Biopsy

[blondie25]

I have had this horrible problem for about a year. Finally found a Dr. that knew what I was talking about - everyone else thought it was all in my head. Last week I had a biopsy done and the result was hyperplasia - Does that mean that I have precancerous cells? I haven't met with him to talk about it yet (next week) - he wants me to have surgery, but I'm not so sure about that - he said I would have about 200 stitches. Has anyone else had the surgery?

[KellyL]

I'm not sure on the hyperplasia thing, so definitely look it up and ask tons of questions. I had a biopsy also to indicate that I had vulvadynia. I've had this for over 10 years and I would not consider surgery on the skin as an option for me. I'm assuming he's talking about removing all the affected skin? My doctor has always treated surgery as a dramatic, last resort and I agree. You may want to find a second opinion or at least suggest creams, anti-depressants, pain meds, anything else before surgery--Good Luck!! Kelly

[Kace]

Hi Blondie,

Sorry to hear about your situation. Deciding whether or not to have surgery is difficult. If you have precancerous cells then I think the answer is clear. I was diagnosed with vulvar vestibulitis 10 yrs ago and after biopsies (which all came back neg. for cancer) and a zillion topical creams etc. my doctor suggested surgery. I had a partial vulvectomy and for about a year felt much better. Immediately following surgery I started using clobetasol cream (steroid) and though things were better, here I am 6 years after surgery and am exactly where I was before. I've read about some doctors using cromolyn cream though I've never tried it. All this to say that if your cells are precancerous then have them removed. If not, surgery (at least for me) didn't bring any substantial, long term relief.

[Dianne]

Are we talking vaginal/abial biopsy or cervical? I wouldn't have any surgery for hyperplasia on vaginal/labial biopsy personally but if it was hyperplasia of the cervix, then I would have a cone biopsy done for that. I would ask lots of questions but I would hook up with the Vulvar Pain Foundation before making any decisions: http://www.vulvarpainfoundation.org and read all their extensive literature packet. I've never known anyone that had a longstanding cure from a vulvectomy but I know many who wish they hadn't had it. There are many many less invasive options. I went months without being able to even sit in a chair my vulvodynia was so bad, and yet I'm 95% remissed in vulvodynia yet I continue to struggle with IC horribly. I'm so glad I kept looking for a less invasive cure til I found mine and hope someday to be able to say the same about my IC.

[blondie25]

Dianne,

The biopsy was vaginal/labia. So, what was it that put in remission for vulvadynia?