Pathology Report

Okay, thanks to you very wise ladies, I requested both my surgical and path reports. This is outside my knowledge base so figured I'd ask here.

The cervical pathology reads as follows: slight chronic cervicitis with focal squamous metaplasia of the endocervical surface and focal mild dilatation of the endocervical glands

Ectocervix is focally hemorrhagic?

I understand the cervicitis, inflammation of cervix; focal is localized to a small area. What does the rest of this mean?

Curiously, I've been treated for endometriosis in the past, (saw the videos and all), certainly was symptomatic enough to warrant surgery, but path and surgical reports say no obvious sign of endometriosis? Just a "congested" uterus.

Other than a couple of cysts here or there, that's it.

Dear Donna,

I don't know the answers to all your questions but I do know that although the surgeon who did my hyst orally mentioned extensive endo, it wasn't stated in either the path or the surgical reports. Someone told me that this is because once they find cancer, "incidentals" like fibroids or endometriosis become secondary. I think they are simply lazy.

I vote with the lazy part and that I really think that some of them think Endo is in our heads and therefore not worthy of print. I've never had cancer mentioned at any time. These findings on the path report are concerning, funny thing is it looks like to me that the "issue" whatever it was, was confined to the cervix and I get my paps every year. The last one was in March. I wait for responses. I'm sure there are many who have experienced just about everything ever mentioned. I've felt so blessed with this website.

Thanks for your reply!

Ok, can't figure out how to edit the above post so I'll do an add-on. The report also didn't mention the fibroid that several doctors have palpated and was on ultrasounds.... Asleep doing this pathology?

Hi Tired,

I also had squamous metaplasia written on my path report. I believe if you do a search on HS... this will come up as it has been asked about before.

Since it was not too concerning ( never even mentioned by my onc/gyn or regular gyn) I did not do too much research on it. However, as I recall it has to do with cells changing in a transformation zone. ie perhaps as the cervix leads more into the uterus? It is not uncommon...and is due to inflammation and irritation of the cells. It is a benign condition ...but could possibly lead to abnormal paps if left untreated over time? I do not even think it is considered pre-cancer.

I wish I could give you more info.... maybe some medical type sisters will fill you in much better than I can. And, perhaps they can further explain the other parts of your path report.

Hugs, Diane

ps... I had major surgery for endometriosis over 25 years ago.

Thanks, Diane

I will do that search. I've been looking on the internet, but you know how long you have to look to find what you are looking for.....

Have a great evening!

A "congested" uterus could refer to venous congestion (like varicose veins) which can be a result of untreated endo. My doctor told me that endo creates its own blood supply, which they see at surgery and may overlie the typical endo lesions.

My surgical report did not refer to "endo" but did refer to "extensive excess vascularity" (i.e. lots of extra blood vessels). When I asked the surgeon about the stage of my endo, he said, simply, that it was the "worst I've ever seen." Given that this was an oncologist with 10 years of surgical experience, I gathered later that the vascularity was proof that I had indeed had severe endo (I had some other clues over the years ).

Another explanation for a "congested" uterus would be adenomyosis, which some call "endometriosis interna." The endometrial lining infiltrates the muscle wall of the uterus and may have causes similar to endometriosis.

Either way, it's good news that everything was benign!



Audrey

My path report also said chronic cervicitis, squamous metaplasia and nabothian cyst. I knew about the cyst on cervix a few years ago, gyno said not to worry. Callled Dr. today. he said, anyone who's hade a baby gets DS chronic cervicitis. He stated 8-31 pap was benign. Plans to continue yearly paps for vaginal dysplasia as his routine. All normal I would have told you if problem.
I had confirmed adenomyosis with several areas of hemorrhage myometrium. Bladder adhered to uterus. Painful crampy periods since repeat c-s, BTL 9-88. Pain right lower quadrant off and on since 7-05 and abnormal bleeding since 10-03. Had D&C prior 11-03 and thermal ablation 07-04. Pain more chronic worse this past summer felt like I was living on painpills everyday, had bleeding 9-1-06 til hyster on 9-22-06. Must say that this was much different, worse than both c-s where stayed in hospital 5 days and 4 days, home in 48 hours with TAH, RSO. Going to the bathroom takes on a new meaning, felt like I spent postop day 4-6 in bathroom trying to go. Got on colace, prune juice. Shopping 8 days post op, 1 1/2 hours lightheaded nauseous, spotting restarted did too much. Post op 10 days FUV really tired. lots of naps.

My goodness, Donna. I'm betting you're going to feel a lot better when you get past all of this. As for explanations of what it all means, I'd call up and ask when questions came up. It's a clinic that specializes in cancer care gynecology and doctors as well as nurse practitioners are very capable and friendly (and patient)about filling in the gaps with me.