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First post - CIN3 two letz treatments now a hysterectomy

Sandinmytoes
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Hello everyone 

 

first post and am feeling really really scared about everything at the minute. 
 

I had my smear and the results came back that I need to go for colposcopy appointment. Had first LETZ which came back with query early cervical cancer so was sent for a second LETZ this came back with the first opinion being CIN3 found but  'no abnormalities' around the outer area however couple of days on I get called into the hospital to be told a second opinion confirms that CIN3 has been found and there is residue remaining in the cervix. 
 

They have recommended a hysterectomy, which am ok with as I've finished my family ( am 30 with four beautiful children) am still feeling really really scared. Will the hysterectomy cure me? Can it be anywhere else? Has anyone had a similar experience and got through it?

I can't sleep eat or think about anything and I've got months until my hysterectomy. 
 

any help or advice would really be appreciated  

 

Thank you

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    Hello Sandinmytoes

    I hope I can help reassure you a little. CIN3 first of all is not cancer, but it looks like your second lletz did not quite get rid of all the abnormal cells. This can happen, and often does. 

    CIN3 should be removed as it is the most serious type of abnormal cell (pre cancerous) and when this is done they will want to have clear margins around the area that has been removed-ie get all of the cells. It’s possible to have multiple lletz treatments, but it would depend on how much of your cervix is left after each treatment and I see you are to have a hysterectomy rather than a further lletz. 

    A hysterectomy will not cure the HPV which has caused the CIN, as there is no cure for HPV, but the CIN cannot have spread anywhere else in your body and will only be in your cervix area-it doesn’t travel through the bloodstream, and remains where the HPV infection is. 

    Having a hysterectomy will remove your cervix and the abnormal cells, but you will still need to have smear tests in the future as the HPV virus could become active again and cause abnormal cells within the vagina, vulva etc. It can be more difficult to check for these without a cervix, but you would just need to make sure you keep on top of further screening appointments. 

    The main thing is that CIN3 is not cancer, it cannot be anywhere else in your body, but if I were in your position I would want to ask why a further lletz is not an option as a hysterectomy is obviously much bigger surgery. It’s obviously scary facing any kind of surgery, and there are different types of hysterectomy so you should make sure that the type you will have is fully explained to you. x

     

  • Offline in reply to Minska

    Thank you so much for your reply. 

    I think I would rather have a hysterectomy as I don't think I could continue with this stress. All this time am waiting and worrying that it could be developing into more serve cancer. Receiving the letter to say I was all clear to then call me in saying it wasn't. Am so confused am worried.

    Every time I look at my children I just see that am not going to be around for them. 
     

    I really appreciate your reply thank you xx

  • Offline in reply to Sandinmytoes

    I can completely understand where you’re coming from, but it’s a big leap from having precancerous cells at CIN3 to not being around for your children. So long as you understand that a hysterectomy is not a cure all...I think that was my main point. If it were, everyone with cervical cancer would have one and the disease would be eradicated. 

    Your question was “will the hysterectomy cure me”. It will get rid of the abnormal cells, but won’t cure the HPV which caused them, so there is always the chance they could return. That’s why it’s really important to continue with regular check ups after the hysterectomy. xx

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