Cervix Cancer Center

Question: "Pre-Cancer Condition" during Pregnancy? I have been told I have a "pre-cancer condition" outside my vagina and in the vulva area. I had this same condition years ago, all over my cervix, and have had most of my cervix removed. I just went to a specialist last month at the Women's Cancer Center and the doctor said it was much more extensive than he thought. He did not do a biopsy right then because he said there was nothing he could do about it at that time, until after the baby (due 12-20). I have to go back in November just to see if it has spread. Of course this is a HUGE concern, on top of the high-risk pregnancy, but what makes it worse is that he said there are a few options I have once the baby is born. I asked him what the options are and he said there was no need to get stressed or worked up and we would talk about it after December. God, what could he have meant. I have been searching the internet but don't find much because I don't know exactly what I'm looking for! I am TRYING to be positive but I just wish he wouldnt have said anything at all. I just to VENT I guess!!! Lisa Thanks so much for your response. Yes I know this will be my last as it was unexpected anyway (at the young age of 41, LOL). After my daughter being born 3 months early at 2.2 pounds, I just knew she was MY MIRACLE!! I feel I'm pushing it trying for another, but it just "happened" and I'm praying for the best! This whole cancer thing has me up nights, dont eat right, and just worried sick. I have not told my boyfriend as his wife died 3 years ago from the same thing and I can't even imagine how he'd react. It's so nice to see him excited, VERY EXCITED, about the baby. Out of room already huh?? Well, thank so much for your kind words!! Lisa

Answer: Dear Lisa, For right now my best advice is to enjoy your pregnancy. I believe it will be your last one. Most women have to have a hysterectomy once this dysplasia is so spread. You probably already have cancer in your cervix. Don't be so worried this isn't the end of your life. Just one more thing to live through. Sometimes if the cancer has spread all the way to the outside and is on the vulva that means you may loose the skin like cover that covers your muscles inside your vaginal canal. You'll still be able to have satisfying sex...it'll just be a little different at first if they do have to remove that much. As for the task at hand. Get as much rest as you can in this last part of your pregnancy. If it is in your cervix your baby could be delivered a little early if you don't keep off your feet a couple extra hours a day. (my son was born early because I had cervical cancer but he's fine now) If you want to talk you can email me...I've got a little experience with all of this. Sincerely, Murray

Question: 70 percent of cervical cancers are caused by HPV, transmitted by males. As carriers, should boys be inoculated? "Experts Debate Giving HPV Vaccine to Boys FRIDAY, May 18 (HealthDay News) "Amid the controversy around mandated vaccination of young girls against the human papillomavirus (HPV), some experts are beginning to wonder whether the shot should also be given to boys. While males cannot get HPV-linked cervical cancer, they make up half of the equation when it comes to spreading the sexually transmitted virus. And a new study released last week shows that the virus is also a leading cause of throat cancer, which affects both sexes. "This is a viral infectious process, and the majority of the time it is passed through heterosexual contact. And I think it's important to consider boys as equal players in that process," said Dr. Michael Bookman, director of medical gynecologic oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. "Boys are not as prone to [HPV-linked] cancer as girls, but they are obviously involved in the transmission, and there is some risk of cancer in boys, as well," he added. No one is debating the effectiveness of the vaccine, called Gardasil. The shot is targeted against the four strains (out of 15) of HPV that are thought to trigger 70 percent of cervical cancers. Since its approval for use in girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last June, several states have moved to mandate Gardasil's inclusion into routine school vaccination programs. That's because vaccinating before the onset of sexual activity is most effective in preventing HPV infection. Those efforts have met with strong opposition, however. Some conservative groups worry the vaccine will encourage sex among young people, while other critics view the mandates as an intrusion on parental rights. Most state measures do give parents the right to opt out of the program, however. So far, those debates have centered on young girls. But, in more rare instances, boys and men can fall prey to HPV as well. Reporting last week in the New England Journal of Medicine, a team of researchers at Johns Hopkins University confirmed that infection with HPV via oral sex is by far the leading cause of throat cancer, which strikes 11,000 American men and women each year. HPV is also a major cause of anal cancer and genital warts, both of which affect either sex. The threat of throat cancer is especially troubling, Bookman said, because doctors traditionally only look for these malignancies in long-time smokers and drinkers. "Head and neck exams are more associated with smoking and alcohol and less associated with HPV, although that's changing," he said. And while girls and women typically see a gynecologist for their Pap smear to look for cervical cancer, "how many boys and men are going to go to a doctor and ask them to look at their throat? It's just not that common," Bookman said. Debbie Saslow is director of breast and gynecological cancers at the American Cancer Society. She agreed that HPV also poses a threat to males, but she's not yet convinced that Gardasil would help protect them. "We have been considering vaccination for boys since day one, but the problem is that there is just no data yet -- everything is holding until we get data that the vaccine actually works in boys," she said. Gardasil's maker, Merck & Co., is largely responsible for pulling that data together. However, according to Bookman, "they took a more conservative stance when they approached the FDA for licensure, registration and vaccine recommendations -- their safety data base was stronger for girls than boys." Saslow also is doubtful whether Gardasil -- which costs $360 per three-shot regimen -- would prove to be cost-effective if provided to boys as well, at least in terms of preventing the biggest threat, cervical cancer. "It may be cost-effective to vaccinate boys if not that many girls get vaccinated," she said. "But if most of the female population ends up getting vaccinated, then vaccinating boys won't add very much." But what about the vaccine's cost-effectiveness in preventing anal and throat cancers, plus genital warts, among boys? Saslow said that since Gardasil has not yet been proven to be effective in boys, or to be effective against cancers outside the cervix, those points remain up in the air. "We still have all these questions that we need to look at," she said. Another expert, Dr. Robert Frenck, a professor of pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, was equally noncommittal. Frenck, who sits on the American Academy of Pediatrics' committee on infectious diseases, said his group is "in the process of developing the recommendations for HPV vaccine use." He said the AAP recommendations would focus only on the vaccine's "currently [FDA] licensed usage," which is exclusively for females. Still, Bookman believes that, should Gardasil prove effective in boys, widening its use to both sexes "is the correct way to try and do things." "What about everything

Answer: If it proves to be effective in males then, absolutely, men should be vaccinated as well. As for now, there's no evidence and doctors can't give medications to people who belong to groups there's no testing on. This is a huge reason men need to get physicals and STD screenings, and always use condoms even if the girl is on the pill. She may not know if she has one of the malignant strains of HPV, but once you've been exposed to it you're signing up every woman you love enough in the future to be intimate with for cervical cancer and possibly worse.

Question: Questions about STDs? According to the National Institute of Allergies & Infectious Diseases, Human Papillomavirus is among the most common causes of sexually transmitted infections in the world.(1) In the United States, it is estimated that there are more cases of genital human papillomavirus infections than any other sexually transmitted diseases; indeed, according to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 20 million people are currently infected and at least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire a genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. The CDC estimates that by age 50, at least 80% of women will have acquired a genital HPV infection, and about 6.2 million Americans get a new genital HPV infection each year.(2) There are more than 100 different strains of HPV, as it is commonly referred to, most of which are harmless. However, an estimated 30 types of HPV are spread through sexual contact; some of which can cause genital warts.(3) Also called condylomata acuminata or venereal warts, genital warts typically appear in “clusters� of bumps. The warts can appear either as raised or flat and range in size from small to large. Common locations for the warts in women include the vulva, cervix, and inside and surrounding the vagina and anus. Genital warts typically appear on the scrotum or penis in men who are affected. The warts are highly contagious and can easily be spread during vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner. Rarely, genital warts also can develop in the mouth or throat after having oral sex with an infected partner. Genital HPV infections often do not have any symptoms; however, even without obvious symptoms, HPV can still be spread from partner to partner. Warts are usually diagnosed, even in absence of symptoms, by sight. Gynecologists can confirm the diagnosis in suspected cases by applying acetic acid (vinegar) to the infected areas, causing the areas to whiten and making the warts more visible. Abnormal Pap Smears can also result in the presence of a cervical HPV infection. There is no cure for HPV. There are, however, treatments for the warts, including topical agents such as Imiquimod, Podophyllin Antimitotic solution, Podofilox, Fluorouracil cream and Trichloroacetic acid. Genital warts can also be removed surgically through cryosurgery, which freezes them, electrocautery, which burns them, or laser. As there is no cure for human papillomavirus, the warts may come back even after definitive treatment. HPV is more than just an STD. Some forms of the virus can actually can cause cancers of the cervix, vulva, anus, and penis.(4) Genital warts can also cause problems during pregnancy, ranging from vaginal obstruction to the development of warts in the throat of the infant (laryngeal papillomatosis).(5) Early diagnosis and intervention in a patient with genital warts are crucial for successful treatment. According to the University of Iowa Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, there are three ways to decrease exposure to HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases: use of condoms, which can lower the risks of exposure; monogamous relationships; and complete abstinence.(6) The University is currently conducting important research towards a possible vaccine through their study on HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. For more information or to participate, please see http://obgyn.uihc.uiowa.edu/futureii.htm... Source(s): from http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1037.h... and http://www.associatedcontent.com/content...

Answer: yep HPV SUCKS!!! and it sucks that people dont really know about it....but more people should read about it because it is soo common among women....

Question: I need help with a broken heart? My boyfriend and I went out for 9 months before he broke up with me. He told me that he still loved me and was still attracted to me but that he didn't want to be in a relationship. This was the first time either of us said that we loved each other. About 2 months prior things started to go sour in our relationship. He stopped wanting to hang out with me and would make excuses as to why he shouldn't. I knew a break up was coming but I kept on telling myself it was a phase he was going through. The morning he broke up with me I also lost the job I had over the summer because I was so upset and couldn't keep my composure (my boss was a b*tch). I have spent so much money on this relationship since he has none and I have shared everything with him. He never shares what he gets with me. He recently came into some money and spent it all on himself. I don't understand why he didn't try to pay me back some of the money I spent on him. I feel like he took advantage of me. After the break up I told him that if we were going to be friends that it would be up to him whether or not the friendship would work out. We're still hanging out/dating a little bit and are still having sex with each other. Because of this we came to an agreement that we can still "date" each other but that the relationship is open. I can tell that he has tried a little to make a friendship work and I appreciate it, but I want him to do more. I don't know if I love him any more, but my chest still hurts when I think about him. I know I can do so much better than him, but I feel like I am stuck. A few months ago we found out that I have HPV, and automatically so does he. It is one of the strands that can give you cancer and they have found some cancer cells in my cervix. I don't feel like I can have a relationship with someone else until I get better. Luckily I am at a low risk for cancer, but I know that that can change at any moment. It is hard for me to understand why he didn't try harder to make the relationship work since we are going through this. Neither of us can have sexual contact with people other than each other. I feel like I can't truly get closure from him until I hear him apologize for all that he has put me through. I haven't even mentioned everything that has happened because it would take too long. I also want him to admit to me that he is selfish, self-centered, and afraid of commitment but he has too much pride to be able to do that. I don't know what I should do. I want so badly to be in a true relationship with him again, but I know it would be a bad idea. Given the circumstances, what can I do? I don't know when or if I am going to get rid of the HPV. It generally takes about 2 years to clear up and I don't know how long he or I have had it for. I don't want to be alone for such a long period of time. Please help me. What can I do to make him want a relationship with me again?

Answer: Maybe he thinks you're clingy and he feels suffocated. Your problem might be that you're too nice to him. You know you need to move on, but you're too stuck on him. Only time and distance from each other can fix that. Try to be more independent. Good luck :)

Question: Broken heart and HPV. Has or is anyone in a similar situation? I need help? I know I just posted this, but I need more answers. My boyfriend and I went out for 9 months before he broke up with me. He told me that he still loved me and was still attracted to me but that he didn't want to be in a relationship. This was the first time either of us said that we loved each other. About 2 months prior things started to go sour in our relationship. He stopped wanting to hang out with me and would make excuses as to why he shouldn't. I knew a break up was coming but I kept on telling myself it was a phase he was going through. The morning he broke up with me I also lost the job I had over the summer because I was so upset and couldn't keep my composure (my boss was a b*tch). I have spent so much money on this relationship since he has none and I have shared everything with him. He never shares what he gets with me. He recently came into some money and spent it all on himself. I don't understand why he didn't try to pay me back some of the money I spent on him. I feel like he took advantage of me. On special days he would never do anything nice for me. On my birthday he didn't even want to spend time with me or give me a gift. When I asked him to spend time with me that day he was short with me and uncaring. When I got upset he told me that was the wrong reaction to have. I had told him in advance that a card or note would be fine since I knew he couldn't afford much. After the break up I told him that if we were going to be friends that it would be up to him whether or not the friendship would work out. We're still hanging out/dating a little bit and are still having sex with each other. Because of this we came to an agreement that we can still "date" each other but that the relationship is open. I can tell that he has tried a little to make a friendship work and I appreciate it, but I want him to do more. I don't know if I love him any more, but my chest still hurts when I think about him. I know I can do so much better than him, but I feel like I am stuck. A few months ago we found out that I have HPV, and automatically so does he. It is one of the strands that can give you cancer and they have found some cancer cells in my cervix. I don't feel like I can have a relationship with someone else until I get better. Luckily I am at a low risk for cancer, but I know that that can change at any moment. It is hard for me to understand why he didn't try harder to make the relationship work since we are going through this. Neither of us can have sexual contact with people other than each other. I feel like I can't truly get closure from him until I hear him apologize for all that he has put me through. I haven't even mentioned everything that has happened because it would take too long. I also want him to admit to me that he is selfish, self-centered, and afraid of commitment but he has too much pride to be able to do that. I don't know what I should do. I want so badly to be in a true relationship with him again, but I know it would be a bad idea. Given the circumstances, what can I do? I don't know when or if I am going to get rid of the HPV. It generally takes about 2 years to clear up and I don't know how long he or I have had it for. I don't want to be alone for such a long period of time. Please help me. What can I do to make him want a relationship with me again?

Answer: For one sweetheart, you gotta understand. How can you love someone who doesn't love you back? No one deserves that, no matter if you have 1 arm, cancer, no hair, is blind, whatever the case might be. There is somebody out there for someone, and you shouldn't settle for less because you feel you cannot find someone else. If you close the chapter in this relationship, it may can open doors for someone else to come into your life who would treat you 20 X more better!! BTW, don't feel obligated to date/relationship wise be with him because he has HPV. A lot of people are unaware that they have it, and unless you just want to date someone with HPV. DON'T settle your life short. Don't just assume because he has HPV and he gave it to you, that you should just stay together for the better. Now, if the relationship was going to work out for the better, then I could of suggested of staying with him. BUT he sounds like a jerk in my opinion. A REAL man would re-pay you back if it wasn't the money, it would be love and care. If he couldn't offer you that easy, free, no dime out of the pocket gift of love and care, then he isn't a REAL MAN to begin with. You need to focus on you and help yourself to get better with your health. You need to focus on YOU! because do you honestly think he cares? A person who cares wouldn't waste your time by keeping the relationship "open" but uses you for sex. Keeping the relationship opens means you are allowing him to treat you any kind of way, bring any STD's from other people who he wants to sleep with because he is not committed to you, and still uses you at the same time. Any man would love that, but honestly, that isn't a MAN TO BEGIN WITH! You need to get out of this relationship, infact, excuse my confidence, but this ISN'T a relationship. It's a WASTE OF BULLSHYT TIME!

Question: Has anyone been in a similar situation? I need help :( ? My boyfriend and I went out for 9 months before he broke up with me. He told me that he still loved me and was still attracted to me but that he didn't want to be in a relationship. This was the first time either of us said that we loved each other. About 2 months prior things started to go sour in our relationship. He stopped wanting to hang out with me and would make excuses as to why he shouldn't. I knew a break up was coming but I kept on telling myself it was a phase he was going through. The morning he broke up with me I also lost the job I had over the summer because I was so upset and couldn't keep my composure (my boss was a b*tch). I have spent so much money on this relationship since he has none and I have shared everything with him. He never shares what he gets with me. He recently came into some money and spent it all on himself. I don't understand why he didn't try to pay me back some of the money I spent on him. I feel like he took advantage of me. On special days he would never do anything nice for me. On my birthday he didn't even want to spend time with me or give me a gift. When I asked him to spend time with me that day he was short with me and uncaring. When I got upset he told me that was the wrong reaction to have. I had told him in advance that a card or note would be fine since I knew he couldn't afford much. After the break up I told him that if we were going to be friends that it would be up to him whether or not the friendship would work out. We're still hanging out/dating a little bit and are still having sex with each other. Because of this we came to an agreement that we can still "date" each other but that the relationship is open. I can tell that he has tried a little to make a friendship work and I appreciate it, but I want him to do more. I don't know if I love him any more, but my chest still hurts when I think about him. I know I can do so much better than him, but I feel like I am stuck. A few months ago we found out that I have HPV, and automatically so does he. It is one of the strands that can give you cancer and they have found some cancer cells in my cervix. I don't feel like I can have a relationship with someone else until I get better. Luckily I am at a low risk for cancer, but I know that that can change at any moment. It is hard for me to understand why he didn't try harder to make the relationship work since we are going through this. Neither of us can have sexual contact with people other than each other. I feel like I can't truly get closure from him until I hear him apologize for all that he has put me through. I haven't even mentioned everything that has happened because it would take too long. I also want him to admit to me that he is selfish, self-centered, and afraid of commitment but he has too much pride to be able to do that. I don't know what I should do. I want so badly to be in a true relationship with him again, but I know it would be a bad idea. Given the circumstances, what can I do? I don't know when or if I am going to get rid of the HPV. It generally takes about 2 years to clear up and I don't know how long he or I have had it for. I don't want to be alone for such a long period of time. Please help me. What can I do to make him want a relationship with me again?

Answer: You answered your own question..."I want so badly to be in a true relationship with him again, but I know it would be a bad idea." This guy has some major issues and if you choose to be with him then you are choosing to allow yourself to get hurt again and again. You cannot be in a "true relationship" with a guy like this. What you are attached to is the true person that he is way deep down...BUT because he has so many problems he cannot be his true self. You cannot change him. You deserve better...DONT settle for less. Be good to yourself and walk away. Stop hurting yourself by continually going to this guy and giving yourself to him. He doesnt value YOU enough to deserve to have you. It will hurt for awhile to not be with him...but in the end I promise you...you will be so glad you did.

Question: whitish/yellowish vaginal discharge with odor? I have been battling a whitish/yellowish discharge that has a bad odor for the past six months. I went to the doctor, had a vaginal smear done and was diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis. I've been on the following medications: Flagyl, Clindesse, Metro Gel and Clindamycin. Symtoms subsided while taking these medications. Once the course of medication was complete, the symtoms came back again. I also tried taking Probiotic Acidophilus for a period of time. Nothing seems to get rid of this bacterial infection. The doctors are getting tired of hearing from me. I am going out of my mind. One doctor suggested cervical cryosurgery (freezing the cervix to kill bad cells), I've done some research on it and I am not sure that will cure bacteria vaginosis. It's more or less for cervical cancer. I even wrote to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention because I really don't know what the hell to do. Any suggestions? I've been tested for all STD's, Vaginal smears and blood tests. All tests came back negative.

Answer: Thats crap.... try other doctors.. Second, third, fourth opinions!

Question: "Pre-Cancer Condition" during Pregnancy? I have been told I have a "pre-cancer condition" outside my vagina and in the vulva area. I had this same condition years ago, all over my cervix, and have had most of my cervix removed. I just went to a specialist last month at the Women's Cancer Center and the doctor said it was much more extensive than he thought. He did not do a biopsy right then because he said there was nothing he could do about it at that time, until after the baby (due 12-20). I have to go back in November just to see if it has spread. Of course this is a HUGE concern, on top of the high-risk pregnancy, but what makes it worse is that he said there are a few options I have once the baby is born. I asked him what the options are and he said there was no need to get stressed or worked up and we would talk about it after December. God, what could he have meant. I have been searching the internet but don't find much because I don't know exactly what I'm looking for! I am TRYING to be positive but I just wish he wouldnt have said anything at all. I just to VENT I guess!!! Lisa

Answer: This is a very high risk problem. I would get a 2nd opinion if I were you---or talk with another doctor at the same clinic. You are the patient and if you have a pre-cancerous condition---You have every right to be told everything that is going on--especially being over 5 months pregnant. I would go in and either see the same doctor, but talk to someone else at the clinic first to explain what's going on. They should be telling you a lot more. No wonder you are sooo confused. And, I would be calling them and swearing them off so bad, but talk to another Dr. ASAP-and get a 2nd opinion or/ Take your partner/family w/ you to the Dr. who gave you the diagnosis and have them there with you so you can get EVERYTHING out of the DR. that you need to know-Good luck and congrats on your baby