Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Loop electrosurgical excision
procedure, also known as LEEP, uses a radio-frequency
current to remove abnormal areas. It has an advantage, therefore, over the
destructive techniques (CO2 laser and cryocautery) in that an intact tissue
sample for analysis can be obtained. LEEP also is popular because it is
inexpensive and simple. A chemical is applied afterwards to prevent bleeding.
Vaginal discharge and spotting commonly occur after this procedure. Sexual
intercourse and tampon use should be avoided for several weeks to allow better
healing.
Complications occur in about 1% to 2% of women undergoing LEEP, and include
cervical narrowing (stenosis) and bleeding. This procedure is used most commonly
for treating dysplasia, including severe dysplasia. LEEP also is used, although
infrequently, to treat carefully chosen cases of cervical cancer.
Cold knife cone biopsy (conization)
Cone biopsy was once the major procedure used to treat
cervical dysplasia,
but the other methods have now replaced it for this purpose. However, when a
physician cannot view the entire area that needs to be seen during colposcopy, a
cone biopsy continues to be recommended. It is also recommended if special
sampling is needed to obtain more information regarding certain types of more
advanced abnormalities. This technique allows the size and shape of the sampling
to be tailored.
Complications of this procedure include postoperative bleeding in 5% of women
and narrowing of the cervix. Cone biopsy has a slightly higher risk of cervical
complications than the other treatments. This procedure is occasionally used to
treat carefully chosen cases of cervical cancer.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus.
This operation is used to
treat virtually all cases of invasive cervical cancer. Sometimes, a hysterectomy is done
to treat severe dysplasia. It is also used if dysplasia recurs after any of the
other treatment procedures.
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.
Cervical cancer is cancer of the entrance to the womb (uterus). Regular pelvic exams and Pap testing can detect precancerous changes in the cervix. Precancerous changes in the cervix may be treated with cryosurgery, cauterization, or laser surgery. The most common symptom of cancer of the cervix is abnormal bleeding.
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.
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.
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.
Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
Womens Health RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the