what test can be done to check for cancer

in may 1999, i had my hystrectomy, i often think am i more prone into getting cancer, i have no cervice, so i cannot have a smear, what can i do where can i go, is it true that iam more at risk to getting cancer, i do not no. can anybody please help. regards karen

Ask them to swab your vaginal cuff for the PAP. There's also the exam itself. Other should be around to make suggestions for other types of cancer, I'm only going on cc.

Hi Nuttybabe, I had a hyst last year and my doctor has continued to do swabs of my vaginal cuff (and inspection of the other genetalia).

What makes you think you are more prone to getting cancer?

I'm being checked the same way by my docs. Swabs of the cuff and internals.

If you have a concern about cancer you can have a blood test called a CA125...if its elevated, it could be cancer (although other things can cause it to rise too). You can also ask for a CT Scan...sometimes it can be seen via sonogram. Hope this helps...you should also ask your dr at your next visit to see what he/she reccomends.

my doctor as never even suggested anything.
think i will be making an appointment on monday to get a check up. i read a book where it said if you had , a hysterectomy you was more at risk of getting cancer.this has worried me since i had mine done, as i thought there was nothing i could do. regards karen

Karen:
I had never heard that... perhaps others will come along to speak to that..
I would think that your gyn would do a smear (of the vaginal vault/cuff) every few years and then maybe go longer periods of time if no problems were present at the original surgery.... for those of us that have already had cancer, we get them every few months and then progress to longer periods of time in-between testing.

Karen,
I am not a medical person (nurse, etc.), but I never heard this either. I have had the internal exam and test of the vaginal wall since I don't have a cervix either since my hysterectomy.
Some doctors feel that a Pap is no longer necessary. I was told by one doctor that she didn't feel I needed them anymore since I have never had a positive Pap test. However, the doctor who did my surgery still does the test once a year.
Have you seen your doctor at least once a year since your surgery? If not, you may want to call and ask for an appointment. Share your concerns with him or her about what you posted here about the risk of getting cancer.

Hi Nuttybabe,
I am not certain where you've gotten your information that after a hysterectomy one is more prone to cancer but I understand just the opposite is true. In fact my doctors recommended I remove ovaries not only because I had endometrial cancer which often is estrogen driven but as a preventative measure to avoid ovarian cancer.
You can always discuss this concern with your doctor(s) and hear what they say.