am I to young to have cervical cancer?

Question

my doctor just recently did a pap and came back postive for cancer cells and she said i would have to have a hysterecomy. am i to young?

Answer 1

Cancer does not wait for the age. Now a days all types of cancer attacks all persons. Only elderly women get Cervical cancer but in rare cases it is seen in unmarried youngsters also, if they have genital warts and due to certain genital infections. If your doctor has confirmed the Pap Smear test as positive he will do a biopsy and remove the tumor. This will be followed by Chemotherapy and radiation therapy. I think your case will be in an early stage and it can be cured. Please do not worry and act as per the advice of your doctor and you will be alright soon. Bu you have to have complete treatments as CANCER IS STILL AN ENIGMA and should be treated completely.

Some of the signs and symptoms of Cervical Cancer are -

The early stages of cervical cancer may be completely asymptomatic (Canavan & Doshi, 2000). Vaginal bleeding, contact bleeding or (rarely) a vaginal mass may indicate the presence of malignancy. Also, moderate pain during sexual intercourse and vaginal discharge are symptoms of cervical cancer. In advanced disease, metastases may be present in the abdomen, lungs or elsewhere.
The possibility to identify premalignant changes on a cervical smear has made screening the major cause for referral of women with possible cervical neoplasia. In many countries, women are advised to have a regular Pap smear to check for premalignant changes. Recommendations for how often a Pap smear should be done vary from once a year to once every five years. If cervical cancer is detected early, it can be treated without impairing fertility. Consistently abnormal smears may be a reason for further diagnosis despite complete absence of symptoms.

The course of treatment etc., will be decided by your Oncologist depening upon the grade and stage of the disease and your general health condition. All the best for speedy recovery -

Answer 2

I do not know your age so I cannot say whether or not you are 'too young'. The present standard of care regarding Pap smears should make your circumstance rare. By that I mean that cervical cancer is detected in a precancerous stage allowing us to excise the cancer without the need for a hysterectomy. There are a variety of procedures such as the 'loop' which removes a portion of the cervix without the need to remove the uterus. There may be more to your story but it does sound odd that you are being told that you require a hysterectomy. If you provide me with more details such as the specific findings and cell types identified on your Pap smear I may be able to be of more assistance. Physicians do have a tendency to 'do too much' so if you will provide more information I will be able to offer you more specific advice. I wish you the very best of health.

Answer 3

The jab is not an anti-cancer jab, it prevents the human papilloma virus (genital warts) from occuring tin young women. The correlation between the presence of HPV virus and cervical cancer is extremely significant and therefore this is the most effective way at decreasing the occurance of cervical cancer. I have two young daughters and am very happy about them getting this jab. Two friends of mine have developed cervical cancer, most likely from the HPV in their systems and one has even had to endure a hysterectomy at the age of 32. My only concern is that young girls may be less cautious about protected sex if they think they are less likely to catch HPV. If we advise our daughters about the jab we also need to advise them about protected sex and the importance of regular smear tests. Future side effects are a concern but not yet proven - cervical cancer is my biggest concern and a proven killer & I would rather take the risk of a side effect than cancer.

Answer 4

Cervical cancer is not genetic. 99.9% of all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, a frighteningly common STD. If you are old enough to be sexually active, then you're old enough to have cervical cancer, unfortunately. Get a second opinion on the hysterectomy, but do not delay. Delaying will only give the cancer the chance to metastasize (spread to other areas in your body) and lower your chances of survival. Good luck to you.

Answer 5

YOU WILL NOT!!!!!!

I have cervical cancer!!! It's at an early stage and can be treated without such drastic measures. She is not able to tell you what you will and will not need by your pap smear result. From her you need to see a specialist (gyno) and they'll assess how advanced, (or not advanced) the cancer is, and what your options are. You're dr is not trained to make such diagnosis.

Answer 6

Cancer is one of those things that don't care how old you are. I think if your Dr suggest a hysterectomy then I think you should follow her advice. I don't think that she'll lead you wrong in a situation like this. Good luck with everything and keep a positive attitude because it makes a difference.

Answer 7

I'm sorry to hear about the cancerous cells. But it is treatable! So try to think positive. And how old are you?

Answer 8

I was 31 last year when I had endometrial cancer. I am sorry-I do understand. I had a full hysterectomy and lymph node dissection.

Answer 9

You didn't give us your age, but unfortunately cancer doesn't care how old someone is-but don't jump into surgery without getting more opinions.

Answer 10

As long as you have a cervix you aren't too young. I'd get a second opinion before I scheduled surgery though.