Cone Biopsy

I went from zero to HSIL/CINIII in one pap smear (within 12 months)...I was shocked and horrified at how fast this happened.

I had the cone biopsy procedure last Friday - I don't think I've ever been so scared in my entire life. The specialist (2nd opinion) didn't even touch on the HPV fact, just drew me a picture of the cone shape that will be cut out of my cervix with a scalpel.... I was in such shock that I didn't have any intelligent questions to ask and hoped that she would just fill me with all the info that i needed....wrong.  Now that I'm recovering from the traumatic day...I am so grateful that I came across this site.  I've spent hours  reading and crying not stop. I don't even know what to expect after the procedure and the long term effects ....had no ideas on the pain after, the recovery process, any long term restrictions, what I can do to minimize scar tissue, will i ever clear this, is it possible I'd have to have this done AGAIN someday?, will i be able to have kids? etc. All I was told was to limit activity and come back to the office in 2 weeks....in the mean time I'm going crazy with all of the questions I couldn't think of before.

Just wondering if anyone can share their cone biopsy and recovery experience.....thank you.

Usually it takes years to go from absolutely normal to high grade
dysplasia, but it can happen more quickly. The answers to a number of
these questions will depend upon what the pathologist finds.  If they
got all the way around it (something called clear margins) and the
scraping above the cone is free of dysplasia, and there is nothing
worse (no invasive cancer), then there is a good chance this will have
taken care of it.  If not, it really depends on what is found.....  
The main thing to hope for is that they find no cancer.

Dysplasia
can recur, so this does not mean you don't need Paps or exams after a
"clear" cone.  Since you had this, the general recommendation is for
yearly Paps for a while.

Bleeding can occur in the 10th-14th
day range after a cone. If clots start passing, an examination might be
prudent.  The sutures start wearing out by then, but usually a visit to
the ER or the doctor and some cautery or medication to the area will
stop bleeding.  Infection is not common, but if there is increasing
foul discharge, fevers and pain, it means a visit and probably would
need antibiotics.  Obviously nothing should be in the vagina while this
is healing, including intercourse. 

 

IF the cone was not
huge (its a relative thing) then you should be able to have kids.  Ask
you doc about this.  That is the person who will best be able to guide
you or who will refer you if there is something worse than dysplasia is
found.   

Hope this helps..

Dr V

www.gyncancerdoctor.com " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.gyncancerdoctor.com">www.gyncancerdoctor.

Hi.

I would stay away from much pelvic exercise which might increase the chances for bleeding.  So,perhaps gentle exercise is the key word here...

As far as healing, no proven regimen to help healing per se...at least not in the traditional medicine sense.  I would stay away from anything that is an antioxidant which can cause bleeding, like Vitamin E or Ginko.  I have a little blurb on my site re: herbals and surgery which might help regarding what to avoid.

www.gyncancerdoctor.com/womenscancer/treating-cancer/

herbals-and-your-surgery-5.html   (you might need to cut and paste in browser)

Dr Mercola suggests the following generically on his site, but with similar warnings:

1. Vitamin C: 500-1000 mg three times a day. Reduce the
dose if you get abdominal pains or loose stools.

2. Vitamin E: 400 units daily and Lipoic Acid 100
mg three times a day. The vitamin E needs to be used cautiously
and if you will be involved in a surgery where bleeding complications
are an issue you might want to stop it two weeks before. So it is
likely best to discuss this with your surgeon.

3. Vitamin A: 50,000 units daily (beta-carotene is not a
substitute)

4. Zinc: 30 mg daily. If nauseous please decrease as this
is a sign of zinc excess.

5. Citrus Bioflavonoids: 1000 mg three times a day with
the vitamin C.

6. Enzymes are also recommended to reduce inflammation and
tissue swelling at the surgical site. Digestive enzymes or bromelain
(pineapple enzyme) also works. Take 2-3 capsules 10-30 minutes before
each meal starting as soon as possible after surgery. If you have
a prescription card you can use products like Ultrase MT 20 or Creon.

7. Probiotics. We use Flora Source in our office but tehre
are many other good brands. Should be taken twice daily.

8. Amino Acid Supplements to Enhance Healing

 

 

• Glutamine 100-3,000 mg three times a day
• Arginine 500-1000 mg three
  times a day
• Taurine 500 mg three times a day (technically a sulfonic
  acid)

As always, you should discuss anything you do or take with your physician.  What you read on these boards may be helpful, but may not capture the whole story for any given patient.  I recommend at least speaking with your physicians' nurse and preferably to the doctor. 

 Dr V