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Pap smear/ Hpv/precancerous cells/hysterectomy/ cervix

Mudwalker
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Dear Nurses

I hope you can help me

I've just had a call from my doctor, saying everything is fine from my smear tests, the precancerous cells that have been there for 8+ years have not changed but "they" want to do further tests that I take to mean a coloptomy. 

8 or 9 years ago, I was found to have precancerous cells from an HPV infection and given a hysterectomy, but for some reason they left the cervix. I don't know why . There was no cancerous cells in the removed tissue, which was all the uterus bar the ovaries. 

From what I've read, basically the precancerous cells can continue mutating, and are more likely to with age, so continued testing is suggested. I'm fed up with the tests, and the thought of more, and even more intrusive ones, continuing into my old age until cancer develops is horrifying, panicking and overwhelming. I want my cervix taken out now. The doctor so far has stalled and talked about the possibility of cancer in other places, but I don't understand why this is not a sensible course of action. Can you help? I'm in a state of panic and anger. This happened as I arrived to prepare for a family holiday ahead of all my grandchildren and children arriving tomorrow, and I'm in no state to be granny

Please help

  • Hello mudwalker and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry to learn of your situation and that you are feeling panicked and angry.

    As Cancer Information Nurses not involved in your care, we cannot give a medical opinion or say why you did not have a total hysterectomy (which includes the removal of the cervix), at the time of your surgery; this is something your doctor may be able to explain to you.

    I wondered if your GP is aware of how you feel about having more tests. It might be worth having another talk with them. You could ask if one option would be to refer you to see a gynaecologist for advice if a colposcopy is needed and the possibility of having surgery to remove the cervix.

    I am sorry we cannot be more helpful on this occasion, and I hope you can get some answers soon.

    Take care,

    Jemma

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