Cone biopsy



Definition

A cone biopsy is a surgical procedure in which a cone-shaped tissue sample from the cervix is removed for examination. Also called cervical conization, a cone biopsy is done to diagnose cervical cancer or to remove cancerous or precancerous tissue.


Purpose

The cervix is the neck-shaped opening at the lower part of the uterus. The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2003, approximately 12,200 women would be diagnosed with cancer of the cervix and 4,100 women

In a cone biopsy, the patient lies on her back, and a speculum is inserted into the vagina (A). The cervix is visualized, and a cone-shaped piece of the cervix is removed (B and C). A cauterizing tool is used to stop any bleeding (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
In a cone biopsy, the patient lies on her back, and a speculum is inserted into the vagina (A). The cervix is visualized, and a cone-shaped piece of the cervix is removed (B and C). A cauterizing tool is used to stop any bleeding (D). (
Illustration by GGS Inc.
)
would die of the disease. When cervical cancer is detected and treated in its early stages, however, the long-term rate of survival is almost 100%.

A cone biopsy is performed to diagnose cancer of the cervix or to detect precancerous changes. The procedure is often recommended if a Pap test indicates the presence of abnormal cells. In some cases, a cone biopsy may be used as a conservative treatment for cervical cancer for women who wish to avoid a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus).


Demographics

The risk of developing cervical cancer increases with age through a woman's 20s and 30s; the risk remains about the same for women over the age of 40. Minority women and women of low socioeconomic status have higher rates of cervical cancer and an increased mortality rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African-American, Asian-American, and Hispanic women have a higher-than-average incidence of the disease, while African-American and Hispanic women have a higher rate of cervical cancer-related death.

Description

The procedure is performed with the patient lying on her back with her legs in stirrups. General anesthesia is commonly used, although regional (spinal or epidural) or local anesthesia may also be used. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to hold it open during surgery.

There are several different methods that may be used to perform a cone biopsy. Cold-knife conization is the removal of a cone-shaped wedge of tissue with a scalpel (surgical knife). The tissue may also be removed using a carbon dioxide laser (called laser conization). A loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses low-voltage, high-frequency radio waves to excise the tissue. Some surgeons choose to cover the open cervical tissue with flaps of tissue stitched into place.

The tissue sample will then be examined under a microscope for the presence of cancerous cells. If abnormal cells are found around the edge of the biopsy, then further surgery will be required to excise any remaining cancer. If there is evidence of invasive cancer (i.e., the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues), then other treatments (more extensive surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation) may be recommended.


Diagnosis/Preparation

A number of tests may be performed prior to cone biopsy to determine if precancerous or cancerous cells exist. A Pap test involves scraping the cervix for a sample of cells and then staining and examining the cells for any abnormalities. Colposcopy is a procedure that allows a physician to examine a woman's cervix and vagina using a special microscope called a colposcope. A cervical biopsy involves the extraction of a smaller tissue sample and is less invasive than a cone biopsy. Based on the results of these tests, a cone biopsy may be indicated if moderate to severe cell abnormalities are found.

As cone biopsy is commonly performed under general anesthesia, the patient is usually instructed to refrain from eating and drinking after midnight on the day of surgery.


Aftercare

After the procedure, the patient may experience some cramping, discomfort, or mild to moderate bleeding. The biopsy site may take up to six weeks to completely heal. The patient will be instructed to avoid intercourse, tampons, and douches for at least three weeks following the procedure.


Risks

Bleeding during and after cone biopsy is the most common complication. Rarely, uncontrolled bleeding during the procedure may result in an emergency hysterectomy. Other potential complications include reaction to the anesthesia, infection of the biopsy site, injury to the uterus or other tissues, cervical stenosis (when the cervical canal narrows or becomes closed), and failure to remove all cancerous tissue. If too much tissue is removed during a cone biopsy so that the internal opening of the cervix to the uterus (called the internal os) is affected, a woman may have difficulty carrying a pregnancy to term, increasing her risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

Normal results

Numerous studies have indicated that cone biopsy is successful in excising all cancerous tissue in 90% of patients with cervical cancer.


Morbidity and mortality rates

Two to 8% of women who undergo a cone biopsy will experience bleeding for up to two weeks. One study found that cervical stenosis occurs at a rate of 3–8%, depending on the method of conization.


Alternatives

Cryotherapy (freezing and destroying of abnormal cells) or laser vaporization (using a laser to destroy abnormal cells) may be used to treat early-stage cancer. A hysterectomy may be necessary to remove more invasive cancer. In a subtotal hysterectomy, only the uterus is removed. In a radical hysterectomy, the uterus, cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, lymph nodes, and lymph channels are removed. The type of hysterectomy performed depends on how far the cancer has spread. In all cases, menstruation stops and a woman loses the ability to bear children.


Resources

periodicals

Brun, J. L., A. Youbi, and C. Hocke. "Complications, Sequellae and Outcome of Cervical Conizations: Evaluation of Three Surgical Techniques." Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Reproductive Biology 31, no. 6 (January 10, 2002): 558–64.

Canavan, Timothy, and Nipa Doshi. "Cervical Cancer." American Family Physician 61 (March 1, 2000): 1369–76.

Soutter, W. P., et al. "Is Conservative Treatment for Adenocarcinoma In Situ of the Cervix Safe?" British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 108, no. 11 (November 2001): 1184–9.

organizations

American Cancer Society. 1599 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. (800) ACS-2345. http://www.cancer.org .

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 409 12th St., S.W., PO Box 96920, Washington, D.C. 20090-6920. http://www.acog.org .

other

"All About Cervical Cancer: Overview." American Cancer Society, 2003 [March 18, 2003]. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_1x.asp .

"Cone Biopsy (Conization) for Abnormal Pap Test." National Cervical Cancer Coalition, May 23, 2002 [cited March 18, 2003]. http://www.nccc-online.org/news_052302_9.asp .

Nyirjesy, Istvan. "Conization of Cervix." eMedicine, June 28, 2002 [cited March 18, 2003]. http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3338.htm .

Ries, L. A., et al., (eds). "SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1973–1999." National Cancer Institute, 2002 [cited March 18, 2003]. http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1973_1999 .


Stephanie Dionne Sherk

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?


A cone biopsy is usually performed by a gynecologist who specializes in the areas of women's general and reproductive health, pregnancy, labor and delivery, and prenatal testing. Tissue samples are analyzed by a pathologist who specializes in the diagnosis of diseases from microscopic analysis of cells and tissues. The procedure is generally done on an outpatient basis in a hospital or doctor's office.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR


User Contributions:

1
chris stewart
nine yrs ago i had the cone bioposy done. and should i have kept getting checkups or something and would that cause a woman to have sharp pain in right side and down the right arm during the menstral cycle i went back to the dr who had done the surgery he said crampy bowl.and also said my right uterus was swelled and said that could be due to me getting ready to start my menistral cycle and was not due for that.can someone please answer some of my quiestions. I am scheduled for a mamagram my 1st one on the 4th of may and i have breast discharge ive had for 2yrs now and the drs say its cause from smoking and or caffiene.im 34yrs old. thankyou
2
Meg
This article is very good but there is something that it doesn't address. I had a cone biopsy on August 14/07 and four the past four days the discharge has varied from grey to charcoal in colour. I have been having a lot of troubling finding any info on the colour of the discharge. I am aware it should not have a foul smell but I would still like to know this is normal. Thank you for any help you can give.
3
Donna
Hi,

I have had two sets of LLETZ treatments to my cervix one of which was about 7-8 weeks ago. Then on the 24th September 07 I had a cone biopsy...since then I have had severe bleeding and went to GP who prescribed strong antibiotics. The bleeding started to slow down but today while I was in work I began to feel the blood pouring out of me again and it is very heavy...I am getting no help from GP they just say that they don't think it is caused by my cone biopsy!! What is causing it then?? Argh! Doctors are useless sometimes..
4
ANGELIA
I JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF ANYONE KNEW IF YOU CAN GET PREGNANT AFTER A PERSON HAS HAD A CKC IN THE PAST?
5
Louise
Hello I would like to have more info about laser cone biopsy and were i can fine more info about it and video abolut it ,how sucessful is it? more info the better ...............
Thank You
6
Terri
Hello

I have had a cone biopsy and also a leep done. but my hpv is still not going away now my doctor tells me they want to do a deep cone biopsy and but me to sleep. then do another leep and scrape the sides to see if she can get all the adnormal cells. What should I expect if she can't get them all and if I keep having adnormal pap smears with hpv.
thanks Terri
7
elaine
i have stage three dysplasia ive had two leep procedures and three colposcopes and now i might have to have a cone biopsy my dr keeps telling me its not cancer but why is it not going away is this normal
8
apirl
I had a Cone Biopsy done 2 weeks ago. My paper from the hospital said I could have intercourse after 2 weeks, we did, not even all the way! The next day I started to bleed. My dr. said I may start my cycly early but I don't know if that is what it is or something is wrong! It started off light and it is starting to get heavier! If any comments please let me know!!!
9
stephgirl
I have been diagnoised with cin 3 and had to do another ecc scrape to find out what procedure i was going to have either the LEEP or the cone biopsy. I hope that is all they are doing and not trying to look for more things wrong. I just dont want cancer sure scrape away. That hurts! I am not looking forward to these procedure. Can they find cancer on a cone biopsy that wasnt detected from a cervical scrape or cervical biopsy?
10
shey
Is there anybody here who had undergo cone biopsy and had given birth after the surgery?
11
vivian
I had a cone biopsi yesterday and am worried whats next for me .
12
dee
just had my 2 colospy had abn paps since 2002 just found out i have hp too about to have cone biopsy now however had iud since 2000 wondering if this made the cells progress? please comm bac
13
Helen
Hi Shey,

I had a laser cone biopsy at Sloan Kettering (NYC) in January 1995 when I was 16 weeks pregnant. The procedure was brand new then. I was the first at SK to have the surgery while being pregnant. NY Hospital was on alert in case I miscarried. Thank God I delivered my beautiful boy (by c-section) in June 1995. Surgeon was as aggressive as he could have been without causing miscarriage. 2 months after the surgery the cancer had come back, but not enough to be fatal, as it had been before the surgery (prognosis was 9 months to live!). I had a second procedure in August 1995 and have been cancer free ever since.

I went on to have two more kids - boy in 1998 and girl in 2000 - both delivered by c-section because scar tissue prevented my cervix from opening. Actually, doctors believe the scar tissue kept the babies inside!

I am so grateful for the skill of my surgical team and the person who developed the procedure!!
14
kimberly denson
I am scheduled to have a cone biopsy in 2 days but im beginning to get scared can some one tell me what to expect.i,m also having doubts.
15
Sonia
I am 27 and I just had a cold knife cone biopsy last wednesday July 1. I was also very nervous the day before and I almost postponed it, but I didnt believe it was worth waiting for my condition to get worse. I was slightly crampy and woozy the day of my surgery, but I went to Tampa for the weekend the very next day and I felt fine all weekend. 4 days after surgery I began to spot a little bit and 5 days after I began to have some discharge, but only enough to saturate a couple liners a day. They said this is the scab shedding from the cauterization and it's normal. It's been almost a week and so far I feel just fine =)
16
Brandy
I had the cone procedure done 6 days ago and I was fine until today. I started bleeding more and have severe cramps on the right side only and in my back. My doctor says that it is normal. Im just wondering if it is normal? I have read the other comments and it seems other people have had the same problem. Does it go away or will I be dealing with this forever?
17
Stacey
I had the cold knife cone biopsy done last Friday, 7/17/09. After the procedure I woke up right away and about 15 minutes after started to feel cramping. Honestly, most of the cramping was in my thighs. The nurse wanted to give me morphine but I refused so that I could go home. Well, I spent the entire weekend either in bed or on my couch. I am terribly crampy. I haven't had much spotting, just tea leaf like discharge but I am peeing constantly. My stomach is swollen and bloated and terribly crampy (its Tues now) and when I stand too long it feels like Ive been hit between my legs with a boulder. I do not feel good at all. To top it all off my entire vaginal area is itchy and bright red and sore. I looked up what I could find yesterday and it said after vaginal surgery some irritation is normal but I am begining to have my doubts. After taking 600 mg of prescribed ibuprofin at 3 am so that I could sleep.... I am wondering what is wrong with me??!! I do have four children that I have to take care of, but yesterday was the first day my mom wasnt helping me and I didnt lift or anything. Has any one else had similar problems after theirs?
18
Lorraine
wow! I just a a cone biopsy yesterday and I'm doing fine so far. But I can't get over how many people are having the same symptoms. The pain on the right side, thighs and back. It's been excruciating for 3 months now for me... hence the D&C and Cone Biopsy. Not sure how long the results take to come back, but I am praying that I have some answers soon! Good luck to everyone else as well!
19
teenie
i am to be having this procedure done for the second time, however the firs time i was younger and under my parents insurance therefore the cost was unknown to me, and now i have no coverage and i have been trying to find out the generalized cost of this procedure without coverage, does anyone have a range they could share with me?
20
KD
I had a cold cone knife biopsy 8 days ago- was fine for the first 4 days, but gradually started to have more discharge and pain (not really cramping)over the last 2-3 days. I have a wierd pain above my right hip flexor and feel like a large dry tampon is trying to come out of my vagina. I have good pain pills for it, but have to go on with life at some point! I feel the side pain mostly when I walk, but it comes and goes even when I am resting. Is this the area anyone else is having pain? Dr. mentioned stitching up two veins on the sides to prevent bleeding- could it be the packing or stitches causing the issue?
21
tammy
I had a cold knife cone biopsy 4 days,was fine until yesterday. I began bleeding and having severe cramps and passing large clots. I too am wandering if this is normal. Stomach is swollen and feels like it is full of gas. I am urinating alot also. is all of this normal from just a biopsy?
22
leslie
I had a ckc done on tuesday and today (sunday) i hade to go back to the doc.i was having swelling and sharp pains from my belly button and all through my stomach.They have to go in and do an exam.they pullud out the gauze that had not passed.they also did a sonagram.come to find out my uterus had swollen up.they had to make an insision to help the swelling and to help release whatever was trying to come out.it hurt alot but know i feel a little better
23
jollydazzle
I have a Laser surgery about half a year ago.( I have diagnose with CIN 2 )Now again i am diagnose with CIN 1 for my pap smear. my gynae have recommended me to do Clone Biopsy. I am just wondering does anybody have the same experience as my case ??? which I have to go through the whole procedure AGAIN?:(
Hi, can a cone biopsy cause an incompetent cervix?
They are wanting to do a cone biopsy on me, and after reading all this I think I will be just getting a hysterectomy!!
hello, i had a cold knife cone biopsy done in november 09 but since december ive deen gettin terrible pain in my groin, lower back an around the pubic bone area, i took a water sample in to my gp an he sent it away to be tested, it came back that i had blood in my urine so i have to go back in hospital in 2 days to have a cystoscopy done, is there a chance the cancer may have come back but now in my bladder or could it ov been in the bladder but not detected, can anyone advise me as i,m worried, i,m age 39, thanks.
i had a cone biopsy 1week ago but now i experincing some bleeding which is come and go and also some water like disshard it like redish
in colour and some pain, bloating at the same time and call my doctor about he said i must for check up
I had cold cone done on April 8th. Everything went fine at first then a week later ~ BAM ~ all weird stuff started happening. I got an infection, the bleeding and the discharge stops for a few days and then comes back again. I am so frustrated with this. It is becoming an inconvenience to my everyday life. I just wish it would stop. My doctor says everything is healed and looks good, well then please tell me why he can't explain what is going on with the on a few days then off a few days with the drainage and discharge. This is just B.S.
I had cone biopsy 2 1/2weeks ago. The doctor said I should stop bleeding after 2 weeks. I have not really bled, but spotted, and now am experiencing cramping for the last week and fresh bleeding I think by the Uretha. He also said the results were high displysia, and wanted me to wait to come to the office to speak to him, but said it was not cancerous. What could it be? I would appreciate any input
I had my cone biopsy on May 18th,and I felt fine with no bleeding at all,until a few days later but I started my period which was unusually heavy and with lots and lots of blood clots,I went through 18 pack of pads in a day,so I started getting a little nervous,but decided just to rest and the next day it slowed down a lot and now I feel pretty good.
i had a cold knife cone biopsy done 6 days ago 2010 after i woke up i had really bad cramps i still have cramps today alot of people on here say they felt fine the first few days i still have non stop cramps 6 days later and like alot of you back pain and leg pain i hope this all goes away when i heal up but now they say i have cancer cells on the lining of my cervics they need to scrap off this is just crazy that we all have to go threw stuff like this i still have bleeding i hear it can take up to 4 weeks to stop also i have a appt to go in i might have infection i have had some foul odor and still have pain and they say that could mean infection so my advise to all of you that need it if you feel somthing is not right with your body if your bleeding more then you think you should or the pain is really bad what ever it is go to the doctor this is your body and if you feel it needs to be checked out then thats what needs to happen thank you all for reading my post
i just need to get this off my chest my doc told me i needed to get this done right away so the cancer dont spread i wanted to talk with a speclist first but they were taking to long to set up a appt so my doc said we need to do it so i did it but now like i said the last post they found some on the out side and want to scrap it off i really wanted to have another kid they say i still can but a huge chance i will miscarry or premature labor at 7 months thats the only reason im freaked out about this so im going to a speclist anyways even though i had the surgery already just to have her check it all out make sure nothing else is hiding in there and make sure it is all gone i dont want to deal with this again iam just sad cuz i cant have another baby and if i want to try theres the chance i might lose the baby and i dont know if i can go threw all that i dont know i just need some one to talk to thats goin threw the same thing
I had a CKCB about ten years ago, I'm 36, I want to get pregnant, and I have not had any luck. Does anyone know what are the chances to get pregnant after this surgery? An obgyn told me that this surgery might make it difficult to finish the pregnancy without having a premature birth or one might need bed rest, but she did not mention difficulty on getting pregnant.
I had a cone Biopsy, on the 11th June, I had slight bleeding, after four day I have my periods and it is nine days now and could not stop, what could cause this bleeding ?. I Visit he dr and he said, don't worry , if it con't, visit him. Will it affect me from having kids. I was told that having a cone biopsy could cause miscarriage/which means the the cervix get weaker , if so what do I do to make it stronger to a full term Baby,. i am planning to get pregnant. Pleas answer my question
Thank you
35
Dkcee
I just had this surgery done on June 21st, a week ago today. My doctor told me that I could go back to work on Wednesday after the surgery... but today is my first day back. I sit at a computer all day... I have only been at work for 2 and half hours and I am hurting so bad I can't see straight! Did anyone else have soreness or complications with the outside of the vagina? I think I could possible handle the cramping in my lower stomach and back if it didn't hurt so darn bad to sit down!!! All I did for 6 days was lay in my bed in pain. I even went back ole' school to spraying my self with proxide and water. This has helped a little but not much. I just want the outside of me to heal... to be honest I don't know why it is hurting so bad! My main question is... Did anyone of you have problems like this?
Today 07/15/2010 I'm 42 years old, this was my very first surgery, just had this procedure today at 12 noon,I have stage 2 precancerous cells my surgery lasted 45 minutes. I woke up and felt just fine, the doctor let me go 1 hr later and i went straight to work; i sit in desk all day so i will be fine. I have no pain or any bleeding or dizziness, for now; but for I'm reading in other people comments, looks like i will, but guess what? i got Vicodin and Motrin 800mg for pain relieving. So i will take these pills.
Now the question that i really wanted to know is: DO I REALLY HAVE CANCER OR NOT? My Doctor says no, but is she telling me everything i need to know or not? I kinda get worried thinking about this.
Please some one could help answer this question for me Please.
I did my cone biopsy on the 23 of june 2010 and the result are + so I have to remove my womb . I can't wait coz the pains are killing me. So u are not alone outthere. U will be fine.
Hello, I am getting ready to have to Cold Knife Cone procedure done on the 17th of August..Anything you can help me understand bout this and any tips you have on this would be great to hear! Thanks Alot and God Bless =)
Hi Shell,
I just had this procedure done this past Monday. It's a really easy procedure. I had pretty bad cramps the day after the surgery once the hospital meds wore off. They will fade. The back pain and leg pain is completely normal because of the way you're positioned during the surgery. My bleeding got heavier after about the 3rd day. And it's still going. Just take it easy and follow instructions. It's really not that bad :)
40
Tess
Hey out there, just had a cervical biosopy and want feedback on the next step. I spotted a few days and everything seemed fine. A week later when I went back to my normal routine, out of nowhere a gush of blood started a little cycle of I don't no what. They say bleeding is normal for two weeks but I'm looking for answers. Any feedback is helpful
41
dkcee
I had my surgery done June 21st... before the surgery I would have sharp pains down below... I thought after my surgery this would go away... but it has not! I am wondering... does this mean that my problem was not solved? I go back to the doctor in October... I am thinking maybe I should go sooner... but I don't want to run up there if nothing is wrong! Anyone know?
I had a cold knife cone biopsy of my cervix done on the 5th of August. In 2 days, it will be 3 weeks from that date. I am still bleeding, still have cramping/sharp pains in my pelvic area and a foul odor. Just started Flagyl that was called in by the doctor 2 days ago. Bleeding has gotten worse since taking the Flagyl. Dont know whats going on but dont like it at all. I will probably go back and get rechecked tomorrow. Also, I sometimes pass what looks like bloody tissue when I urinate. This is all very confusing and somewhat scary for me. We'll see what happens. Good luck to everyone.
I am going for the cone biopsy tomorrow morning ... I have no idea if this is a cold knife or not .. I have HPV and severe dislaysia , they also tell me notto worry this is not cancer , but the oncologist GYN also said if any abnormal results we can talk about chemotherapy and then a possible vaginal hysterectomy .. after reading all the post im scared to death. I asked the oncologist to please just do the hysterectomy and get it over with, but she said no .. I am 41 years old and have had 4 beautiful children , recently blessed with a grandaughter. I think at this point the hysterectomy would be fine .. anyway I am afraid of tomorrow.. thanks for all the information on everything
44
Lynn
I am going to have the cone biopsy done in September and after reading all your comments I am beginning to have a lot more fear. I am just wondering if maybe it would be better to a hysterectomy at the beginning and not go through all this pain and discomfort.
I am 52 year old female. Supposed to have had TAH (Total Abdominal Hysterectomy) 11 yrs ago.
Found out cervix was left. Started having problems. Had Cone Biopsy done by Leep (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) on 08-26-10. Have excessive pain & minimal bleeding. Now almost week later, am passing clots. Do not know what to expect! When will this end?
hi to all dear women out there. now i feel im not alone. i will also have my cold knife conization tomorrow. i was diagnosed with hpv and with high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, with the class of severe dysplasia to carcinoma-in-situ. upon learning it, it left me so scared, my cervix result w/ my pap smear in 2009 was negative and now..oh well, for those asking if its cancer or not, there is this thing that medical field tries to talk in the same language so that treatment for them would be universal. our cervix are made of epithelial-squamous cells (name of type of cells in our bodies). and they are graded into 3 stages before the actual diagnosis saying "You have cancer: When the cells determined are already in stage 3 (high grade cells), then the next step for the doctors are to identify if these high grade cells (abnormal cells) are considered cancerous- so under high grade squamous intraepithelial, it is staged if its moderate dysplasia(CIN II), severe dysplasia (CIN III) or carcinoma in situ(CIS). In my case, the abnormal cells they saw were a mix of these three stages. carcinoma in situ means that the cells they found are "almost near" cancer but it is localized. "in situ" may mean "in site" so its only there. abnormal (cancer) cells have not spreaded yet to other areas like the vagina, or uterus or fallopian tubes. so the best treatment for the mild to moderate dysplasia would be the LEEP. on the other hand, severe dysplasia(stage III) and carcinoma in situe best treatment option is the cold knife conization. Doctors wanted it cold knife and not laser so that the cells will not get kiled from being burned, cold treatment would preserve the cells and it would be easier to visualized in the lab if there exisiting more abnormal cells or not. hope this info helps. i got so depressed and scared with what i discovered. im 36y/o with a 3 yr old kid. if only HPV vaccine would have been discovered loong time ago, maybe all of us could have had prevented us women from having these dreaded disease.
meg I just had a cold knife cone surgery aug.31st and i had a leep done june 25th and that discharge is normal that grey and black stuff that comes out its does have a bad smell to it but it is normal that is the stuff they pack you with to stop you from bleeding so bad plus it has meds. in it to help you heal
48
Megan
Holy Moly!! I bleed during intercourse and that's why my doc wants me to have the cone surgery. I am going in 3 days time and after reading all of this I am really scared.

All the best to everyone, I hope all works out okay.
Hey everyone, Just thought Id cover my input post biopsy. I had a loop done about 4 years ago with very little issue. Off work for 2 days, no pain, easy breezy. On my next pap pre-cancerous cells had returned so they booked me for a Cone (cold knife, i think). I woke up being pretty tender in my crotch but no real issue, mild cramping. I took a week of work and was fine, took it easy, lots of rest. On my first shift back to work (im a bartender) i started to cramp more then before and got really pale. They sent me to the hospital cause of my pain and I ended up with an infection. A week later and some heavy pain killers, I was completely fine. Totally fine paps from then on.
Last Year I tried to get pregnant and had 3 miscarriages in a row all prior to 10 weeks. I was sent to a fertility clinic where everything tested fine but the specialist told me that the pregnancies could literally be falling out. This february I got pregnant again and the only difference was I was on progesterone once becoming pregnant for the first 12 weeks, I was carefully monitered and am now 30 weeks pregnant with a healthy baby girl. Im a bit nervous about preterm delivery but I feel pretty great. I hope this helps!
50
Amy
I had a laser cone biopsy 4 days ago, following diagnosis of severe dysplasia (CIN III) I have had very little bleeding and just slight cramps. I have been able to go about my normal daily activities, just being a bit more careful with myself. I feel lucky so far, compared to what I have read above. 3 years ago I had the cervical cancer vaccine. My message is to all those young woman who have been given a false hope following having the vaccine. You must still have regular pap tests! The Vaccine does not work against certain strains of the HPV virus and dose not fight the virus if it's already in your body from pre-existing exposure.
Good Luck to everyone!
51
invu 4ura q t 2 me
I had laser done at sunnybrook hospital. I am 35 and have a pap every year. The doctor said i had atypical glandular cells of undetermined significance. Then I had a colposcopy and was told i had CIN 3. Oncogenic HPV. HSIL. I asked to have an HPV DNA test and they said it was not necessary. How long did I have this HPV? I only slept with my husband. My husband had many more before me and he did not tell me how many. There is no HPV test for men. I feel so dirty. If i have been married for thirteen years and every January my pap comes normal. Not this year. Does this mena he recently cheated on me?
52
Deborah
ok,At the age of 51,I admit do a colonoscopy,or anything else on me and I'm fine.When it comes to doing anything in the vagina area,I'm PETRIFIED! For that very reason I did not have a pap smear since my Daughter was born 31 years ago.After MUCH goading from family and friends I finally went for a pap smear in Nov.2009.Wouldn't you know it came back with me having dysplasia.Three different occasions My ob-gyn tried the LEEP..the 1st time I shook so badly from fear and I mean absolutely from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet.So she gave me a .o5 xanax for the second try.I was somewhat calmer but she couldn't get in deep enough.Third time,another o.5 xanax different procedure,still didn't work.
Then came the cold knife cone..that was two weeks ago.
Yes,I know I did wrong but the fear that I had the night before the CFC I slept not a wink,and even knowing I was going to be put under I took a half of a .05 xanax,,which set not at all well with my ob-gyn,so much in fact that she almost was ready to cancel the surgery.I could not help it though,my fear far out-weighed my logic.
Just as the 1st three tries my discharge started out as a dark rust color,turning to gray-charcoal color,then black,with a fowl odor.I should have made an appointment to go back to the Dr. this Monday,but have kept putting it off.Now this morning I awoke to bright fresh red blood.It has been well over a year since my last normal period.So not sure what is going on.Except for this fear that I have of going to my ob-gyn.Does ANYONE have any sugguestions to help me get over this fear?? PLEASE!! A VERY SINCERE Thank you in advance for your help.
53
kiki
Had a cone biopsy in july 2010. Have had three yeast infections since then...is this normal?
I had cone biopsy on 9/14th. The doc. told me that I will have a little bleed for about two weeks, which is normal. It's been almost a month, I am still bleeding very heavily. Especially, in the early morning, the blood dripping down for at least 5 second without stop, the toilet water turn into red. I am going to travel to Asia for business in 10 days. I am very worried about it. Is it normal?
How long is going to take to stop the bleeding?
Thanks
hello everyone i had 3 loop cone biopsys in 2007-08 in may 2009 i gave birth to jack at 27 weeks weighing just 2lb 7oz he is now 17 months old walking talking and into everything. i was not aware if the risks and i was not closely monitored and had no stitches. but just to reassure you all he is fine. after being abnormal cell free for 18 months i am now going for another colposcopy next week not looking forward to that. xx
You may have a dark-colored vaginal discharge after the Biopsy
. If your doctor takes a biopsy sample, he or she will put a thick, brownish-yellow paste on that area to stop any bleeding. When this paste mixes with blood, it forms a thick black discharge. It's normal to have this discharge for a couple of days after the procedure. It's also normal to have a little spotting for at least two days after a Biopsy.
57
DDGrey
For those getting the cone biopsy..
Please ask for the anesthesia... I for one was not offered it.. and i endured pain, the procedure was very uncomfortable... It feels like severe cramps... a horrible.. horrible feeling...
I had a deep cone biopsy yesterday and should have checked this forum first!

My history is 10 yrs of clear pap smears, cervical cancer vaccine 5 years ago and my first pap came back 2 months ago with CIN3 carcinoma in situ, glandular cells (never detected until now, age 29). No kids yet, a few long term relationships. I have been trhough what i call trauma mainly becauase I want to have children later and doctors use scary terminilogy, and websites give you worst case scenarious. My GYNO is excellent and repeated to me that i do not have cancer but stages before cancer (precancerous) and early detection has resolved this. I have also asked surgeon, GYNO, GP lots and lots of questions to clarify my fears. Hope it is helpful..

Good news is - 90% of women have a full recovery from cone biopsy with no serious
concerns (REGARDLESS of whether they have abnormal cell CIN 2,3, or even cervical cancer). becuase it cuts out a section of skin this can be diagnostic (have cells gone beyond CIN stages) or a treatment (cuts out infection, abnormal cells, precancer cells, cancer cells).

Recovery and less infection- you can recover better and reduce infection by making sure your immune system is strong and you relax to recover, dont consume anything that will prolong healing. im trying vitamins vitamin C (immune system) and B, magnesium (cramps)

Pregnancy- cone biobsy of abnormal cells is not related to getting pregant but retaining a pregancy as it weakens the cervix. My GYNO said that when pregnant a stitch is put on cervix as a reinforcer to carry weight of baby after cone biop but this is not always necessary . Women who have had prolapsed wombs or multiple pregancies have also had a stitch to strenthen their cervix.

abnormal cells ONLY become cancerous if they spread deep into layers of tissue and other organs. Much like getting a mole removed and having the biopsy tested to check if surrounding skin has been effected by the cells, groups of abnormal cells also called lesion, carcinoma, tumor(benign/inactive or malignant/cancerous). I think since the cone biopsy is in the cervix it makes recovery complicated and more painful.
i had a cone biopsy cold knife procedure on the 11th of november. rite away i had extremely bad cramps the pain pills wouldnt even touch. i ended up in the er the next day to find out i had gotten an urinary tract infection. its been 4 days since my surgery and 3 days since ive been on antiobiotics. is it normal to still feel extremely crampy and im having back pain and leg pain as well. im severly bloated and worried i have to go back to work in a couple days. it hurts to sit lay down or stand! is this normal can anyone tell me anything.
I had a cold knife cone biopsy done in september 2010. The results were in and they said i dont have cancer and everything is ok with me.But before i was refered to the cancer center my gynacologist told me after a pap smear test that i have high risk HPV ,endocervical Adenocarcinoma In Situ. Did my gynacololist gave me a wrong result of the pap smear or what? Now i'm afraid of the risk after the cone biopsy.I dont know if i will be havng problems of havin kids. wat do i do?
I had a cold knife cone and over it went fine. I started bleeding a week and a half after and have not stopped yet. But nothing heavy. Found out last week my margins weren't clear. My doctor wants to wait 6 months and do another colposcopy and said my chances of needing a second cold knife are high. Has anyone been through this? Has anyone still gotten pregnant after 2 CKCs?
62
Darcy
Deborah, I am so just like you! I am 45. Years ago I started going to an actual "womens health clinic". Women only work there and they do understand the fear. Before that I went to a doctor who tried to hypnotize me to relax. Screw that! She sent me to the women's health clinic 30 miles away but worth it. I get one relaxation pill to take an hour before my pap smears. One time my appt was after lunch so I had a glass of wine with lunch.
I have been going there for maybe 10 years now. No longer do I have that uncontrollable shaking fear. I am going to have my 2nd cone biopsy done this month. My doctor puts me under anesthesia and does it in the hospital. There is no reason that women should have to suffer. Insist on anesthesia. Gotta pay more out of pocket to get a more reasonable doctor? It's worth it.
63
Darcy
Deborah, I am so just like you! I am 45. Years ago I started going to an actual "womens health clinic". Women only work there and they do understand the fear. Before that I went to a doctor who tried to hypnotize me to relax. Screw that! She sent me to the women's health clinic 30 miles away but worth it. I get one relaxation pill to take an hour before my pap smears. One time my appt was after lunch so I had a glass of wine with lunch.
I have been going there for maybe 10 years now. No longer do I have that uncontrollable shaking fear. I am going to have my 2nd cone biopsy done this month. My doctor puts me under anesthesia and does it in the hospital. There is no reason that women should have to suffer. Insist on anesthesia. Gotta pay more out of pocket to get a more reasonable doctor? It's worth it.
I have had a cone biopsy done 4 months, before the biopsy i have have had a regular period but after the biopsy, it is only happening every 55 - 70 days ... will it eventually stabilize!? since my biopsy my hormones are in a mess, pimples, bloating and i have gained 5 kilo's (so far). oh and the worse thing of all? pms'ing for up to a month!! i have been off the pill (Yasmin) to get my sex drive back but i'm thinking of going back on to regulate my hormones ...HELP!
im 21 years old. I had a two abnormal paps, a cervical biopsy, a coloscopy, and now the dr says i needa cone biopsy, im very scared. I want to know is a cone biopsy a lil extreme if they dont know for sure if its cancer. I dont even know whats wrong with me he didnt say "It is cancer" , so is there another test they can do to desipher wether or not it is cancerous then try the cone biopsy. I also have no insursnce, how much does the cone biopsy usually cost on average?
I had a cold knife cone biopsy in March of this year 2010, I had missed a few female check ups, but this time around It came back with High white cells this travels in the canal and can lead to higher risk of cancer cells. I was also scared but trusted in God; You are very lucky to have caught this in time, after the surgery they will re check the cells that have been removed and will see if another surgery will be needed, I would not worry so much about what it cost. Some hospitals have programs that can help or even after billed there are clubs or salvation army services, Family services etc..I had to get surgery there after due to my cervix's sealed up this caused my periods to be irregular and serious cramping like contractions. I still get bad leg cramping, but it seems to get better then the beginning. I hope this helps...PS Don't be scared, I will pray for you, Be blessed and don't forget to pray.
I had the cold knife cone biopsy and a D&C done on 12-14-10. After the gauze came out to my surprise I started to bleed. The bleeding has not stopped. My doctor told me to expect some bleeding.But dripping blood is not good. it is bright red fresh blood that is coming out but not so much that I am too concerned. I do hope the bleeding stops soon. I do not have have any pain anymore. My results came back negative for cancer. I am anxious to know how much of my cervix was mutilated. I have 4 children. 2 girls and 2 boys. But I still want the ability to have children. my follow up visit is in 6 weeks from the procedure. I hoped the bleeding has stopped by then and I can resume normal activities soon.
my fiancee will have this procedure done in two weeks just need more info.
69
Valorie
I had a cervical cone biopsy done a month ago and although the bleeding and horrible discharge has stopped I am experiencing sharp, intense pains in my cervical area frequently throughout the day. They last only a few seconds each time, but I'd like to know what it is caused from. Pain in not normal. I don't see my surgeon for another 3 weeks, should I see someone before then?
I am about to undergo a cone biopsy, should i refrain from sexual intercourse before this procedure.

Thank You.
71
Kate
Ann,

I am scheduled for a cone biopsy in just a few days. My doctor said no intercourse for 24 hours before the procedure and none for 3 or 4 weeks after.

After reading these posts, I am so scared that I feel nauseated. My doctor, whom I completely trust, said I would bleed for 3 to 4 weeks, but here I am reading about gushing blood, cramping in the legs, yeast infections, irregular periods. I will call and talk to her nurse tomorrow. I am having it on Friday and plan to be back at work on Monday. Now I'm not sure what to expect.
72
momof3
I have cin3 and had the cold knife/cone biopsy done march 16/2011 and i was just crampy at first but now for the past 4 days i have a black burnt looking discharge that smells very bad and i am also bleeding off and on, has anyone else experienced this type of discharge?
73
michelle
WHERE CAN I SEE THE RESPONSES TO ALL THE QUESTIONS POSTED? I HAVE SOME OF THE SAME SYMPTOMS AND WOULD LIKE TO READ RESPONSES.
74
melissa frank
This is me again. I posted on Dec. 26th about my cold cone knife procedure. It has now been almost 5 months since the procedure and all my symptoms and pain is gone from that area. my cycle is normal and no pain or irregular bleeding. everything is back to normal. I just have to get frequent pap smears to monitor if the abnormal cells return. that is the only scary part.
i did cone biopsy back in 2004. i started to have heavy menstrual flows that are so so painful. my Gynae said it because the scar sticks because during menstruation as the tissues are very tender. i would have contraction as painful as labour pains for some hours before the cervix opens and blood gushes out.my days for my period has increased from 3 days to 7-8 days. i dont go to work during that period because of fear of embarassment. i have been trying for another baby for 3 years and it appears am not succeeding. my doc said my cervix closes too tightly may be it could be the reason. can it be true??? please help
HOW CAN WE SEE THE REPLIES TO THESE QUESTIONS - I HAVE SIMILAR SYMPTOMS AND WOULD LIKE TO READ THE ANSWERS TO SOME OF THESE ISSUES.
77
Rebecca
I was diagnosed with abnormal cells on my cervix and yesterday I had my Leep Cone Biopsy done in Hospital. I was terrified of the pain I might feel so I talked to the anesthesiologist and he promised I wouldn't remember anything. It was so good. I had iv sedation and sleeping gas. He said take 10 deep breath in the mask and I started counting, all I remember is counting One, two, three and next thing I knew I woke up in the recovery room. I had mild discomfort for the rest of the evening and some weird spotting with black stuff coming out but my husband made sure I relaxed, he got me chicken soup and I stole some pizza from kids then went to sleep. In the morning he made a fruit salad and yogurt and served me breakfast in bed. I took my usual vitamins and drank lots of water. I had chicken soup again for lunch then lots more fruit and spaguetti for dinner. I haven't bled any today and I'm wondering, Is this normal? I've had a couple of sharp pains that only last a couple of seconds but that's it. Maybe it's my healthy diet plus the complete relaxation. I'm hoping this means I'll heal quickly. Anyways, today being the day after I can say I feel so good, it's tempting to do stuff around the house but i'm forcing myself to not do anything and so far it seems to be working. I'm planning on taking it easy and do nothing but eat, shower and sleep for two more days. I'll update by Friday to let you know how it's working out. I was told to call the gynecologist in 3 weeks for results on cone biopsy and if clear I just have to follow up with him in 3 months and then every six months for 2 years. I just wanted to give my experience to those waiting for their cone biopsy. It's been very positive so far but do take lots of rest and eat and sleep well before and after your surgery. Hugs.
78
Rebecca
I was diagnosed with abnormal cells on my cervix and yesterday I had my Leep Cone Biopsy done in Hospital. I was terrified of the pain I might feel so I talked to the anesthesiologist and he promised I wouldn't remember anything. It was so good. I had iv sedation and sleeping gas. He said take 10 deep breath in the mask and I started counting, all I remember is counting One, two, three and next thing I knew I woke up in the recovery room. I had mild discomfort for the rest of the evening and some weird spotting with black stuff coming out but my husband made sure I relaxed, he got me chicken soup and I stole some pizza from kids then went to sleep. In the morning he made a fruit salad and yogurt and served me breakfast in bed. I took my usual vitamins and drank lots of water. I had chicken soup again for lunch then lots more fruit and spaguetti for dinner. I haven't bled any today and I'm wondering, Is this normal? I've had a couple of sharp pains that only last a couple of seconds but that's it. Maybe it's my healthy diet plus the complete relaxation. I'm hoping this means I'll heal quickly. Anyways, today being the day after I can say I feel so good, it's tempting to do stuff around the house but i'm forcing myself to not do anything and so far it seems to be working. I'm planning on taking it easy and do nothing but eat, shower and sleep for two more days. I'll update by Friday to let you know how it's working out. I was told to call the gynecologist in 3 weeks for results on cone biopsy and if clear I just have to follow up with him in 3 months and then every six months for 2 years. I just wanted to give my experience to those waiting for their cone biopsy. It's been very positive so far but do take lots of rest and eat and sleep well before and after your surgery. Hugs.
Im having pre cancerous cells removed from my cervix and am wondering will there be bleeding afterwards and basically for how long.

Thank You
Kimberly Hoffman
Is the discharge after suppose to be dark brown.. Looks like booboo? Im scared is this normal?
81
Talia
Hi 4yrs ago after my first child i had my 6 week check and found out i had Cin 3 so i had that removed by the gyno. Now i have had my second child and have Cin 1. I have found this to be odd as they say pre cancerous cells can come from different sexual partners but i only have the one partner. Just wondering why it has come back and now a main factor in this is i have started my periods and have found clots and heavier and more painful periods this time is this normal?
Hi. I had a LEEP/CONE done on June 28th after a ECC that showed CIN 2-3. I am very confused because my results were totally negative...thankful, but confused. Has anyone had this result before, or know what it could mean? Could I have cleared the cells or did the CONE not get the precancerous cells? I'm so scared for the follow up PAP in 3 months. My recovery from the procedure is going very well.
i was diagnosed cin 2'was done cryotherapy twice,then leep.then after 6months pap smear was done da results still positive.doc has recomended 4 cone biopsy.am so worried coz i dont know what next.am 32yrs not maried no child am just wonderng how much is it going 2 affect my life.pathologist recmnded 4 tah.i feel much stimatizd how can u advice me?
I need a good doctor to help me cure my cervical cancer im in my 4th stsge as nd the doctor that I see now told me theree nothing they can do more for me to give up
85
Mary Ann
Lisa just emailed me that Emily was told to get a cold knife procedure at Magee.
This article discusses that. E
86
sherry
Answer to meg, greyish discharge is normal after a cone biopsy
I am 21 years old have to go in for a cone biospsy and now im freaking out even more then i was when i got the first pap that came back abnormal.. My obyn first said it looked like i had clymediam freaked meout that my bf was cheating on me, then then that test came back negtive, i got another call saying my pap was abnormal.. so i went in for a colposcopy and my obgyn and i discuedd that because i am so young that we can follow my pap very closely an there is a chance this will go away on its own.. Then a week later i get a startling call saying the whole dr.'s office had a meeting about me and that i need to go see a specialist. i was buggin out, so i went and they want to do a cone on me, and noone seems to get it that i want kids and from everyones input it seems like that wont be possible. so what do i do..just wait tilafter i have kid or risk the chance that i may never be able to have kids.. what if they start the procudere and there is uncontrolled bleedin and they have to do an emergency hysterrectormy? can some one reassure me that it will be fine and il be able tot have kids
Gina...I had cone Biopsy done 8 years ago and am currently pregnant with my 4th child...no complications on any pregnancies...My first 2 children went up to 41 weeks pregnant and the 3rd was 42 weeks and she had to be induced b/c she didnt want to come out...this pregnancy I am now 32 weeks pregnant and no complications...After the Biopsy, I have had no irregular paps and I now hold a clean bill of health...my cervical cancer came from "HPV" an STD...Ever since my biopsy, everything was fine...I have never miscarried or had any abortions...Hope this helps to ease your mind...If you dont get treated, you can die from cancer...Plus if you get pregnant with the cancer cells, you risk health issues to the baby especially passing it on to your baby if you have a vaginal birth...
I think that for women who will not have babies, hysterectomy is the best. It all started with chronic inflamation (my ex husband gave me HPV)accompanied with pain all the time. I had a conization when I was about 35. I had tremendous bleeding and ended in the OR for surgery again the next day. After a few months I needed a crio. Drs said with this you'll be ok. Five years later, my pap showed pre-cancerous cells again!and pain and problems started again. I went to a female Gyn, who seemed to understand women better and said: It's your choice but if you already have kids and salping for not having more kids, why have a uterus? By removing my uterus and keeping the ovaries,I became the happiest woman in the world. No cancer, no worries. My sexual life has been wonderful. The uterus has nothing to do with sexual orgasms. It's the clitoris and it's also in our heads!! After the hysterectomy I re-married and have better sex than ever.
Keeping the ovaries is important. My daughter is now going thru the same: cervicitis, etc. Her dr. recommended conization and then hysterectomy. I recommended her to have a hysterectomy. She has kids and also salping for not having any more kids. I would not want her to go through all I went that could have been solved with only one surgery, instead of several procedures.
I think that for women who will not have babies, hysterectomy is the best. It all started with chronic inflamation (my ex husband gave me HPV)accompanied with pain all the time. I had a conization when I was about 35. I had tremendous bleeding and ended in the OR for surgery again the next day. After a few months I needed a crio. Drs said with this you'll be ok. Five years later, my pap showed pre-cancerous cells again!and pain and problems started again. I went to a female Gyn, who seemed to understand women better and said: It's your choice but if you already have kids and salping for not having more kids, why have a uterus? By removing my uterus and keeping the ovaries,I became the happiest woman in the world. No cancer, no worries. My sexual life has been wonderful. The uterus has nothing to do with sexual orgasms. It's the clitoris and it's also in our heads!! After the hysterectomy I re-married and have better sex than ever.
Keeping the ovaries is important. My daughter is now going thru the same: cervicitis, etc. Her dr. recommended conization and then hysterectomy. I recommended her to have a hysterectomy. She has kids and also salping for not having any more kids. I would not want her to go through all I went that could have been solved with only one surgery, instead of several procedures.
Gina as you are only 21 the odds of you having cervical cancer are about 1 in a million. Don't believe me? It's here on the ACOG website.(cancer.org/Cancer/news/News/acog-revises-cervical-cancer-screening-guidelines) What you most probably had was a false positve. Oh I bet they didn't tell you that did they? That is very common at your age and that is why Finland which has the lowest cervical cancer rates in the world doesn't start screening until the age of 30. Young women produce lots of false postives.Your abnormal pap will resolve on its own without treatment99% of the time. Papsmears don't help women under the age of 25.
(w.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/cervical/faq08.html)

Siron I beg to differ. The uterus contracts when some women have an orgasm. And the uterus has other functions- like holding the internal organs in the right postion.
Nothing is more disheartening when women repeat the male doctor mantra of " all the in the head".
It's disrespectful to women. Masters and Johnstone proved that the uterus does have a role to play in sexual pleasure.
92
Aneta
I had Cone Knife surgery done 2 years ago and since then my pap results are coming back negative(epithelial cell abnormality, atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance). I went to get a second opinion and my new GYN is recommending to do another cone surgery. I am 30 and have no kids. Is it safe to have it done again ? Will I be able to get pregnant, have no miscarriages and have a healthy baby?
I had the procedure done 11years ago pap has been normal. but now im experiencing bleeding for over two weeks. whay are theses symtoms.
I had a Cone Knife surgery a couple of days ago. At first everything was fine but as the days continue to pass the cramps are getting more severe. I have yet to have any bleedind only spotting and dark color discharge. When you go to the doctor they make it seem to be such a breeze. But I guess it is for them cause they are not the ones in pain. So afraid of my period starting cause I don't want to bleed for weeks. Praying for a miracle.
I've had this procedure done back in early 2009 and Im happy to report that I recovered very quickly from it, in fact I even went on to fall pregnant not long after (bit of a surprise) and have a very healthy pregnancy and delivery. In fact the only problems I had was my son getting stuck in my pelvis but that had nothing to do with my cervix.
96
sinead mangan
hi i just eceived a letter fromt he hospital sayin my smear test came back with cin11 or cin111 ive had a cone biopsy before and am a bit worried as im hopin to have a baby in the future my daughter is 13 it would be very helpful if anybody had any help for em tanks
97
kam
I had a cold knife conization a couple of decades ago, now I have a prolapsing uterus (yes, the uterus is falling out of the body). I had been told at the time of my procedure I would likely not be able to carry a pregnancy to term. (I have not been pregnant) I did not expect my uterus to fall out. It is accompanied with right sided back pain, and trouble with urination.
98
Marilyn
To teenie: the cost is about $1,000 I too had no insurance. They told me they would not do my surgery unless I paid half up front. Which was $500.
99
Mag
Hello everyone. I had a cervical colpo/biopsy done 10 days ago. I was supposed to be abstinence from sex for 2 weeks. Things happen, and well last night, 9 days after the procedure I had sexual intercourse! Can it still get infected. I'm worried!!! Please help!
100
Sheri
It has been 4 weeks since I had my CKC done and just stopped bleeding 6 days
Ago and now bleeding again, but this dark rusty color with small clots. I still have pelvic and vaginal pain off and on. At my recent postop appt my GYN said it looked to be healing well with no signs of infection etc., but couldn't explain why I was still having the pain, its a different type of pain I've ever felt and I'm a little scared. Any suggestions??
101
June
I have a conization december 1999 and I finally was able to deliver my son Oct 2011. I had 3 miscarriages before.
102
rebecca
Hello i am going to have surgey n a week are so. Does it mess up your sex drive.I am 29 years old and i am really worried about it all.
103
parmanand
hi, i am from India
my aunty. has undergone the HPE : CERVICAL BIOPSY.
in her report it says

GROSS: One GW irregular soft tissue piece 1.2 cm *1 cm *0.3 cm in size;AE.

MICRO : SECTIONS show features of moderately well differentiated nonkeratinizing large bell squamous cell carcinoma infiltrating the whole depth of the specimen.

DIAGNOSIS : MOD.WELL DIFFERENTIATED SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA.
and my question is that ,is my aunt is in the first stage ,can she be normal after treatment, plz help me regarding the treatment also.
104
jelavin
hi. happy to have found this site. i am scheduled for a ckc 25 april. i have a long struggle with hpv. started 10 years ago on the outside of my cervix. had a leep in 2000 results cin II and another one in 2008 results cin III. now, i need a conization because they found cells in the glands on the pap smear however, they couldn't see anything on the colposbopy. i am so afraid of the results. i am also afraid to be put to sleep.
I am due to have a cold knife cone done Tuesday, May 29...I am absolutely terrified because the doctor said it IS cancer, but then I read on here that this is jsut a test to SEE if it is cancer...I already hurt down there due to cysts on my ovaries, and have no children. Should I just go ahead and have a hysterectomy? I will admit, my husband and I have been together for 12 years and I have never once been pregnant, so is it a lost cause- me holding out in the hopes that I can get pregnant? Should I jsut go ahead and get it over with? I dont know what to do, and I need any advice please?
106
Val
I had my birth control recalled in February (and I had a colposcopy) and had to switch birth controls immediately. I then had a LEEP procedure done in early March 2012. It is now June 2nd, 2012. The procedure went fine and my 30 day check-up in April was fine and I was given an all clear to resume my normal life. I haven't had a period since my initial colposcopy in February. I took a pregnancy test in late February and it said negative. My doctor didn't seem concerned in April - he says the missing period is due to the switching of the birth controls. Everything I have read online seems to suggest that the switching b/c might delay it a few days, and that the other procedures might delay it a month or so...

I'm concerned, anyone have any idea if this is normal? I have another appointment in July but I'm not sure if I should wait until then.
107
ashley
i have to cold knife cone biospy tomorrow this will be my first surgery. as im reading these comments i am crying on and off and just have to reassure myself that everything is in Gods hands. im thankful to read the comments of the healthy pregnancies and my heart goes out to those that had miscarriages. i ll be 26 next month i want to get married one day aand have kids. im just going to keep the faith. and ready to get it over with. they say i cant be alone 24 hrs after urgery but i have no one to help care for me i hope i be ok at home alone. praY for me to find luv soon :) . i have had abnormal paaps since 2010. i had a copo in april and now i have to have this ckcb i thank you all that we found this website its helpful
108
ashley
hello again! i haad the cold knife june 4 2012. today is june 6. i go back to work today. i have been having cramps . thats the effect i have had. i have not seen any blood which is great! i woke up and didnt even remember being put to sleep! the anesthia wore off like 11 am i was home around 11 45 and up at 3 for my online class( i know i should have been resting) but i didnt get rest. i took some advil for the cramps i have my follow up appt june 18th i let let u know more when i have that!
i went to the doctor today for my 2 wk follow up. the doc. says everything is healing great and all the abnormal cervix was removed ! i still have heavy bleeding from time and then it stops, but he says that will stop soon. i m not soaking up pads or aanything like that. its not real real heavy but im just glad its over! :)
110
a mitchell
the guaze fell out on june 19 2012 and since then i have been bleeding heavy heavy. i went to the doc. monday he said the abnormal part of the cervix was removed successfully and i have another pap in oct. 2012. i just hope this bleeding stop soon cause i want to take trip end of july and these pads are costly? i didnt even go to bible study today cause the bleeding was so heavy like water coming out
111
Debbie G
I'm a 60 years old grandmother; 4 sons the youngest 32. No sex in over 10 years. I have paps every 2 - 3 years. My last one a month ago turned up some abnormalities (HPV) and my GP referred me to a GYN. Saw her last week had 3 biopsies in her office; results precancerous. I'm being scheduled for a cone biopsy and now I'm getting fearful. I'm going on vacation in a month and wonder should I schedule after my vacation considering the after affects of the surgery. I never associated HPV with someone my age; is this common with older people?
112
ashley
i was at work 6/26 and started to bleed very heeavliyu. i had on khaaki pants and blood came out like a glaaon of water. rushed to the bathroom then left work went to my dr he examined me and said the right side of my cervix wasnt healing liek the rest. i went to have another surgery that same day outpatient my dr did the cauterization procedure to stop the heavy bleeding. today is the 28th. i have had no bleeding sincee my throat just hurts bad from the tube they had down it while i was sleep. i may go back to work tomorrow. i ll keep u posted !
113
ashley mitchell
i still have been bleeding heavy. im scared dont know what to do i think i may need hysteromny
114
zee
I'm suppose to have the laser cone of cervix but after reading all these side effects I'm really nervous. I wasn't told about any of these symtons. I don't know what to do now,any suggestions?
115
Diane
Hello . I have been reading some of your posts and I can't believe some of the problems some of you women are having. I guess thats why they say everyone is different! I had my cold knife biopsy on july 26, 2012 I am 50 years old and went through menapause 4 years ago . Doc said everything looked good. I feel great no problems just a little staining. He said I had to wait 2 weeks to have sex! well I can't wait,but Im not going to lie im scared. Im not writing this to gloat about my good fortune of feeling good im writing this so if you need to get it done you need to get it done! your life does depend on it. So my question is has anyone had sex before the 2 weeks after surgery and was everything ok ?
116
Maria
I had my CKC last Aug 10 ..everything went well..:) my gynecologist called me up this morning and said..she got the results already..good news! abnormal cells are gone...all I have to do now is to get more rest bec of the anesthesia I still feel some muscle pain...anyways ibuprofen still helps!:) goodluck to all ladies who will undergo CKC..don't be afraid..
117
ashley mitchell
ok since my last post, everything has been well. i stopeed wearing pads a long time ago i went to the beach for my birthday july 228-29 hAD a blast. im so glad the bleeding is over i did have complications has u can see from previous posts, i kept you informed. right now my period is on, normal, im just glad to be normal again! i had my cold knife on june 4th and on october 18th i go have my 1st pap smear since surgery! i have faith it will be normal. i havent had intercourse since early april and dont plan on it for awhile. i feel great! i started back going to the gym the beginning of august no problems at all no bleeding
118
angie
I am 30yrs old having hpv/hsil cells in my pap. I have been booked for a cone biopsy but i have been posponding coz of fear and seeking sevond opinion though i am thinking to ho gor it
I hope all will come out as i was ecpecting to get pregnant but unfortunate i got the bad pap results !
119
BRENDA
Hi just done cone biopsy on 11/09/12 after finding out that I have CIN2 which dropped back to CIN1 my Dr did under anasthetic evryting went well, i only had minor crampsa,pains and spotting,At first I was afraid to go for biopsy but didnt have a choice as was also afraid that I might have cancer, thank GOD my results were negative bt has to go for Pap smear after 6 months and yearly after but Im great now
120
jen
my findings on my research really freaked the hell out of me that i might experience miscarrages..is there any1 who gave birth after cone biospy? because i want twins omg..
121
ashley mitchell
Ashley again... everything is just fine i had my 1st pap since the surgery my pap was 10/18/12 results were normal!!! I Thank God almighty!
122
CARLA
Does anyone know if you do not have insurance what I should expect to pay for the cold knife procedure?
123
ashley mitchell
hello again! everything is still fine since my1st pap smear after surgery. As far as sex is concerned, its been 9 months since i have done anything and dont plan on it until im serious/married to someone.my periods are normal, heavy bleeding stopped months ago and this will be my last comment on my cold knife journey. i had my complications in the beginning, but everything is fine now. and yes every body is different but talk to your doctor first to see which option works best for you.
124
jill
Hello Everyone! I had a cone done on February 14th. I told my doctor I would have settled for flowers instead... LOL. Anyhow I thought I would add my experience so far also as I have found this site very helpful. I was diagnosed with cinIII high displasia with a glandular extension/HPV. I was then given the cold knife cone biospy which I had mentioned, it has been 2 weeks already and I was doing well with no pain and very light brownish spotting. The only concern I had was some odor from the brown spotting but I was told it was normal. A couple days ago I started to have red blood spotting and a little heavier but not to bad then yesterday a nickel size piece of brown tissue came out in the toilet and today a golf ball size brown tissue piece ccasme out again while I was urinating into the toilet. I was freaked out! I then had some blood again dripping some and some bloody spotting. I called the doctor office and was told it was normal and to watch my bleeding or if I hasve pain then I have a problem which I do not have either of. Anyhow hoping this is normal and I've been trying to take it easy again. I may want another baby yet so I am hoping that I can carry a chile to term if I do decide to have another like others I have read on here have done. Best of luck to everyone!
125
Leigh
April 2 2013, I underwent a Curetage & Cold Knife endometrial biopsy. Its only been a wk, but I can not stress enough that when you Gyno tells you do not lift push or pull anything > greater than 10lbs, DON'T! Take it easy, get a trusted friend/partner/spouse to come hang out and help you in that first few days following surgery. Typically you may have either or both of the extras I did. Buy a thermometer if you don't have one before surgery, buy some Miralax or similar for the first few days to avoid constipation from anesthesia, narcotics administered and or your prescribed medication. Eat a little bit throughout the day, even when your not to hungry. Drink more than 8 glasses of water everyday, or vitamin water. I'd avoid sugar beverages including juices. Don't push during urination or a bowel movement. Don't push yourself, rest all the time with the exception of going to the bathroom. Try to avoid standing for long intervals, & walking for extended periods of time. Avoid stairs, seriously. Don't take showers, buy some wet wipes to bathe it may not be ideal but your health is far more important than straining yourself to shower with in the first wk. If you shower put a step stool in your shower and sit to shower and shower with luke warm water, no HOT showers. Try to eat softer foods and avoid foods that will cause flatulents. This is just for the 1st wk after your surgery.
This may sound like a lot, but if you relax listen to your Dr. Utilize these helpful tips you can and will heal faster, & avoid risky complications like; blood clots, torn stitches, infection, & prolonged unnecessary pain.
Take your temp often as often as you take your prescribed medications. Have some Benedryll on hand in case of allergy, or Ginger Root for nausea. Call your Dr if your fever exceeds 100.4, your in inadequate pain while taking your medication, persistent nausea/vomiting, unusual strainage, redness, or bleeding from the surgical site, itching or a rash, or inability to urinate. All within the first week mind you. If you can't get a hold of your Dr go to the ER don't wait!!
You may experience light bleeding by the 3rd day, especially when you urinate. You may see charcoal color tissue and may look like sand in your urine, its normal. Its the heavy red blood your wanting to avoid. You can see clotting and that can be both good and bad call your Dr. The clotting looks like thick gel like tissue and is full of blood.
I can't share enough how all this can really help you. I did a lot of research and asked my Gyno a lot of questions before I underwent this procedure.
I was diagnosed with CIN from an abnormal PAP. Within months it became CINIII. Within the end of the year it became apparent that my Colposcopy with EEC, & L.E.E.P. with EEC, were unsuccessful in removing the CINIII. I refused to have a hysterectomy as I am 34 and want children, I got another opinion which lead to finding a woman Gyno who had the experience and expertise to help me. I had this surgery, and she was able to successfully remove all the CINIII, the endometrial biopsy confirmed no invasive carcinoma. I was very lucky. This only happened because I was persistent, and didn't settle for just any procedure to happen. Its your body, you have the power and control to become educated and ask questions of your OBGYN. Get another opinion, seek out forums where women are talking about what your going through, including forums about Cervical Carcinoma. Its scary but the more you know the better informed you can be to talk with the right Dr. Don't give up. Never give up. I wish all who read this the best, I hope the information I have left here will help you. Not everyone will experience what I have, but my hope is that with what I leave it helps enough women get through this. :)
126
Amy
Meg #2. I also had a dark charcol looking discharge. I was trying to see if that was normal, but cannot find anywhere. It also smells really bad! Now after I void I get discharge that looks like snot with dark blood clots. Its all connected. I know gross. Sorry. I have already had other procedures and this is my last option before a hyst. Good luck!
127
tTammy
I am 53 years old and had an adnormal pap smear on 2/28. My Dr. Said mild dysplasia and made an appointment for an endoceruigal curettage. It came back mild dysplasi. I also tested negative for HIV. She wants me to have a cone biopsy. I don't think I should. I just want to get another lap smear in 6 months.
128
Leigh
Dark charcoal looking discharge is normal, even when it sticks to high heaven, even with big giant blood clots to follow, what it means your healing and the medicine they applied is working its way out. The clots are drips of blood seeping through between the stitches drying forming this blood sack then gravity does its thing n BAM. If they persist to a point where your just dropping them like bombs, call your DR. Go to the ER. I really can't believe how many women don't have adequate physicians to look after them and inform them about what to expect post surgery.
I posted in here not too long ago. I figured I'd come back and check in. April 2 2013 I had my surgery. I am a rare case apparently as I had 2 post surgery bleeding's. Those are complications from surgery. If you bleed through a peri-pad in less than an hr, hell in less than 30mins CALL YOUR DR and get to the ER right away!!! I feel genuinely lucky to have had such a thorough physician and nurses. I did bleed everyday for 3wks post surgery. I had a whole wk that I didn't, had a stitch fall out, and eventually I saw my Dr and she cut a few more. I've not been in major pain but as I listed above in what to do, really stick to it. The only pain I really had post surgery was when I tried to vacuum. Ladies that is a huge no no for a month. Yeah no joke. I was told I'd have a heavy period the following month after surgery, well, its not like it was pre surgery and definitely nothing like it was post.
I can not stress enough how important Pap Smears are no matter your age. Any stage of the cervical dysplasia isn't something to take lightly. I initially had mild that progressed in the course of a year to severe. Before my surgery, I was borderline stage 0 cervical cancer. My biopsy results came back that I did in fact have this dysplasia deep inside my cervix. Most of my cervix had to be removed, though the chances of me having children are now slim to none, I'm hoping those who read this share about it, share to every woman you know. Prevent it, get an annual Pap. Don't sit around and wait like I did. If you think I need a 2nd opinion get a 3rd. There are many ways to help get it under control before it comes to this surgery or a hysterectomy. But YOU have the power to either let it get you or you get it. Don't wait around for any length of time because you don't like what your OBGYN or general practitioner or Planned Parenthood Dr tells you. If your poor and have no insurance, go to the ER. But please don't wait, don't wait it out either. If you smoke like I did, quit! Get your health back its so important. Namaste.
Never give up, I'll keep checking back in. I'm no Dr, ok, but I have gone through this recently enough & had the best Dr's looking after me. I'm truly thankful, I want to give back this is how I can help do that.
I did a cone biopsy on the 24 July 13 am still in pains and bleeding and scared if this cone biopsy can affect my chances of getting a child, I am married women and do not have a child yet with my husband. anyone can help and answer me please
130
Leah
I may be a few years late on this thread but for the women out there that are searching for answers hopefully we can help eachother out. I'm 26 & just had a cone biopsy done this morning. I was most affraid to be put to sleep. That was the easiest part. When I woke up though I had severe cramps. My doctor said they took more than expected. I mean I don't take pain medication and was taking whatever they threw at me. The pains were like labor pains. And I felt the need to push. Anyhow all that has helped me is a heating pad which they do not recommend using if you are having heavy bleeding. As of now mine is very minimal. Now its a waiting game. What will the results say? Will I have clean margins? I know its silly to stress about something that has yet to happen and many others have had it much worse. I just married my highschool sweetheart in June. We have a 6 year old boy together already but want more. We were very young when we had him and have come a long way to be where we are today. He has worked hard, bought us a house to grow in and now I have to face the fact that I may not be able to give him the family we planned for? It just breaks my heart. Even if no one reads this it helps to express how I feel because as strong as I try to be for my family I am scared. If only more people spoke of HPV. I feel like its swept under the rug. They say now 80% of women in their life time will be diagnosed. Not everyone will reach the level we are at but still 80%!? Something has to be done for our daughters/future daughters :) I wish you all the best and would love to hear some success stories of this pricedure if anyone is willing to share.
131
Emma
I had an extensive loop cone done yesterday for severe CIN 3. I previously had loop diathermy for CIN 2 when i was 24years old. Sadly after several years of clear smears it came back as CIN 3. Not visible on colposcopy my gynaecologist reckons the CIN was hidden high up in my cervix possibly in the scar tissue of the original loop diathermy and has taken all this time to be found as it spreads so slowly. The first loop diathermy was done while I was awake and was a very undiginified painful experience. I was terrified yesterday but the extensive cone loop was a much better experience as I had a general anaesthetic. The initial bleeding has slowed right down and my cramps are being controlled well with pain relief. I am 40yrs old, have only ever had 4 partners, am HPV negative and yet feel terribly embarrassed to talk to anyone about what I am going through - my mothers is always saying women who get cervical cancer deserve to because they are promiscuous and so I have never shared my troubles with her or anyone other than my hysband as I am afraid that they will be as ignorant as my mother and judge me. I am now waiting for the results of my surgery to find out if 1) the tissue taken had clear margins and the surgeon got it all 2) any of the CIN had actually advanced on to cancer and what treatment i will need if it has. What ever happens I will never trust another clear smear test result and even though i HATE then i am now resigned to yearly smears for the rest of my life (in the UK women with normal smears are only recommended to have smears every 3years). I aim to give my daughter a lot better advice than my mother ever gave me and so releived she will get the HPV vaccine as part of the rouitine NHS vaccination programme. Good luck to everyone out there. Loop cone is not that bad at all and at least we are the lucky ones who are educated enough to take responsibility for our cervical health and be part of a medical system willing and able to help us.
132
belen
I have just had an Pat smear done 2 weeks ago and 3 days ago just got my biopsy donemy results for my biopsy was negative but my pap smear came back I have HPV positive is there still a risk I can get cervical cancer even though my biopsy came back negative please help me
133
Vivian
My doctor just called me that I have to do cone biopsy I'm so scared I read all the message here and I don't know if I wanna do it or not. Any opinion pls share
134
KK
Hi all! To those about to go get a cold knife cone - I promise you, the actual surgery is easy. They put you to sleep, you wake up, take painkillers for a few days and you're fine. You'll have some minimal discharge and bleeding, but as long as it's not yellow or green (infection), it's fine. Unfortunately, a week after my surgery i had a freak experience. Apparently my scab came off and ripped stitches with it. A week in, I started gushing HEAVY amounts of fresh red blood out of nowhere for several hours at the ER, until the took me to the OR and gave me new stitches & stopped the bleeding. Apparently my situation was VERY RARE. Only 2% of patients get such a reaction from the scab falling off (lucky me…). What I'm trying to say is, it's VERY RARE to have such complications. For the most part, your recovery will be smooth sailing. The surgery & drama after was worth it - I have clear margins!
135
Linda
I am a healthy 61 yr fit woman who had a cold knife conization procedure 2 1/2 weeks ago. The procedure was easy, no general anesthesia per my request, asked for propofol…worked great! No pain med necessary after, no pain, slight tinge of bleeding…so I traveled out of the country the following week. But a few days ago I smelled a foul odor that smells like "manure", and I have the slight tinge of bleeding and now a slight cramp at my cervix. In closer examination of myself (and to flush out the odor), I feel something up there that feels like a scab or a string hanging down about 1", but it is attached. I have NO fever and no yellow or green discharge. Does this sound like normal post op symptoms? I am on the opposite side of the world, and in a 3rd world country, so not confident in the Drs here. I have some antibiotics (Z pack) with me in case of emergency. Should I start taking them? I would appreciate any help I could get on here. Thanks!

And for women who are afraid to have this procedure, it is a very simple procedure, so don't be concerned. Don't let them administer a general anesthesia, and use Ibuprofen instead of pain meds, as they make you constipated, and drowsy for days post op, not to mention a sore throat from the tube going down your throat. Propofol is what they used for my colonoscopy, and it was great.
136
Linda
I am a healthy 61 yr fit woman who had a cold knife conization procedure 2 1/2 weeks ago. The procedure was easy, no general anesthesia per my request, asked for propofol…worked great! No pain med necessary after, no pain, slight tinge of bleeding…so I traveled out of the country the following week. But a few days ago I smelled a foul odor that smells like "manure", and I have the slight tinge of bleeding and now a slight cramp at my cervix. In closer examination of myself (and to flush out the odor), I feel something up there that feels like a scab or a string hanging down about 1", but it is attached. I have NO fever and no yellow or green discharge. Does this sound like normal post op symptoms? I am on the opposite side of the world, and in a 3rd world country, so not confident in the Drs here. I have some antibiotics (Z pack) with me in case of emergency. Should I start taking them? I would appreciate any help I could get on here. Thanks!

And for women who are afraid to have this procedure, it is a very simple procedure, so don't be concerned. Don't let them administer a general anesthesia, and use Ibuprofen instead of pain meds, as they make you constipated, and drowsy for days post op, not to mention a sore throat from the tube going down your throat. Propofol is what they used for my colonoscopy, and it was great.
137
Skylar
Hello,
I had a cone biopsy done early this month after diagnosed with CIN III. The operation went well as far as my doctor says. I experienced horrible cramps for the first week but I was given Tylenol with cod so most of the time I was a little loopy. The worst thing for me I guess was being constipated the whole time. Remedy, prunes and stool softener. It has been 3weeks now and I'm still too scared to have intercourse, I just imagine that piece missing and I don't want to get it infected.

To Linda, I would advise you to go to the emergency room or back to the doctor that did your procedure because a foul odor is a sign of infection. I was given a check list after my surgery and that is a problem. As for the string you feel, it maybe stitches so I wouldn't pull it. My honest opinion is I think you need to go to the doctors.
138
Alma
Hi , im 23 i just had my cone biopsy last 10/31/14 the procedure was fine i just had the local anesthesia and some pain killers bfore and after the procedure. I dont felt crampy after the procedure and i only have a very small brown blood spoting but with a weird smell i dont know if it is normal or not and is cone biopsy can delayed the menstruation or not ? Coz i am doubting also if i am pregnat coz i had unsafety sex with my boyfriend a week before the procedure.
Tanx!
139
Stacey
So I'm 40yrs and schedule for my cold knife Dec 10th. I am just thinking positive about it and feel everything will go fine. I have CIN3 and definitely have heavy bleeding during periods, with lots of pain. I also have cysts on cervix. During my cold knife I will also be getting a fibroid removed. I think as long as we stay positive and do not think negative thoughts everything will be ok. Talk to you all soon ;)
140
valjean jackson
Hi I am 65yrs old and hadthe cone biopsy on the 15th of 2014 the operation was not bad dont be afraid trust God he will be with you.I dont know my results yet but I am not worried because I trust God.And so should you God Bless each one of you.
141
monicca
I have skip a month of my period and now I am bleeding for 3 weeks.is it going to stop?
142
Nanaj
I'm 65,had the cone biopsy and D&C 9 days ago. Had Propofol anesthesia, had no issues, woke right up, walked out of surgery center, no cramps, no pain, nothing, also very little spotting. Today, 9 days later, panties felt damp, checked and was covered in bright red blood. Put on a pad and very little since. Is this normal, seems I read somewhere it could be 10-11 days later and have bleeding, but that was on a post for people who had experienced miscarriage.
143
DanaM
I was diagnosed with high-risk HPV while pregnant with my son in 2012. The doctor also said I carried a gene that would make it very difficult for me to fight off the virus, and so I knew it was only a matter of time before it evolved into cancer.

The waiting can drive you so nuts that you start to wonder if you should have a hysterectomy just not to go through the anxiety of testing every 3-6 months. I'm glad now that I didn't ask for one - if you are going for regular paps and seeing a gynecologist who specializes in oncology, you can trust that they will generally find the bad cells before things get too bad.

I was diagnosed with high grade lesions in March, then kept missing my appointment three months later for the punch biopsy. I finally got in this September (8 months later), and they found CIN3 and atypical glandular cells. What did this mean??? They had initially scheduled a LEEP but with the AGS decided that a cold knife biopsy would be a better route to see what was really going on inside of me. For three weeks I was nauseous, imagining the worst, and praying. I drove my family nuts. I drove a friend who is a gynecologist nuts - she told me that less than .01% (like 1 in 1000)of women with HPV get AGS that become adenicarcinoma, and even fewer of those develop an invasive cancer that leads to death.

Then there's the fact that my ECC and pap smear conflicted - it's like you can't trust the tests, and start to go crazy wondering what is really happening. Did the doctors miss something?

I had the cone knife on Monday and the doctor called and said the pathology report came back good. From the research I've read on line, it looks like the majority of women are cured through a cone biopsy (or a repeat cone) - hysterectomy is no more successful in preventing the cancer than a cone biopsy, and should only be used in advanced invasive stages from what I can see in the scholarly research.

It means that we have to stick to those 4 times a year tests and hope the cells don't return, or that they get caught and removed before they become dangerous. It puts us in quite a psychological predicament of always worrying, but I'm still young and may want more kids, so the thought of removing my uterus (aside from the longer recovery and other complications) is an equally upsetting idea. For now, I can ignore that possibility.

Post-procedure: It feels like the beginning of labor cramping with a lot of pressure on my anus as well. I didn't have a lot of bleeding or discharge the first three days, but I have felt a lot of aches and pains and somewhat flu-like symptoms with nausea and light fever...apparently normal symptoms of general anesthesia. Definitely I'd recommend if you could stay home for 3-5 days and pamper yourself, do it. You will feel very tired, and while I went back to work the next day, I can say that I wish I'd had a few days to stay in bed and recover.
144
Rina
I had my cone biopsy in 2007 at my 6 week check-up after giving birth to my first child. 2 kids later only one was 3 weeks premature. So to mummies who worries about pregnancy you will be fine. I have been going for yearly check-ups (pap smear x 2) and was still clear last year and put onto a pap smear every two years. The problem is I still bleed when having intercourse. The only style I do not bleed is missionary. Anyone else with that problem? I went to a dr. who specialises in womans' parts and he said it's normal my cervix is still weak from the op, But 8 years later? As you can understand it influences our sex life tremendously and wondering how long this will carry on. Anyone else who has experienced the same thing?
145
Misty
I had cold knife cone biopsy done 7 days ago after being diagnosed with carcinoma in situ CIN lll. My biggest mistake was watching a video on youtube of the procedure being done on someone else. I'm so glad I did not watch that video before the procedure, or I may not have had it done. I was traumatized after that. But all in all I know the surgery is there to help me save my life. I have only had mild bleeding the dark brown kind like my doctor said, and a foul odor that is beginning to cause concern. My doctor did in fact tell me that there would be vaginal odor, but after reading some forums, I learned that it could also possibly be infection 2. I'm not ready to call my doctor just yet because the infection has to have fever and green or yellow discharge along with it. If the smell doesn't get any better in the next few days I will be calling my doctor. Other than that mild cramping, so far everything that is happening my doctor told me would happen. So I trust him good luck to all you women
146
Misty
Ok I have had a cold cone oscopy done in 2012 and now I have cancer cells again. My question is if I have had one done aready, can i get another done or does it have to be a hysterectomy?
147
Donna
I had a cold cone d&c procedure three weeks ago other than mild cramping things seem fine. I am 58 years old my dr called me and said I need to have six weeks of radiation five days week. I really don't want the symptoms of these procedures. I asked my dr why I can't have a hysterectomy remove the cervix and uterus . She said that is not how cervical cancer is treated. She said I am a stage 2. I don't understand this why isn't removing the cervix a way to get rid of the cancer? I guess I'm stupid.
148
Charlene
Hi

I had a cone biopsy almost 2months back but now after the surgery every time i have intercourse my boyfriend complains about something scratching him is this normal or what can it be i am freaking out
149
Liz
I just want to give a huge thanks to Ashlee Mitchell, you are one of the only ladies on here that I've noticed continued to post throughout your entire "journey" as you put it. I too am going through this nightmare and your posts alone have raised my spirits and hopes, so thank you!!! I too believe all is in Gods hands and all will be fine for me as well. I am sorry for your earily yet lengthy complications and super happy all ended so well for you. This is many years after your initial posts so I pray all is still 100% perfect for you! Again, thank you, I would not have posted had it not been for the inspiration you gave me... :-)
I had a cone biopsy 2mos ago and when I have sex am still bleeding.Is that bad ?Am having a hysterectomy soon will the bleeding mess that up.?I feel fine.Just worried.Will Dr be up set because am having sex before the operation.
So far this has been a 12-year Journey. As always it starts out with bad pap mine came back as just mild dysplasia. Whaited for 4 years, yes very stupid second Pap came back cnn1. didn't seem to learn my lesson the first time and now the true hell has begun. Two months ago Pap came back CNN two cnn3 and Stage 0 carcinoma. I did my in office biopsies, received the call less than a week later that I was to get a cone biopsy went in and had it done. Suffered a great deal ended up back in the hospital with an infection and all in the end she removed most of my cervix but could not get all of the cells. Next is my wonderful hysterectomy, and it's my fault I have no one to blame but myself. The radical hysterectomy goes far beyond the norm. As I allowed things to spread. My advice to any of you, do what you're told regardless of your fear. You only get one life, one chance to get it right. I have no guarantees that this will work if it doesn't then chemo or radiation or both is next. I could have avoided this 52 years old and I had a chance. Take care of your body ladies I can't regret regret what I did not do more.
152
Zanna
I'm going in for a cone biopsy and D&C next week and I'm feeling pretty nervous. I had a high grade abnormal pap, but I'm HPV negative. The colposcopy came back looking good and I also had an endometrial biopsy that came back normal. Has anyone else had HGSIL and also been HPV negative? My doctor seems to be confused by it but is recommending the cold cone as it is the normal course of action. I'm 52.
153
tshepi
i have done cone bisopy on the 07.10.19 and still bleeding and have a pain under my right side stomach why?
I am 40 yrs old. I had a come biopsy on 10/16. It’s been almost a month now. I was tired & uncomfortable the first day home. Went back to work 2 days later. I pick up heavy stuff at work. But no one told me otherwise. I didn’t know I had stitches or packing til my nurse called the next day to check on me. I was fine and I guess a week into healing I started having this really nasty fart charcoal looking discharge. Horrible and smelled bad too. I went to the dr 2 weeks after my surgery. Showed her what the discharge looked like from a pic I took wit my phone. She was like oh no that’s a lot. The dr checked me n said all was fine and it was just medicine they put on u during surgery. But still no idea or word on how long that would last. Now almost a month later I was at work n felt something “gush” out of me. I go to restroom n it’s blood. A lot of it. So I have been bleeding now for I guess about 4 or 5 days. I assumed it should be getting better. But it seems like it’s worst. Just feel so drained and really crampy like a bad period cramp. How long should I be bleeding? How long will it take to stop bleeding or discharge?? Please help. How would I know if it’s something wrong??
Anybody home? :)

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