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View Full Version : OB GYN Question (fiance' serious health related)


Mike Lowe
05-30-2008, 02:51 PM
My fiance went to the OB GYN about 3 weeks ago. They called her a few days later asking her to come back in for a follow-up exam because of irregular cell activity (or something like that). She went back in and had a 'scope done. We do not know much of anything right now but the doctor did say that he thinks he saw moderate dysplacia (sp). We'll know more in a week.

From our searches this does not seem to be of a MAJOR concern but any type of dysplacia can lead to cervical cancer. This is worrysome but then again, what isn't a precursor to cancer? We're hoping the doctor simply tells us that she needs to be checked more frequently than normal. Cervical cancer appears to be very curable (if it comes to that) and moderate dysplacia is still a few stages away from cancer (from what I've read).

There was mention of HPV, a sexually transmitted disease, which can lead (or is the same?) to dysplacia. To be honest, I'm not generally concerned about the HPV because we are together and neither of us have any physical symptoms (warts etc.) and the disease, aside from possibly leading to cervical cancer in women, is pretty harmless. From what I read there seems to be two types of HPV; one which can lead to physical things like warts and one that virtually goes unnoticed aside from cell activity and the like. Neither one of us have any physical signs and we've been together for almost 3 years. I've read cases where HPV showed up 10 years later so we are dealing with a previous relationship since neither of us have cheated.

Should we be losing sleep over this? What is most likely the case? My mom is a nurse and has been helpful but she works in cardiology which is obviously unrelated.

Thank you!

Eaglesfan27
05-30-2008, 03:16 PM
HPV is VERY common with over 50% of American men and women having it at some point in their life. It will become less common in the future as vaccines cover different variants of it (there are over 40 variants, but vaccines only cover a few variants right now.) Normal healthy humans usually fight off the HPV without any significant problems, but it can lead to various cancers including cervicial cancer.

Anyone who has HPV should continue to get regular pap smears and if mild or moderate cervical dysplasia is present, they will need further diagnostic tests such as a culposcopy, biopsy, etc. As long as it is caught early, mild-moderate dysplasia is very treatable with a variety of techniques such as cutting out the affected tissue or freezing it.

Here is a good resource for more info on HPV with further links regarding cervical cancer, etc.:

http://www.cdc.gov/STD/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm

SFL Cat
05-30-2008, 06:07 PM
Just wanted to give you cudos for all the health advice you've given here, EF. IMO, it's been very beneficial to community.

path12
05-31-2008, 01:17 AM
Just wanted to give you cudos for all the health advice you've given here, EF. IMO, it's been very beneficial to community.

+1

Even though it has to be general over the web advise, it is certainly welcome to at least get the opinion of someone with expertise. Thank you.