endometrial hyperplasia - please help!

NurseBunny · 02-25-2005, 01:32 AM

I'm finding conflicting articles about this. When my doctor did my biopsy, he said I have hyperplasia, and he knew this just by looking at the sample. I assumed hyperplasia was something all women with PCOS have because we don't shed our lining monthly like "normal" people. But the more than I read, does he mean that I actually have a precancerous condition? I'm confused. I did a search on here, and I see people talking about D&C's and hysterectomy... I hope it doesn't have to go that far! Will I be referred to an oncologist? Is this something serious, as in.. should I be worried? I guess I am waiting on the pathology report to see if it's cancerous, but does hyperplasia mean the same thing as precancerous, or is some hyperplasia benign? I seriously just thought he meant I had thick lining because I have PCOS. I can't find a straight answer. My appointment to go over the results isn't until the 4th, and that's a long wait when you're worried. Can anybody help?

~Nicole~ · 02-25-2005, 01:17 PM

Nursebunny,

I am gald you posted this. I am concerned about the same thing. I know that my lining is thick and that not shedding the lining atleast every 3 months can lead to endometrial cancer. I THINK anyway.

Ladies, does anyone know?

Nicole

tlcur107 · 02-25-2005, 03:07 PM

I have complex hyperplasia with atypia, which is pre-cancerous. I was really freaked out when I check on-line for info on it. Yes, some people do have to have a hysterectomy for it, but that is the very last step if nothing else works, so don't freak out about it. My doc put my on Provera to cause the shedding, and I'll have to have a D&C. So yes, it is pre-cancerous, but there are many things that can be done to help take care of it. Try not to worry too much, but also be sure to take care of yourself and listen to your doc. HTH. I'm here if you ever have any more questions!

NurseBunny · 02-25-2005, 03:41 PM

I'm just petrified because I have all the symptoms of endometrial cancer. When I looked up symptoms, it states, "unexpected weight loss -- this occurs once the cancer has spread to other organs." This would explain why I've lost 20 pounds in the last 18 months. (I currently weigh 95 pounds, and I'm 5' 6".) I've done nothing to try to lose the weight, haven't been on any meds whatsoever. I wouldn't be so worried if I just had a few symptoms, but I have every...single...one.

Like the past several months, I have been bleeding in between periods. And my periods aren't even normal. They start out pink, then turn red to brown, and they're very light...almost like spotting. (TMI, sorry.) I thought it was just from having PCOS -- being irregular, but I kept telling my GYN that it was unusual for me. She didn't see any reason for concern. I finally saw a RE, and he's the one who caught the hyperplasia on my biopsy, and suggested the possibility of cancer with all those symptoms and a family history.

Do you also have swollen glands in your groin with this? I do, only they're not tender. Just painless hard lumps on both sides. I always thought it just went along with polycystic ovaries...but now I'm wondering if it's something more.

Also I read that if your endometrium measures greater than 4mm thick, it's probable cancer and requires a D&C. Mine measured 8mm the last time they checked, which was months ago...and I haven't shed much since then, so it's probably only getting worse.

I'm seeing my family doctor today, hoping he can give me some other reason for the enlarged lymph nodes. I noticed on my lab work that my lymphocytes were out of whack too. Last time they were too low, this time they were too high.

I am worrying myself sick. I guess being a nurse and knowing the implications of it all makes it 10 times worse.

tlcur107 · 02-26-2005, 12:20 PM

I completely understand why you'd be so scared about it. It is a very scary thing. Just try not to worry yourself sick about it.

I don't have the swollen glands, but I do have the weird AF. Mine is pretty close to non-existent. Just try not to scare yourself too much over it, and please let me know what happens.

Just take care of yourself!

dearheart · 02-26-2005, 06:31 PM

Hi there,

I was dx with hyperplasia also. But mine was simple hyperplasia so it was not considered pre-cancerous. When I first started to research hyperplasia I got real scared, but then finally found a site that had more detail. Not all hperplasia is considered pre-cancerous. My Dr. put me on progensterone for three months to do a psuedo-menopause to dry out the lining. It worked. After three months the biopsy came back all clear. Definitely get more details from your doctor regarding this condition. HTH

seeker1 · 05-12-2008, 08:47 PM

i have been just told that i have hyperplasia and its making my life very hard. I have not had a period since August of 2007. my doctor put me on provera its not working i am in so much pain that its causing me to miss work and i never miss work. What can i do should i keep taking the provera or should i ask my doctor for a d&c to relieve some of the pressure. HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!

seeker1 · 05-13-2008, 06:29 PM

i am concerned about the same thing just dx 3 weeks ago. I haven't had a priod since August of 2007 and the pain is really bad the doc put me on provera its not working.What should I do next?

dearheart · 05-15-2008, 11:24 PM

Seeker1 - i would definitely get another dr appt and be aggressive with your treatment. Insist they find a solution for you. This is not something to wait around on. I hope this resolves soon for you. All the best.

Amity79 · 05-16-2008, 03:53 PM

I just had a D&C last week after a month long very heavy and clotty period after starting YAZ, when I went to the Doc the us showed polyps and my lining was 38mm! I didn't thing of that as too big until he said 4mm was normal...and everything I have read on endo cancer NO ONE had a lining anywhere near that thick. So, now I have big time 'cancerhead' freaking out until my follow-up next week.

seeker1 · 05-16-2008, 04:21 PM

dearheart thank you for your advice i have held out a slong as i could and i dont know what else to do about this problem. I have been in so much pain for months that i think thAT THE D&C might be the next step to helping me because the provera is not.WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Tera · 05-24-2008, 07:58 AM

Hi, I was dx with hyperplasia last week. My dr. did an ultrasound of my uterus/ovaries and said he hasn't ever seen anyone with uterine lining that thick as mine. He sucked some tissue out with a straw thing and sent if off to be tested for cancer. It came back pre-cancerous. He put me on Norethindrone 5MG twice a day for 14 days. He said it's a lot stronger than Provera and it will make me have the heaviest period I have ever had. But he said since he caught it while it was pre-cancerous then it's nothing to worry about. He said by me taking that med and having a heavy period should get rid of all the pre cancerous cells and he is going to monitor me closely for a long time. So we'll see what he says after my appt. I go back on June 11th.

crunchymama · 05-25-2008, 12:35 AM

I was dx with hyperplasia in march. I still havent done anything because I am so confused! See my post at

My Ultrasound Results!!!???

Also how do you know if you have simple hyperplasia or hyperplasia with atipia?

Amity79 · 05-25-2008, 06:36 PM

I just found out thursday that the pathology came back with it as endo hyperplasia WITH atypia and have sent it to MD Anderson for a second opinion. I am a bit freaked out.

I have been reading about this and it looks like about 30-45% of these dx's end up being cancer already after a hysterectomy and biopsy of the uterus. I would rather take it out now, rather than risk a more invasive surgury and possible chemo and radiation later...but then i am not interested in preserving my fertility.

dearheart · 05-29-2008, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seeker1

dearheart thank you for your advice i have held out a slong as i could and i dont know what else to do about this problem. I have been in so much pain for months that i think thAT THE D&C might be the next step to helping me because the provera is not.WHAT DO YOU THINK?

I had a D&C and that stopped the bleeding. I think it is something to consider. You don't want that lining building up. Blessings on you. I know this is a scary place to be in.