Increased risk of vaginal cancer

I was looking up more info on the internet about whether it is wise to let the Dr. take my ovaries during my TAH Monday the 11th, and one site said that having a hysterectomy increases a woman's risk of vaginal cancer. My primary reason for having the ovaries removed is because ovarian cancer is a silent killer and almost always fatal. While they are removing the uterus I thought it was wise to have them removed, but now I guess the whole procedure is a risk of other cancers. I guess I might rethink having the entire thing done. I am anemic and have frequent periods with lots of clotting, I did not want to take BC pills since I am not able to become pregnant and want to be rid of the whole bothersome mess. But if it puts me at risk otherwise, what to do.

Please help, those of you who have had it done. Any insight?

Sue in FL

I never heard about an increased risk of vaginal cancer. My Dr. is taking it all and I am glad because I wont have to worry about ovarian, or cervical cancer which concern me a lot. Don't make your decision based on that site's info about the vaginal cancer. It really seems to bother you, so speak very frankly about it with your gyn. I say again... that's the first that I have heard on that. I'm going to look into it too.
Good Luck...

Hi Sue,

I also have never heard or read about a hyst increasing the risk of vaginal cancer. In fact, except in cases of a hyst being done for a cancer or pre-cancer condition, pap smears (vault smears) are not usually recommended yearly. I've read that it's common to have them done every 3-5 yrs for woman who have had hysts for reasons other than cancer. Also, it is widely accepted that vaginal cancer is considered to be very rare. Please talk to your dr about your concerns before you decide to cancel.

Hi Sue Renee

I also have never heard that there is increased risk of vaginal cancer after an hyst. What I have heard is that there is STILL a possibility of vaginal cancer after the cervix is removed, hence the need for continued pap tests.

I also was VERY concerned about the risk of ovarian cancer, since my grand-mother died of this disease. However, what I have read on this issue, is that it is rather rare in women younger than their 80's - my grandmother was 83 when she was diagnosed with the cancer. I have also read that it is very hard to detect ovarian cancer, since it almost always symptomless.

Since you appear to be very concerned on those issues, I agree with the other ladies: discuss these issues with your doctor. If you are still not satisfied on the answers, get a second, even a third opinion.

You might also want to ask these questions on the Cancer Concerns message board where you will find many ladies with lots of experience on cancer-related issues.

Best of luck in your quest for answers.

What are you having your hyst for? Its hard to answer your questions without knowing what your situation is.

I had uterine cancer and I am at an increased risk for vaginal and breast cancer because the type of cancer I had links to both of those cancers. I never heard of vaginal cancer being a risk of a hyst except in a case such as mine.

Could you possibly post the link here that mentioned that risk? I would be interested in reading that information.

If abnomal bleeding and clots are your only reasons for a hyst, perhaps there are others things you can try first, such as ablation. Here are a few other sites that might help you.

http://www.gynalternatives.com/index.htm

http://www.wdxcyber.com/mhyst.htm

I hope some of this information helps you make the best possible choices for your health.

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kaatie