Question Re: Vulva Biopsy

 just went in for my yearly pap today and had my doctor look at a dark pigmented spot on my upper left side of my labia. This mark has been there for a couple of years and there are a few round frekled brown spots also. Not sure how long they have been there for though. It was only recently that I got paranoid because I would have this persistent itch that I started looking up these symptoms on the internet. I thought maybe the itch was a result of me shaving everyday. So, I decided to get a Brazilian Wax and now the itch is gone and I was able to closely examine my vulva area.

My doctor said the dark pigmented area does not look like Vulva Melanoma. But he can do a biopsy so that I can feel better. So, I had the biopsy done and it was nearly painless except for the numbing part. I don't feel any pain right now.

What is the recovery time for such a procedure?

Any one else here had this procedure?

And what was your experience like?

 

Thanks in advacne for any advice.

Could you tell me how your md numbed the area before the biopsy?  I've had the surgery and it did not hurt as much as the two biopsys which were done without any numbing.  I really can't have another bio w/o some pain medicine.  Please give me some advice - thanks

Hi,

My doctor used Lidocaine . The only thing I felt was a pinch from the needle to number the area. I didn't feel any of the snipping of the skin.  It's been 6 hours now and I still don't feel any pain. Hopefully, it will remain that way.

 

Thanks for your reply - maybe my pain was caused my inflamation of area.  I had a left vulvar invasion squamous cell carcinoma surgery 6 weeks ago. If you'd like to hear about it, let me know and I'll give you the blow by blow, otherwise thanks again, and I hope you remain strong and committed to getting the best care for you.

Hello

I just read your message and saw you recently had surgery for Squamous Cell Carcinoma, I had SCC of the vulva over 6 years ago, had a radical vulvectomy and am doing really well now, thankfully!!!

Its very early days for you right now and I know in time you will start to feel a lot better and if you feel like talking about this I am here to listen to you.

Take care and look after yourself and if I can help in any way please let me know.

I hope your weekend is a nice restful one

Love
Carol (UK)

 

 

I just came back from my appt at M. D. Anderson's Cancer Clinic in Houston.  They are going to do lazer surgery to get rid of all the scar tissue from my prior surgeries, then have me come back every three to six months for testing.  The VIN was not invasive, not in my blood stream, but level III.  Is this what you had.  You had a radical vulvectomy, I had feared that would be what they would recommend.  Did you ever have lazor surgery? 

Thank you, so glad you are finally well.  I am fearful of the lazor, but will do whatever I have to do to get well.

S

Hi S,

 I am sorry you have to have the laser done to removed the scar tissue from previous surgeries,  I do hope this works for you and you will not need any more surgery,

Its good they will be keeping an eye on you afte this to make sure the VIN does not return.

I did not have VIN I had a lump which they said was cyst for a long time but when they removed it they found it was invasive cancer, and I had to have the radical done.

I was never lasered at all, I just had the cyst removed and then 3 weeks later was in the hospital for surgery which was back in 2001 so I am now over 6 years cancer free and keeping very well and hope to stay this way,

I do have an aftercare booklet which we as a group have all pulled together which has lots of tips in, you can also view this on my website at www.vaco.co.uk and I am sure there will be some information in there which will be useful for you.

I am not too sure if I am allowed to put my link in but will give it a go, if not I will try sending my email so you can access this info,

Have you got the date for surgery yet? I am  thinking about you

Take care
Carol

 

 

Thank you Carol.  I will have my surgery on Nov 1, have to go there on the 31st for pre surgery testing.  I am happy that you are cancer free and I appreciate your kind words.  Not looking forward to this procedure, but we do have we have to do and life goes on.  At least mine is non-invasive, far less serious than yours was.  You seem to have done well and your attitude is wonderful. 

 Again Carol, thank you.  I'll report on how it goes so others will know what to expect.  Noone has told me, other than my doctors.  Real experiences are much better to learn from.

Sheryl

Hi, I too had a biopsy for Vulvar Cancer last week and my doctor used liocain in a needle to deaden the area before...The initial inserstion of the needle hurt, I won't tell you differently, but only for the seconds it was put in and then nothing and nothing afterwards...I felt great afterwards and now, so I do hope you will continue your treatments, etc... Unfortuantlely, I received the dreaded phone call from my doctor two days later and it was positive, stage three, so I go in Oct. 2 for some more test to see how far its advanced and to where and then we will go from there for treatment...Funny thing is, I hadn't gone to my GYN in about 10 years as I didn't think I had too because I had a complete hysterectomy...Boy, was I wrong! I went in because of the bleeding, hurting with urination and thought I had a bladder infection and fallen bladder again, so any women out there, you "MUST" go to your Gyno at least once a year...I also hear Vulvar Cancer, because its so rare and been misdiognosed as a yeast infection and other things...My doctor iniatially treated me for a bladder infection...Best Wishes To You, Deb***

Thanks so much for your reply.  I can say, as so few can, I know how you're feeling and thinking.  BUT, I'm a great example of what a good outcome is and, honestly, I am not a "everything will turn out fine" "think positive thoughts" kind of person.  Don't get too rattled and try to keep your sense of humor.  I told one md I was looking for the after market for an only slightly used clitorios, and I enjoyed the odd look on his face.  I, too had a total hyster. in the 80's, so I sorta feel the vula cancer was just a very slow growth left over.  Anyway, pleae take your time in finding a surgeon, I went thru 4 at top comphrensive cancer centers before deciding on the one who was a fit for me.  Please take the time and borrow the money if you have to to get all the opinions you need to feel secure.  Oh, yeah, make your bedroom as cushy, comfortable and easily cleanable as possible before.  You might as well have all the comforts - TV, dvd, radio, baskets of towels and sheets.  Please let me know how your feeling.