Question:
i got a copy of my pathology reports from my LEEP i had a month ago but i dont understand a word they are saying! can anyone explain what this means in "real people" terms??
"1) the sections of the anterior "LEEP" biopsy show dysplastic squamous changes consistent with HSIL but with extension into glands and stromal invasion to a depth of 1.2mm indicative of microinvasive carcinoma. Dysplasic changes do not reach the resection margins of the tissue. Extensive chrinic inflamation is present.
2) the sections of the posterior "LEEP" biopsy show severe dysplasia of squamous epithelium consistent with HSIL but with extension into glands and stromal invasion to a depth of 1mm morphologically indicative of microinvasive carcinoma. Dysplasic changes extend to the endocervical margin of the tissue. there is extensive chronic inflamation."
i just dont get why there are two descriptions that are almost the same, but a little different. and one seems to say that my margins are clear, while the other seems to say that they are not? please help me better understand what it means!
Answer:
hi tealdreams, I'll see if I can help a little. I don't have extensive knowledge of pathology and it is always best to discuss with your doctor and ask your questions to him/her.
this is what I am reading from what you posted. BTW, did you have two passes made with the LEEP tool? I am just wondering because one is anterior and one is posterior. The anterior section is showing clear margins and the posterior is showing cell changes to the margins. Because it is done with the LEEP, there is a cauterization effect which means they cannot accurately assess whether they got it all or not (hence the reason you went for the cone yesterday). The glandular extension...I posted about that the other day - I had that as well, my gyn assured me it didn't mean adenocarcinoma, he said it was indicative of all cell layers being involved with the dysplastic changes. The posterior one...I would ask your doc about the dysplastic changes extend to endocervical margin...I think this means pre-cancerous, I believe they would have identified if the invasion went to the margins, you know what I mean?
The extensive chronic inflammation...I had that as well and was told it was because of the presence of the dysplasia and microinvasion, which does make sense because you would think the surrounding tissue would be irritated or inflamed from the whole abnormal cell growth process.
I have my fingers crossed for clear results from your cone, tealdreams. Let me know if you need anything.
Karen
Answer:
thanks so much Karen. i really appreciate all your support! and yes, there were two swipes done with the LEEP. when the doctor went in to do the LEEP he noticed that the inflamed area looked larger and decided to take a little more out to try to get it all...obviously it had spread more than he thought.
im sure the margins meant that it was pre-cancerous also, since he didnt mention that it went all the way to the sides.
i talked to him a little bit after my cone biopsy, but i was still a litte out of it. i think he said that it looked like they got it all, but i wont go by that until my results come back!
im feeling normal again now. i was getting weak and tired quickly for a few days after my cone, but im back to wearing skirts instead of stretchy pants!