Hi everyone,
I have an early cervical cancer (adenocarcinoma) that came as a surprise really since they were 99% sure my lesion was CGIN after an MRI. Fully resected after a LLETZ procedure 4wks ago but further CGIN lesions remain.
I last had a smear 2yrs ago with an HPV+ve result but no abnormal cells. Was supposed to have a repeat test a year later but found myself early pregnant. I’m a bit of an odd case in that my growth was found at a stretch and sweep, 40wks pregnant with baby number 2 (she’s now 3 months old) and I was told 6 days after my c-section that I might have cancer. The MRI at 10 days post partum made them say they were 99% sure of the CGIN diagnosis but the pathologists weren’t comfortable to say if it was or wasn’t.
Anyway, I’ve been offered a further LLETZ procedure but having had a good read of scientific literature, I’m fairly sure I’m asking for an open radical hysterectomy. I don’t want to be taking risks with my future with 2 littles at home. Unsure whether to ask for ovaries to be spared or not….I’m 36 if that makes any difference.
Have been having good days and bad days since the diagnosis. Life carries on with 2 little people but their faces are a constant reminder of just how scary this all is and just what I could stand to lose.
Hi KB73 and welcome to the group.
I’m not sure where you are based, but it may be that you can’t simply ask for an open radical hysterectomy for a very early stage cancer when a LLETZ has been recommended, as this is major surgery and potentially an over treatment of your issue. And it has its own risks.
A hysterectomy would not remove the hpv virus, so you could still have abnormalities recur following surgery and would still need to be regularly checked as cervical cancer can still recur, regardless of whether the womb and cervix are removed. Perhaps you are already aware of that, but I’ve seen many ladies over the years assume a hysterectomy is a cure all and guarantee of no further problems when it actually is not the case.
Very early cancers can be removed with a LLETZ with clear margins, and I would think that your doctors would want to consider that before invasive major surgery.
Do let us know how you get on -we have a very supportive group here and aa lot of experience of this cancer.
Sarah xx
