treatment for abnormal cervical cells????

[lucyshandbag]

i have just been to the hospital and had a colposcopy as my last cervical smear test showed i had moderate changes in my cells. after having the test today my doctor has informed me that the area of abnormal cells is larger than he thought it would be and so it would be more suitable for me to go under general anaesthetic to have the cells removed with a diathermy loop.  he mentioned something about the abnormal cells having something to do with the warts virus, but obviously my head was so wrecked with the thought of going under general anaesthetic to treat possible pre cancerous cells, none of what he said really sunk in.  does anyone know anything about this problem or the treatment, i would really appreciate some advise or words of wisdom to get me through the next couple of weeks as i am terrified of being put to sleep, and of the word "cancer". thanks.xxx

[cassimer]

Hi!
I cant really talk much about the cell changes etc but thought that I would try to reassure you about the general anaesthetic. I had one for a gynae operation, and I thought it made the whole thing much calmer and easier. There is no sitting through it listening to them operating, and no sensation whatsoever. They wouldnt recommend it if it wasnt a good idea, and anything to make the experience less traumatic will probably be a good thing.
Best of luck for everything, and I hope that you get seen fast and its all ok. x

[smudge]

Lucy - I remember back to when I was 38 & being told I had cervical pre-cancerous cells & the word cancer terrified me too. 

However, I went into hospital & had a procedure they call a 'cone biopsy' under anaesthetic. This removed the cells & after regular check ups showed they had never returned. My sister had exactly the same procedure a few years before me & she's fine too. 

Try not to worry too much about the anaesthetic either Lucy, you'll be in good hands & will be fine. Take care. -x- 

[smudge]

Hi again Lucy - thought you might like to read this. It tells you that it is quite a common procedure. Hope it helps put your mind at rest.

http://www.cone-biopsy.org/

[oxeyedaisy]

i had an abnormal smear in 1992 and all they found was a cyst on my cervix which wasnt malignant..it all sounds worse than it is..they will just remove whatever then you will be fine you may have to go for a smear more often for a few years then thats it so dont worry its one of the joys of being a woman ...men dont seem to get much wrong with them ..dont even think cancer its probably something and nothing..best of luck

[smudge]

Lucy - you mention that you couldn't take in all that your GP told you, so here is a little info on the Diathermy Loop procedure. Scroll down the page to reach it.

http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=2764

Again, please try not to worry. -x-

[spudqueen]

Hi lucyshandbag, please try not to worry. Like smudge I had a cone biopsy under general anaesthetic to remove pre-cancerous cells. That was over 20 years ago when I was in my early 20's, and apart from more frequent smears tests than other women everything has been fine since. I've had 2 children since, so believe me, everything can be normal afterwards. Good luck with the 'op', and enjoy your short stay in hospital!

[LiverpoolLou]

Hi Lucy, some 15 years ago, i also had a colposcopy, I, like you probably had was a little piece of skin taken from you, for biopsy purposes. My sister, also had the same problem and she had to go for the cone biopsy, which she went under general anesthetic for. Fortunately we where both given the all clear. I had laser treatment for mine, which I was wide awake for (even though I had to wear really bad glasses for, felt like i was a welder...lol). It was a bit uncomfortable, but a pain which you can cope with. Good luck Lucy, everything will be fine........XX

[Philtaz]

Lucy, I work in the Op Theatre and the procedure you will undergo is very routine and the procedure takes roughly 10 minutes, maximum.

I know it's easy to say but try not to worry too much, it has obviously been detected early and it is now easier to monitor.

I'm sure you'll be fine, best of luck.

[jeepster]

Hi lucyshandbag

About 2 years ago I also had a cone biopsy because I had a very high rate of pre cancerous cells they also gave me a D&C(?) so they could make sure they got it all(which they did!).Obviously it does cause some discomfort and I was off for work for 3 weeks . It was an overnight stay and I wasn't allowed to do anything for a few days because of the risk of bleeding. The cone biopsy involved taking away the top layer of the cervix and it was my third lot of general anaesthetic in my 33 years and it's not too bad, you just wake up feeling a bit groggy. I hope this has helped and please try not to worry(easy to say now). Jeepster x

[Englishbird]

Hi lucy

I've had 3 colposcopy's and one loop diathermy treatment.  I absolutely hate smears - i know no-one likes them, but i am really really frightened of them and I generally get in the room and start crying as they hurt me so much.  I had the loop diathermy under local anaesthetic, if you're really worried about the general, ask if they can perform it under local.

It was all fine and i had to go back for the last colposcopy and the treatment had worked.  I know exactly how you feel.  pre-cancerous cells is a very mis-leading term - it doesn't necesarily mean that those cells will definately turn into cancer, the treatment is a fail safe just to make sure.

I know how horrid it is, make sure you take someone with you, i struggle to even go in the door unless i've got someone with me.  I generally take someone who's going to make me laugh!!

It will be ok, and once you've done it once, it's a lot easier - i'll never enjoy it but i can nearly get throught the whole thing without crying now!!!! I've also taken to taking in a magazine so i've got something to concentrate on!

good luck x thinking of you x

[Shire]

Try not to worry too much - having abnormal cells does NOT mean that you have cancer, and as you are going to be having the procedure to treat the abnormal cells, then you will be fine.  I had this procedure done (although mine was under local anasthetic) almost 3 years ago, and now only have to go for a smear once a year, and have so far *frantically touches wood* have not had any reoccurrence of abnormal smears, after almost 10 years of constant recalls for smear tests!

[shankin]

Hi I have just read your message - I too have just had loop diathermy, with the exact same past as yours - looking at the date it looks as if i am too late with any words of comfort - How are you feeling now and have you been for another smear to check everything is okay?. Personally I thought the treatment for Loop thingie was much less painful than the Colposcopy but its about 3 weeks ago when I had the loop and i am still experiencing dull aches in my tummy area. Would like to hear how you got on.