Published Sep 26, 2005
michelle95
329 Posts
I know that we can't give medical advice to each other...but, I'm looking for information.
I went to the health dept today to have a gyn doc check me out. I've had menstrual like abd cramps for the past two months (even off my period), a little in between period spotting last month, a feeling that gas or something is coming out of my cervix (I'm not sure how to describe it), and my menstrual flow smells atrocious. The doc found a hard cervix, hard R ovary and severe pain for me when she palpated the cervix, uterus and that R ovary.
In your experiences, what have been the signs and symptoms of cancer in the repro tract (cervical, endometrial, uterine, ovary)?
I found a site on the internet that had a stone-hard cervix as a sign of infiltrating cervical cancer.
I am going to a regular OB/GYN next Monday but boy am I worried.
Thanks.
Jolie, BSN
6,375 Posts
I know that we can't give medical advice to each other...but, I'm looking for information.I went to the health dept today to have a gyn doc check me out. I've had menstrual like abd cramps for the past two months (even off my period), a little in between period spotting last month, a feeling that gas or something is coming out of my cervix (I'm not sure how to describe it), and my menstrual flow smells atrocious. The doc found a hard cervix, hard R ovary and severe pain for me when she palpated the cervix, uterus and that R ovary.In your experiences, what have been the signs and symptoms of cancer in the repro tract (cervical, endometrial, uterine, ovary)? I found a site on the internet that had a stone-hard cervix as a sign of infiltrating cervical cancer.I am going to a regular OB/GYN next Monday but boy am I worried.Thanks.
I know your fear. I have risk factors for ovarian cancer, and can think of nothing else that sparks such fear in my heart.
Have you had Pap smears in the past? Women with a history of 3 or more consecutive negative Pap smears can usually rest assured that subsequent exams will be reassuring as well, as cervical cancer is usually slow growing. So, even if it is present, it is not likely to have become invasive.
You mention a foul smelling discharge. Did your doctor do any cultures, or raise the possibility of an infection?
Those are the 2 issues I would plan to discuss on your next visit. Best of luck to you, and let us know how things go!
Annor
148 Posts
At your gyn appt....mention endometriosis
Thanks you guys. I was scheduled an appt for next monday but I called this morning and told them how worried I am. They had a cancellation and got me in for 330 today. I'll let you all know how it goes.
You mention a foul smelling discharge.
Actually, I don't have a foul smelling discharge....I had a foul smelling menstruation this past month. It freaked me out because a couple of years ago, I took care of a lady with lady partsl cancer. My bleeding smelled like what she had.
And, about pap smears....I'm sad and embarassed to say that it's been 2 years since I've had one. I had a LEEP done in 0ct 2002 and had 3 negative paps between 10/02 and 10/03. 10/03 was the last one. I was in school for the past 2 years, did not have insurance and did not get a repeat one. I did not worry so much because I figured I was clean (hx of neg paps) and I knew that cervical cancer was a slow grower. What I didn't realize (yes, I'm an idiot) is that the doctors are able to suspect any problems while doing a pelvic exam. I don't know why that didn't dawn on me.
Anyway, once again...thanks.
Bacterial infection and possible ovarian cyst. I am geting an translady partsl u/s done on friday to confirm the cyst.
Thanks for posting. I've been wondering how things went. Hope all is well with your treatment and follow-up!
cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN
4,106 Posts
If you don't mind me asking, where are you in your cycle? Was your last period different that usual? Almost every woman has had an ovarian cyst (usually without any symptoms) at least once in her life. Sometimes an egg can get stuck and not rupture out of the follicle. Sometimes the corpus luteum stays a cyst after ovulation.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001504.htm
wannabeL&D73
110 Posts
If you don't mind me asking, where are you in your cycle? Was your last period different that usual? Almost every woman has had an ovarian cyst (usually without any symptoms) at least once in her life. Sometimes an egg can get stuck and not rupture out of the follicle. Sometimes the corpus luteum stays a cyst after ovulation. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001504.htm
I had a corpus luteum cyst when pg. with my daughter. It was very painful, even causing me to double over at times. Thankfully it resolved quickly.
Shannon
sirI, MSN, APRN, NP
17 Articles; 45,819 Posts
I had a corpus luteum cyst when pg. with my daughter. It was very painful, even causing me to double over at times. Thankfully it resolved quickly.Shannon
The corpus lutem cyst is present after conception and maintains the pregnancy until the placenta takes over. Had it resolved quickly, you probably would have miscarried. I am almost 100% certain.......
Hmmm...well, maybe it didn't resolve, but it did stop hurting, thank goodness! I don't remember that much about it from 5 yrs. ago...just know I was having pain, they did an u/s to rule out ectopic, and she told me what it was, and I thought she said it would disappear. I know for sure that it was painful at least until I was about 10 weeks. But of course I certainly could have misunderstood.
Hmmm...well, maybe it didn't resolve, but it did stop hurting, thank goodness! I don't remember that much about it from 5 yrs. ago...just know I was having pain, they did an u/s to rule out ectopic, and she told me what it was, and I thought she said it would disappear. I know for sure that it was painful at least until I was about 10 weeks. But of course I certainly could have misunderstood.Shannon
I am sure that you are correct in that it was a corpus lutem, wannabe. And, I am most certain it was painful. :uhoh21: They usually resolve around 10-12 weeks, so you are right on about the time frame. :)
zambezi, BSN, RN
935 Posts
I.Have you had Pap smears in the past? Women with a history of 3 or more consecutive negative Pap smears can usually rest assured that subsequent exams will be reassuring as well, as cervical cancer is usually slow growing. So, even if it is present, it is not likely to have become invasive.
I respectfully disagree with this. If you have HPV, it can remain latent/hidden for many years before it shows. I have had clean paps since I was 18 (thank goodness I still get them!). This year, my pap was abnormal, so I had a colposcopy and cone biopsy which showed Carcinoma in situ and adenocarcinoma in situ for which they recommeded a hyster (for the AIS). I am 26 now and have been with the same person for over six years (met him one year after my first pap). There is no question that either of us are with other people and I have minimal risk factors for HPV anyway...
I only bring this up because continued screening is important...if I did not have annual paps, by the time they found this it could have become invasive cervical cancer - in one year we went from clean to CIS- who knows what another year or two or three could have led to. Now, at least I can take care of the problem before it becomes worse...
I realize that this is just one example but it can and does happen...
Ladies- please get screened, even if you have minimal risk factors...if you have had sex, you should be getting paps at least every 1-3 years...
*OK, off my soap box now*
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_is_cervical_cancer_8.asp