Question re: D&C prior to hysterectomy

I'm 60 years old and this is the first time posting here. In fact, I just discovered this website today. Hope I'm posting in the right place.

Anyways, (I will try to keep it short), three years ago I had a D&C for hyperplasia and all was well until about two months ago when I had some spotting.

I immediately made an appt. with GYN, and my appt. was last Monday. He did a pap smear and endometrial biopsy.

He called today and told me I had "true cancer" and it was "well differentiated".

I tried making notes, but was shook up and don't remember much. He said he wanted to do a D&C, and then would recommend me to a GYN Oncologist, who would perform a hysterectomy. (I think that's what he said!)

My question: Why do a D&C before the hysterectomy if they know I have CA and the uterus will be removed anyway? Is this normal?

Thanks for your help!

Tillie -

So sorry to hear you are joining the club that no one wants to be part of but very glad that you found us.

I'm not totally sure why your Dr. would want to do a D&C if the biopsy already found the cancer. I've heard of the reverse where the biopsy didn't find anything so they did the D&C to be more thorough.

You should definitely see the gyn-onc. They are the specialists in female reproductive cancers. In my humble opinion I would go see the gyn-onc now and let them determine if the D&C were necessary. Other members may have more insight on this.

There are a lot of resources here and wonderful supportive women.



G.

I agree. I would see the gyn oncologist and let he/she decide if you need to do the D&C. I also would insist that the gyn onc be the one to do the surgery. You need to be seen and followed by a specialist. If it's going to be a long wait - which it shouldn't be - then maybe consideration could be given to having the D&C but it seems like a needless risk to you as well as expense. You are right, if the uterus has to go anyway, why do the D&C? Good luck, will keep you in my prayers!!

Hello Tillie, I agree with everyone else you should probably talk to the gyn onc first. Ive had two D&C's and they were both to clean out all the excess tissue I wasnt shedding with my period. After the second they found cancer and I had the hysterectomy 2 weeks later. I cant think of any reason they would need to do the D&C, especially that they feel you need the hysterectomy. I know exactly how you feel about not being sure what the dr said, I was the same way hearing the C word. I called my dr back later when I was a little more calm and with a pen and paper to write down what they found and review it. Good luck to you and we are all here for you.

((((Tillie))))

Just another vote to see the gyn/onc FIRST before having any further procedures. They are the experts for gyn cancer and that's who should be calling the shots from this point forward (with your active participation, of course!).

I'm sorry you had to join our "club" but am glad you found us!


monami

Tillie:
Add me to the list... Please at least add a gyn/onc to your team.
My regular gyne wanted to do my hysterectomy. He was sure my diagnosis was the same as yours. As you can see from my signature, things were a bit different. So I postponed my surgery for one month to get the two schedules to coincide. I am forever greatful that I found this site before my surgery. These wonderful women told me things I have never heard from my doctor...and although I have the utmost faith in him (after all , he did find my cancer) I am sure I made the right decision to have the gyn/onc there too.

Wow, didn't expect so many great responses so soon!

I'll call the GYN right away and find out more info. The D&C is scheduled for tomorrow so I don't have much time for decision-making.

Thank you all so much.

God bless.

GOOD LUCK I agree with all the ladies that have responded. GYN/ONC is the only way to go . They check lymph nodes, pelvic wash etc etc . Been there done that .

Tillie. I didn't ask the right questions from my dr or my (((sisters))) before my surgery. I allowed my gyn to do my hyster but he brought in a gyn/onc to check lymph nodes and do pelvic wash. I paid 2 dr's when I could just have paid 1. IMHO I also think a gyn/onc is the way to go. Take care and please let us know what you decide and how you are. Carole

Hi Tillie
Was in same situation as you a year and a half ago, a biopsy showing a well differentiated cancer.
I agree with you, and everyone else here, that you only need a hyster.
I should also point out that since your symptoms have been so recent, you really are likely to be caught early, I had had symptoms for a year and between my ignoring them, and the first gyne ignoring them, I ended up a bit more advanced.
In my opinion, the only reason for a d&c at this point is if they are trying to control the bleeding, and even then, an urgent hyster seems like a better idea.
best wishes
Janet