Worried About Diagnosis

I am 25 and I recently had a colposcopy that came back with the results of CIN III.  My doctor scheduled a LEEP, which I had done a week ago Thursday.  I went back to my doctor on Wednesday for my post op follow up and she told me that there was CIN III found on my endocervix and my ectocervix.  She aslo told me that she had found more dysplasia than she was anticipating when she went up there.  She stated it covered my entire cervix to the margin, was in my inner cervix, on my vaginal walls and streched up to my bladder. 

My docor said she was sure she got a lot of it, but still wasn't able to get it all due to limitations of the procedure.  She said it was the largest area of dysplasia she has seen on a patient and that worries me.  The results of the biopsy from my ectocervix and my endocervix were both showing CIN III and not invasive cancer.  She said that she wanted a second opinion on my results and what path of treatment to take from here.  She referred me to Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit and i have to go on January 29th. 

I guess my concern is why I'm being referred to a cancer specialist.  Do you think my doctor thinks I have cancer because of the large area of dysplasia?  Or do you think she might think I have cancer, but would rather not diagnoe it as such without the consultation of a specialist?  I am just kind of stressed because most often people go through with the LEEP and then they follow up with frequent paps and I'm being sent to a cancer specialist.  Please off me some advice on what to think of this whole thing or some help understanding what I'm in for.

Thanks for your time.

Courtney

Courtney,

You are going to the right place and your doc is doing the right thing to refer you.  The problem is that, from what you said, you have dysplasia (precancer) that has spread beyond the cervix.  Most gynecologists are uncomfortable treating in this situation and will refer to a gynecologic oncologist.  In most cases, this does NOT mean you have cancer.  In fact, it would likely be rare.  But the second opinion is a good thing to make sure. 

 You will require more treatment, more than likely, but it will likely be either laser or a medication applied to the vagina. Unless they find something a lot worse, it will not likely be more surgery, although more biopsies are possible.  So, go see what they have to say and realize that you are in the right place for an opinion regarding this.

 Regards,

Dr V

www.gyncancerdoctor.com 

It sounds like the extent of dysplasia is such that a doctor who is better able to treat it can help. I also think she is very wise to encourage you to get a second opinion. She sounds very caring.