet: I have detected a growth in my uterus but no pain, I was wondering if this could possibly be cervical cancer? The growth is very hard and is about 1 inch into the vagina. Please get back to me as soon as possible.
Not yet: I am preparing for laser ablation for VIN II. I am only 27 years old. My gyno seems to think ablation is the best way to go versus laser exicision. I understand that ablation leaves a higher rate of recurrence compared to ablation. I also have read that exicision is better because tissue can be sent to a lab for further pathology. My gyno thinks that due to my age that the risk of cancer is low and because biopsy only shows grade II not grade III. I feel very confident in my gyno but am a little anxious about not being aggressive enough with this. Do you think my concerns are valid or that my gyno has prescribed the best course of treatment?
Not yet: My ovaries are enlarged and I have had a cat scan,Mamogram, and colonoscopy in the past few weeks. All seem to be normal. My Ca125 was 53. I have crohns and wonder if that could cause the ca125 to be elavated.
Not yet: Dear Sirs,
Not yet: Hi,
Not yet: My gynocologist just informed me that I have cervical
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