I went to the Dr's the other day to get result's of my yearly physcically..And the Dr told me that I might have vulva cancer..Do I tell my family now or wait till I go see the specialist next monday the 16th
2006-10-06 12:44:32 · 12 answers · asked by Nancy 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
I think in all honesty that talking to your family members right now will be more helpful for you. I'm sure your scared and worried and need their support. You don't have to tell everyone but I really do advise you to talk to someone. I found some information for you below, its from www.familydoctor.org, I hope you find it helpful. Take care.
What is vulvar cancer?
The vulva is the skin and fatty tissue between the upper thighs of women, from the area of the anus to about an inch below the pubic hairline. Cancer of the vulva most often affects the two skin folds (or lips) around the vagina, known as the labia.
Vulvar cancer is not very common. However, it is very serious because it can affect a woman's sexual functioning. It can make sex painful and difficult. This makes some women feel sad and worthless. If found early, vulvar cancer has a high cure rate and the treatment options involve less surgery.
Who is affected?
Vulvar cancer most often affects women 65 to 75 years of age. However, it can also occur in women 40 years of age or younger. Vulvar cancer may be related to genital warts, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
What are the signs of vulvar cancer?
Tell your doctor if you have any of these warning signs of vulvar cancer:
Vulvar itching that lasts more than one month
A cut or sore on the vulva that won't heal
A lump or mass on the vulva
Vulvar pain
Bleeding from the vulva (different from your usual monthly bleeding)
Burning in the area that lasts even after your doctor has treated the burning
Any change in size, color, or texture of a birthmark or mole in the vulvar area
How is vulvar cancer diagnosed?
If your doctor finds an abnormal area on the vulva, he or she may want to take a small piece of skin to look at under the microscope. This procedure can be done in the doctor's office. It is called a biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to find out if you have vulvar cancer.
How is vulvar cancer treated?
Vulvar cancer is usually treated with surgery. The type of surgery depends on the size, depth and spread of the cancer. Your doctor will review all the options for surgery and the pros and cons of each option. Some people may also need radiation therapy.
When vulvar cancer is found and treated early, the cure rate is over 90 percent. The key to a cure is to tell your doctor about any warning signs early and to have a biopsy right away.
2006-10-06 13:02:08 · answer #1 · answered by T-Bird 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are stressing out, and sometimes talking to someone can help you put things in perspective. I might not share with everyone at Sunday dinner, but tell a trusted relative or trusted friend what the doctor said. Not "I got cancer" but "the dr said I might have it". Then they can comfort you and give you the support you need. best of luck and God Bless you!
2006-10-06 13:01:31 · answer #2 · answered by anniewalker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your decision to tell or not to tell must come only from you- for some people they need to keep it to themselves for a while because their family will react badly, for others they need their family there.
What do you need? Someone from your family to support you while you go through the finding out part? Or privacy to come to terms with the fear and waiting?
It's you who may have cancer, not them. You are most important here.
Do what fills your needs best- cancer is frightening and each person needs a little different thing.
2006-10-06 12:49:31 · answer #3 · answered by Dr. Max 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would it help you significantly to lean on them right now? If so, spill the beans and let them give you the emotional support you most definitely will need. If waiting will make YOU feel better, then follow that road instead. Eventually you're going to have to tell them anyway. I hope everything turns out o.k. for you.
2006-10-06 12:49:14 · answer #4 · answered by gentle understanding 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why you are so hurry to let your family know about the bad news? Wait and see
2006-10-06 13:04:00 · answer #5 · answered by tellmetruth 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should probly wait do not worrie them just wait for the day to come when you find out if you have it if you dont then just forget about it but if you do then tell them they will understand (HOPEFULLY)
2006-10-06 13:00:42 · answer #6 · answered by Rachel P. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wait till you know for sure. going through this now myself.
2006-10-06 13:24:36 · answer #7 · answered by rareed321 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't worry them until you know that you have it. Why cause worry that might not be necessary?
2006-10-06 12:49:33 · answer #8 · answered by Erin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd wait unti it is confirmed and hopefully you don't have it .. God Bless .. I'll have good thoughts for you ! :)
2006-10-06 12:49:21 · answer #9 · answered by tysavage2001 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
when you get over it yourself or admit to your self your problem and are ready to deal with everyone's reaction.
2006-10-06 12:46:37 · answer #10 · answered by peaches 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋