Comment from: jmon42709, 55-64 Female (Patient)Published: July 29
I tested positive 3 years ago for the HPV virus. I have had only one abnormal pap smear in the past. I have had 2 husbands in 37 years. Which means that I have had 2 sex partners during that time. I am scared. I am also a survivor of bladder cancer with 4 surgeries for that cancer. I have been free for 3 and 1/2 years. I do not know which husband was the carrier. I am not mad at him for the symptoms are silent in men. I made the mistake of not having a new pap smear in 3 years. I lost my job and insurance so I could not afford it. I am scared. I want to learn more and pass the information to others who do not understand. That is the key/education. We must educate all ages. As I talk to people, at least 75% do not know what it is. That is scary. My grand daughter is going to be vaccinated. She just turned 15 years old. This is real!
Comment from: Savannah, 45-54 Female (Patient)Published: July 29
I had always been very careful about having regular, annual GYN check-ups. So it was in December that my doctor told me I had an irregular pap test result which indicated precancerous cells (stage II) were present. I knew from previous pelvic exams that I had apparently been born with a 'cervical lesion'. This had a tendency to cause infrequent, mild infections requiring antibiotics 2-3x's over a 10 year span. However, when I returned for a second pap test in February the cervical cancer had advanced to stage IV cancer. They initially did two cryogenic fezzes if the area which did not stop the cell growth. I also required a more radical procedure, punch biopsy to remove all cancerous cells surrounding the opening of my cervix. Thankfully, this treatment has produced normal pap tests ever since. On another note, I did not have any medical coverage at that time and the hospital provided full coverage under their "uncompensated medical services” policy. I believe all hospitals have some funds set aside for just such cases, but one must simply inquire (insist!) and fill-out appropriate forms. I urge all women to get regular pap tests. It could save your life.
Comment from: Timaima Dau, 35-44 Female (Patient)Published: May 17
I was detected of cervical cancer on January this year after attending my pap smear, which I usually did at the end of every year beginning from 1994.The doctor said that it was the 1st stage but when my biopsy result came, it was in stage three. I just need to take some antibiotics and to be reviewed in the next three months. I didn't know that I had cancer because I did not experience all the signs and symptoms that the doctor said should be happening to me. So, sometimes when you get the signs, you might be in the later stages. Come on women: Attend your pap test regularly, and don't take the risk.
Comment from: k;'s grandma, 45-54 Female (Patient)Published: April 14
I had regular pap tests. I was bleeding very heavy and had bad cramps. My bleeding would last for 18 to 20 days and stop for a couple days, then start all over again. I wasn't diagnosed with cervical cancer until a doctor could see the tumor, which was golf-ball size. Women have got to know that just because the pap test comes back normal does not mean everything is fine. Any big change in bleeding, and you have got to have a biopsy done.
Comment from: whaddyano, 25-34 Female (Patient)Published: December 04
I went for my usual six-month checkup and was told that I likely had an increase in my white cell count. I was told to go to a specialist to have it further tested. I went to the specialist and had a biopsy. She told me it would require “treatments.” It turns out that I had a fast growing cancer. Four months later, I had a radical hysterectomy, and thankfully, no cancer was found in my surrounding lymph nodes, which meant the chance for a cure was great. There was no cancer before … ever. I went to my appointments every six months. I have no family history of cervical cancer (only breast cancer); I've never had any STDs; I haven't had multiple sex partners; and I don't HPV. Perhaps, when people are aware that one has cervical cancer, they won't look at it as being a "dirty woman" disease like my family did. What a disgrace! Cervical cancer happens because it happens, the risk factors increase chances.
Comment from: Mel, 35-44 Female (Patient)Published: August 19
I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in May. It took 11 months for the doctors to figure this out. I went to the doctor in June because of very heavy vaginal discharge. I bled on occasion during intercourse. At 1st they thought I had polyps, then they thought I had an infection and gave me antibiotics and was told to come back in three months. After three months they gave me an appointment for a colposcopy. In mid May I had my appointment for the colposcopy, but by then the tumor had grown so quickly that my only option for treatment was a radical hysterectomy and a pelvic lymphoidectomy. I had that June 4. They say they got all the cancer, but I still have to go for chemo and radiation as a preventative measure to reduce the chances of the cancer reoccurring.
Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read on MedicineNet. The opinions expressed in the comments section are of the author and the author alone. MedicineNet does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Suggested Reading on Cervical Cancer by Our Doctors
Lymph nodes help the body's immune system fight infections. Causes of swollen lymph nodes (glands) may include infection (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasites). Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes vary greatly. They can sometimes be tender, painful or disfiguring. The treatment of swollen lymph nodes depends upon the cause.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs,
are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure,
including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual
devices, such as vibrators. Women can contract all of the STDs, but may have no symptoms, or have different symptoms than men do.
Cysts are saclike structures that can occur throughout the body and usually contain a semisolid, liquid, or gaseous substance. Infections, tumors, genetic conditions, chronic inflammatory conditions, and wear and tear can cause cysts. Though some cysts may be palpable, others may not produce any symptoms. Treatment depends upon the location and cause of the cyst.
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the “change of life." Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies, and should be discussed with your physician.
Normal vaginal bleeding (menorrhea) occurs through the process of menstruation. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in women who are ovulating regularly most commonly involves excessive, frequent, irregular, or decreased bleeding. Causes of abnormal may arise from a variety of conditions.
Cervical dysplasia is a condition in which the cells of the inner lining of the cervix have precancerous changes. There are two types of cervical dysplasia; 1) squamous intraepithelial lesion, and 2) cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Cervical dysplasia is caused by infection of the cervix with HPV (human papillomavirus). There are various diagnostic measures for cervical dysplasia. Treatment generally depends upon the progression of the dysplasia, mild, moderate, or severe.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. HPV is primarily transmitted by sexual contact. While some people develop warts in the genital region after infection, others experience no symptoms. Though genital warts can be removed, there is no cure for HPV infection. There is a vaccine to prevent infection from four common HPV types.
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.
Hydronephrosis is a condition in which the kidney swells, due to a backup of urine. Hydronephrosis generally occurs with another disease.Symptoms of hydronephrosis include nausea, vomiting, urinary tract infection, fever, painful urination, increased urinary frequency and urgency, flank pain, and swelling of the abdomen. Treatment of hydronephrosis depends on the cause.
Vaginal cancer is fairly uncommon. There are two types of vaginal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Risk factors include being 60 or older, exposure to DES while in the womb, HPV infection, and having a history of abnormal cervical cells. Painful intercourse, pelvic pain, vaginal lumps, and abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge are all symptoms of vaginal cancer. Treatment depends upon the stage of the vaginal cancer and may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and the use of radiosensitizers.
Though it's difficult to say why some people develop cancer while others don't, research shows that certain risk factors increase a person's odds of developing cancer. These risk factors include growing older, family history of cancer, diet, alcohol and tobacco use, and exposure to sunlight, ionizing radiation, certain chemicals, and some viruses and bacteria.
There are a number of different methods of birth control to include: barrier methods, IUDs, hormonal methods, natural methods, and surgical sterilization. Birth control methods can be reversible or permanent. In simple terms, all methods of birth control are based on either preventing a man's sperm from reaching and entering a woman's egg (fertilization) or preventing the fertilized egg from implanting in the woman's uterus (her womb) and starting to grow.
Most often, caregivers take care of other adults who are ill or disabled. Less often, caregivers are grandparents raising their grandchildren. The majority of caregivers are middle-aged women. Caregiving can be very stressful, so it's important to recognize when it's putting to much strain on you and to take steps to prevent/relieve stress.
Disease prevention in women includes screening tests that are a basic part of prevention medicine. All screening tests
are commonly available through your general doctor. Some specialized tests may be available elsewhere.
If a woman is sexually active and she is fertile — physically able to become
pregnant — she needs to ask herself, "Do I want to become pregnant now?" If her
answer is "No," she must use some method of birth control (contraception).
If a woman does not want to get pregnant at this point in her life, does she
plan to become pregnant in the future? Soon? Much later? Never? Her answers to these
questions can determine the method of birth control that she and her male sexual
partner use — now and in the future.
There are a number of different ways to describe birth control. Terms include
contraception, pregnancy prevention, fertility control, and family planning. But
no matter what the process is called, sexually active people can choose from a
plethora of methods to reduce the possibility of their becoming pregnant.
Nevertheless, no method of birth control av...
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Cancer RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the
I tested positive 3 years ago for the HPV virus. I have had only one abnormal pap smear in the past. I have had 2 husbands in 37 years. Which means that I have had 2 sex partners during that time. I am scared. I am also a survivor of bladder cancer with 4 surgeries for that cancer. I have been free for 3 and 1/2 years. I do not know which husband was the carrier. I am not mad at him for the symptoms are silent in men. I made the mistake of not having a new pap smear in 3 years. I lost my job and insurance so I could not afford it. I am scared. I want to learn more and pass the information to others who do not understand. That is the key/education. We must educate all ages. As I talk to people, at least 75% do not know what it is. That is scary. My grand daughter is going to be vaccinated. She just turned 15 years old. This is real!
Related Reading: pap smear | bladder cancer | cancer