How to Minimize Pain During Core Needle Biopsy for Breast Cancer
There are multiple key factors that influence the amount of pain during a core needle biopsy when breast cancer is suspected. (more…)
Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Having a LEEP
Facing a LEEP procedure can have some women quite unsettled, but if you arm yourself with the right questions to ask your doctor, you’ll feel more in control and less nervous. (more…)
How Long Does It Take for CIN 3 to Become Cancer?
It takes a lot longer than you think for CIN 3 to undergo a transformation to cancer if left untreated.
If you’ve been diagnosed with CIN 3, there is no reason to panic and fear for your life.
Of course, this high grade level of cervical dysplasia is nothing to sweep under the rug, either.
CIN stands for cervical intraepithelial neoplasm.
Time It Takes CIN 3 to Become Cervical Cancer
There are only estimates in how long it takes CIN 3 to eventually transform into an invasive cancer if left untreated.
A specific timeline is not known, says Mylaine Riobe, MD, founder of Riobe Institute of Integrative Medicine. Dr. Riobe, board certified in OB/GYN and integrative medicine, is the author of “The Answer to Cancer.”
“Generally speaking, it’s a slowly progressing process,” continues Dr. Riobe.
“Studies to determine this are not allowed due to ethics around allowing an invasive cancer to progress from a noninvasive condition.
“CIN 3 is treated as soon as detected, and conservative management is not appropriate, so it would be extremely difficult to find out the time of progression.”
The estimation ranges from 10 years (12 out of 100 women) to 30 years (50+ out of 100 women).
So if you’re diagnosed with CIN 3 and don’t have it treated, there’s a very small chance it will take about 10 years’ time to turn into cancer.
However, in no way does this mean to take such a diagnosis lightly. Don’t panic, but don’t turn your nose up at it, either.
“Given that cervical cancer was the most common cause of GYN cancer deaths prior to the development of the Pap smear, conservative management is not appropriate in the case of CIN 3,” says Dr. Riobe.
If you’re diagnosed with CIN 3, it’s best you discuss treatment options with your gynecologist.
Do not do nothing; it needs treatment. But definitely do not lose sleep and worry about dying, either. And if you smoke, QUIT.
Dr. Riobe has helped thousands of patients overcome difficult illnesses by addressing root causes, not just masking symptoms. The Riobe Method focuses on the prevention of disease, not the prevention of death from disease. She has 20+ years’ experience using integrative techniques to treat diverse patients.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0072440/#i2109.frueherkennung-gm.developmentofdysplas
Can CIN 1 (Mild Cervical Dysplasia) Go Away on Its Own?
CIN 1 will go away on its own in most women diagnosed with this, but there is a small percentage of unlucky women whose CIN 1 will progress to a higher grade.
“Yes, CIN 1 may resolve spontaneously in 50 percent of cases in immunocompetent women,” says Mylaine Riobe, MD, founder of Riobe Institute of Integrative Medicine. Dr. Riobe, board certified in OB/GYN and integrative medicine, is the author of “The Answer to Cancer.”
Dr. Riobe continues, “Patients who are immunocompromised are less likely to have resolution.
“Cigarette smokers are also less likely to have resolution of CIN 1 without intervention due to the negative impact of cigarettes on immunity.”
Two studies show interesting percentages of resolution: One shows 75 percent — but it was a very small study — and a much larger study shows about 30 percent.
First Study: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (August 1999)
A study led by Randall K. Falls, MD, wanted to evaluate spontaneous disappearance of CIN 1 (low grade dysplasia) among patients of a private practice.
Shutterstock/Iryna Inshyna
• 100 patients with CIN 1 were offered either repeat Paps every three months for a year or actual treatment.
• 89 percent of the patients underwent the serial Paps.
• Of those 89, spontaneous resolution of CIN 1 occurred in 67, based on two consecutive Pap smears after the original (low grade) smear. Colposcopy confirmed resolution.
• At the one year mark, 17 women, whose smears did not show that their original CIN 1 had gone away, were treated for “persistent atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions” via a loop electrosurgical conization.
Of those 17 patients…
• One had CIN 2.
• Four had progression before one year.
Study Conclusion
Because CIN 1 has a high rate of going away on its own, the paper states that serial Pap smears is “safe” in a “reliable patient population.”
What About a Larger Population Study?
The May/June 2008 issue of Anticancer Research has a very interesting report. The study authors wanted to assess the natural history of low grade dysplasia.
The patients had been referred for colposcopy from January 1996 – July 2005: 1,001 women with CIN 1.
• After six months, 330 patients’ CIN 1 had disappeared.
• 305 patients still had the low grade dysplasia.
• 45 had a progressed pathology.
At 12 Months…
• Of the 330 whose CIN 1 had gone away, 200 remained negative; 42 had a recurrence of their low grade dysplasia; and nine actually progressed to a higher grade.
• Let’s back up: For nine women whose CIN 1 was gone at the six month mark, the dysplasia was back after 12 months – but worse.
• Of the 305 women who, after six months still had CIN 1, 131 were negative at the 12 month mark; 121 still had CIN 1; and 10 had gone to a higher grade.
Study Conclusion
The conclusion of Nisha Bansal, MD’s study is that there’s “a low rate of progression for CIN 1, suggesting it may be reasonable to prolong the screening interval in women with CIN 1.”
Dr. Riobe has helped thousands of patients overcome difficult illnesses by addressing root causes, not just masking symptoms. The Riobe Method focuses on the prevention of disease, not the prevention of death from disease. She has 20+ years’ experience using integrative techniques to treat diverse patients.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Shutterstock/Rocketclips, Inc.
Sources:
sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000293789970548X
ar.iiarjournals.org/content/28/3B/1763.short
Can Breast Cancer Cause a Bruise-Like Area on the Skin?
An especially aggressive form of breast cancer can cause the appearance of bruising on the breasts.
So how do you tell the difference between the bruise-like area of this kind of cancer and that of a benign bruise from skin trauma?
“This sign tends to happen in a less common and aggressive forms of cancer called inflammatory breast cancer, and the skin change is caused by the tumor cells blocking proper lymphatic drainage in the skin,” explains Mylaine Riobe, MD, founder of Riobe Institute of Integrative Medicine.
Dr. Riobe, board certified in OB/GYN and integrative medicine, is the author of “The Answer to Cancer.”
“It can also make the skin appear like an orange peel and this is called “peau d’orange,’” says Dr. Riobe.
A bruise from skin trauma (e.g., bumping into something, getting bumped into, impact from a ball, child’s playful hand, or adult hand in a karate class) follows a predictable course.
The skin that covers the breasts is no different than the skin that, say, covers your legs.
A bruise on your breast from an external source will progress and appear the same as bruises on your legs, butt or arm.
Bruising from External Trauma
- 0-2 days: pinkish or “red”
- 2-5 days: blue and/or purple
- 5-7 days: green
- 7-10 days: yellow
Normal bruise. Shutterstock/Stephane Bidouze
It can take about two weeks for a typical bruise to vanish, though big “ugly” ones from more forceful trauma will take longer – but they’ll still follow a predictable course.
Inflammatory breast cancer affects one percent of all BC cases in the U.S. yearly. This means about 2,300 new cases/year, making it a rare disease.
Bruise of Inflammatory Breast Cancer vs. Benign Bruise
Inflammatory breast cancer can visibly progress over a matter of days, even hours.
It’s not likely that a bruise on your breast that’s progressing according to the color guide above is a sign of IBC.
The bruise as the only symptom – over a period of time – is a reassuring sign, but keep an eye on it to see if it does – or doesn’t – follow the color progression of a harmless bruise.
If it’s still there after two weeks and doesn’t seem to be following the color progression, AND if it’s gotten bigger for no apparent reason, see a doctor.
Other Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer
• Redness covering a large surface area of the breast; may come and go.
• Swelling, which may involve only part of the breast.
• Unusual warmth, aching or tenderness.
• Appearance of hives, welts or bug bites.
• Unusual inversion or flattening of the nipple.
• Any other frightening (usually sudden onset) appearance of the skin, including a surface that resembles an orange peel.
Trust your gut if you begin feeling uneasy at what you’re seeing. It’s reassuring if you recall a recent collision of something with your breast.
Keep a close eye on any new bruise for suspicious changes.
Inflammatory breast cancer is sometimes misdiagnosed as eczema!
Get a second opinion if this is your diagnosis and your gut is doubtful.
Dr. Riobe has helped thousands of patients overcome difficult illnesses by addressing root causes, not just masking symptoms. The Riobe Method focuses on the prevention of disease, not the prevention of death from disease. She has 20+ years’ experience using integrative techniques to treat diverse patients.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Shutterstock/Olympus Digital Camera
Can a Dermoid Cyst in the Ovary Ever Turn into Cancer?
In a very small percentage of cases, a dermoid cyst in the ovary can turn into cancer.
This isn’t the same as CAUSE cancer; it actually becomes cancer.
What exactly is a dermoid cyst?
“Derm” refers to skin. A dermoid cyst, then, typically contains skin related tissue such as flesh, hair follicles, sweat glands and sometimes hair.
They may also contain fat, bone, cartilage and even teeth tissue.
Another name for a dermoid cyst is mature cystic teratoma (MCT). These benign tumors originate from the three germ cell layers that give rise to different types of tissue.
Usually, dermoid cysts are found by accident when a woman’s pelvis is being imaged for something unrelated. However, these teratomas can also cause abdominal or pelvic pain.
Dermoid Ovarian Cysts Can Turn into Cancer
The transformation is not overnight. These benign tumors actually grow about one to two millimeters per year.
Rate of Malignant Transformation of an Ovarian Dermoid Cyst
“Malignant transformation of a benign teratoma is rare – one to three percent of all mature cystic teratomas,” says Mylaine Riobe, MD, founder of Riobe Institute of Integrative Medicine. Dr. Riobe, board certified in OB/GYN and integrative medicine, is the author of “The Answer to Cancer.”
Another type, called struma ovarii, has a cancer transformation rate of 0.3 to 10 percent. However, this variant comprises 2.7 percent of all ovarian dermoid cysts.
“The most common tissue in a cystic teratoma to transform is squamous cell tissue,” says Dr. Riobe.
“Tumor markers may detect this type of transformation preoperatively, but it’s usually made on pathological diagnosis.”
Other cancer types recorded include basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, adenocarcinoma and sarcoma.
If you’re told that you have a dermoid cyst in your ovary, do not panic and think, “It’s going to turn into cancer; get it out of me!” Especially if you’re premenopausal.
Depending on the size, the only treatment is surveillance. It can take 15 to 20 years for a malignant transformation to occur from the time of discovery in younger women.
When an ovarian dermoid cyst transforms into cancer, the patient is typically postmenopausal.
It’s believed that cancerous transformation is associated with prolonged exposure to carcinogens in the pelvic cavity – hence why few malignant transformations occur in young women.
It’s difficult to determine with imaging if a suspicious mass is a malignantly transformed dermoid cyst. A definitive diagnosis is done post-surgical removal.
Signs that are highly suspect for cancer:
• Nodular, papillary or cauliflower shaped growths that protrude into the cyst cavity
• Nodules or plaques within cyst walls
• Adhesion to pelvic wall
• Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
• Dead tissue in the cyst
• Bleeding in the cyst
Risk Factors for Dermoid Ovarian Cyst Turning into Cancer
“Advanced age (postmenopausal), elevated tumor markers [CA-125], large solid tumor on the ovary,” says Dr. Riobe.
Fear of Dermoid Cyst in Ovary Becoming Cancer
• Get yearly ultrasounds.
• Don’t smoke; smoking exposes the pelvic cavity to carcinogens.
Dr. Riobe has helped thousands of patients overcome difficult illnesses by addressing root causes, not just masking symptoms. The Riobe Method focuses on the prevention of disease, not the prevention of death from disease. She has 20+ years’ experience using integrative techniques to treat diverse patients.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Shutterstock/Rocketclips, Inc.
Sources
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4663225/
radiopaedia.org/articles/mature-cystic-ovarian-teratoma#nav_epidemiology
Sweating Only Behind Knees Overnight During Peri or Menopause
Are you in perimenopause, menopause or post-meno and suffer from excess sweating ONLY behind your knees overnight?
You frequently awaken in the middle of the night to find that behind your knees is warm and very clammy from excess sweat, but oddly, you’re not sweating much elsewhere. (more…)
What Does Discharge from Bacterial Vaginosis Look Like?
Bacterial vaginosis often causes vaginal discharge that typically has a certain appearance.
“Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a gynecologic infection that is due to a change in normal vaginal flora that results in a higher level of bacteria than is normally seen,” explains Hilary Morgan, PhD, CNM, Jacksonville University, Director, Nursing Doctoral Program.
“These physiological changes may or may not be bothersome to the woman,” continues Dr. Morgan.
“Many women will complain of both a vaginal discharge and odor.”
Appearance of Vaginal Discharge from BV
“The color of the discharge may be off-white or grey,” says Dr. Morgan. “It is generally reported as thin and homogenous.”
Being white, off-white, greyish-white or a very light grey are the typical possible colors of discharge from bacterial vaginosis.
It’s never thick, clumpy or appearing mixed with other textures or colors (heterogeneous).
It does not have the consistency of egg whites nor can be described as “mucusy.”
Webmd.com states that “Some women describe the discharge as ‘yellow.”
Mayoclinic.com says, “Thin, gray, white or green vaginal discharge.”
Additional Features of Vaginal Discharge from BV
Uptodate.com states “…vaginal discharge that is more noticeable after sexual intercourse.”
Patient.info.com says that “The discharge tends to be heaviest just after a period, or after sex.”
The most notable feature of the vaginal discharge from bacterial vaginosis is the smell.
Dr. Morgan says, “Women may report a fishy odor that is more noted after intercourse or during their menstrual cycle. Rarely does BV alone cause any vaginal irritation or burning.”
The odor has also been described as just a general foul or stale mustiness.
Bare in mind that BV doesn’t necessarily produce any symptoms at all.
Dr. Morgan’s interests include women’s health. She is a retired Navy Nurse Corp Captain.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Freepik.com
Sources:
webmd.com/sexual-conditions/tc/bacterial-vaginosis-symptoms
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/dxc-20198414
uptodate.com/contents/bacterial-vaginosis-beyond-the-basics
patient.info/health/bacterial-vaginosis-leaflet/symptoms
medicinenet.com/bacterial_vaginosis_causes_symptoms_treatment/article.htm
What Makes Pap Smear Return to Normal after Being Abnormal?
An abnormal Pap smear can return to normal on the next test in many cases. (more…)
What’s this Black Stuff in My Cat’s Smelly Ear?
That black gunky stuff in your cat’s stinky ear should never be ignored.
A buildup of black “stuff” in a cat’s ear needs immediate medical attention – because most likely, it’s being caused by bugs – as in very tiny mites – tons of them.
Cancer
However, what appears to be black “stuff” in a cat’s ear can also be caused by cancer. (more…)