Hi Angel302004
I just had a look for cervical cancer CIN3 and found this definition:
"CIN: (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia). This means abnormal changes or growth in the surface layers of the cervix. These changes are not cancer but warn that cancer may develop over future years. CIN is graded CIN 1, 2 or 3; CIN 3 means the most severe changes."
and
"High grade abnormality: (high grade epithelial abnormality) this is a fairly new term to describe the more serious changes in the cervix which may lead to cancer. These changes require treatment and careful follow up care. This term covers CIN 2 and CIN3 (moderate and severe dysplasia)."
These definitions were taken from the following site
http://www.cervicalscreen.health.gov.au/glossary/
The following is taken from
http://www.eyesontheprize.org/cgi-lo...kpro.cgi?ID=4:
"What is the difference between cervical carcinoma in situ and CIN3 -- is one cancer and one precancer?
My path report said they found a lesion high in the cervix. In one place it said Final dx "Carcinoma in Situ" and in another place it said "CIN3". My GYN/ONC told me pre-cancer. I'm confused because I see CIN3 defined as Pre-cancer, and CIS as cancer when I research on the net. Can you help me understand whether I had a cancer or a pre-cancer? Thanks.
Fredric V. Price, MD:
There has long been a great deal of confusion in the medical literature about the way to describe problems like yours: pre-invasive diseases of the cervix. This does not mean that there are different problems, just different ways of saying the same thing: you do not have cancer.
There is a natural boundary in the tissue of the cervix that separates cancer from non-cancer. If the abnormal cells extend to this boundary but not beyond it, it is called "carcinoma in situ." The abnormal cells have not invaded into the deep tissues of the cervix, and therefore are considered "pre-cancer."
Sometimes pathologists looking at cell types under the microscope will try to make a distinction between "cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, grade 3" (on your report abbreviated "CIN 3") and "carcinoma in situ" (CIS). From your point of view, these should be considered not cancer. This abnormality should be removed to prevent progression to cancer, but it is not likely to happen for many years, if at all.
The internet sources you refer to may have confused the terminology or may have been taken out of context. To make matters more confusing, sometimes CIS is called Stage 0 cancer. Suffice it to say that this is not truly cancer and can be treated with conservative surgery."
This seems really tricky, I think it would also be wise to have a chat to the women in Cancern Concerns and I would also get a second opinion from another gyn/onc before deciding on any one approach. From what I am reading, all the literature states CIN as pre-cancer, not cancer, and that changes have occured in the cervix. Unfortunately because you have CIN3 those changes are more severe.
There are many options out there and I urge you to get a few opinions to discuss what you would like to do.
I wish you all the very best in whatever decision you decide and sorry this is so long.