Do I need a Hysterectomy?

Hello I was just diagnosed on friday with Complex hyperplasia with atypia and was told I needed to have a hysterectomy, and im confused, I really dont know what this means. I was told that i needed to go to Tucson to see a gynecology oncologist who will tell me what my options are. Can somebody please explain to me what all this means.

Hi Taichi,

I'm so sorry that you are faced with this. I'm glad you're here as this site is an excellent resource for information and support. I was diagnosed with hyperplasia as well. At first I didn't know what that meant either, it can be scary. I'm not a medical professional, but this is my understanding of how it works.

Basically, there are four categories of hyperplasia, broken down into two subsets: simple and complex; with atypia and without atypia.

So you can have simple hyperplasia with or without atypia, or complex hyperplasia with or without atypia. As you move across the continuum, it goes simple hyperplasia without atypia, simple with atypia, complex without atypia, and complex with atypia. The medical terminology can be confusing, but the "rule of thumb" is that the further you progress towards the latter stage, the more of a concern it is.

Hyperplasia is when the cells proliferate or built up to excess. When cells proliferate, the risk of cellular mutation increases, thus increasing the risk of cancer. So in endometrial hyperplasia, the lining of the uterus builds up too much. From what I've read, any form of hyperplasia is technically a pre-cancerous condition, though the further you move across the stages, the more serious the pre-cancer situation is.

Your doctor is right to be concerned, it's good that they caught it. Hopefully you will be able to get in to see the gynecologist/oncologist soon to discuss your options. I hope I haven't freaked you out and that I make some amount of sense. I googled a lot of different information to help me understand it better. I was pretty scared when I first found out what I was dealing with.

Best of luck with everything, let us know how it goes!

Thaichi1980 -

As mentioned already complex hyperplasia with atypia is considered pre-cancerous. If you are young and looking to become pregnant right away some Drs will have you try Megace which sometimes temporarily reverses the atypia. However once the megace is discontinued the atypia will return.

It is wonderful that your Dr. has recommended a gynecological oncologist. These Drs train in both female reproductive anatomy and cancer. My oncologist said that reading pathology reports is as much science as it is art and some pathologists will say pre-cancer while others say early stage cancer. So it is great the you are getting to a gyn-onc.

It is very scary to hear the "C" word. We also have a Cancer Forum here with wonderful people to support those with the pre-cancer diagnosis through to a variety of cancer diagnoses. You can post concerns there as well.

as you deal with this.

G.

(((thaichi1980)))

Seeing a gynecological oncologist (gyn/onc) is an excellent idea. We strongly recommend them for gyn pre-cancer/cancers as they are the experts, and you definitely want the best where your health is concerned. And, it's always a good idea to get a second opinion! Don't be afraid to address any concerns or questions you have as you discuss your options.

Hang in there, sweetie!


monami