Complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia

Feeling a little lost in terms of where to look for help/guidelines and hoping that someone here might be able to help.

I'm 36 years old and was diagnosed with complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia following a hysteroscopy and biopsy last March. Due to my age and desire to retain the possibility of future pregnancies, my gynaecologist suggested we try hormone therapy before committing to a hysterectomy. In June this year I received an appointment with a gynaecological oncologist who stressed that hormone therapy could be a risk considering the extent of my symptoms and doubled my dosage of progestogen with strict instruction that I undergo a repeat biopsy/hysteroscopy in September.

Second biopsy/hysteroscopy happened this week and whilst I don't have results yet, I was advised post-procedure by one of the doctors present in theatre that I should prepare for the worst as things looked highly suspicious. I was also told that I was now officially an oncology patient and no longer to be treated via gynae, and that follow-up/results would happen within 6 weeks but most probably within two due to fact that I've already been diagnosed as pre-cancerous. Today I find out that I've been given a general gynae clinic appointment for nearly 8 weeks time and am now torn between preparing for a cancer diagnosis and hysterectomy or reassuring myself that perhaps the hormone therapy is having an effect.

It's been a year since I began attending appointments and tests for abnormal bleeding and I've been in increasing pain since December last year to the extent that eating and sleeping are now affected on a daily basis. Is it usual that I have another 8 weeks of waiting to find out whether it's cancer? Would really appreciate hearing from anyone that's gone through this process and can give me an idea of what's normal in terms of results and progression. Thanks in advance.

  • I found your question, and was surprised to find no one had tried to respond. I suppose that by now you may know what the status of the diagnosis is. I hope you will be able to cope with the news, and I think because you have chosen the name Phoenix you are probably determined to survive this.

    I had a diagnosis of endometrial cancer, but for me the notion of a hysterectomy was not a problem, as I have had my children and they are now grown up. I can imagine the terrible sadness for some of the younger women who appear at the gynae-oncology clinics, and I know I have been fortunate.

    When I went back to work a younger collegaue told me that she had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer many years ago, and as a result of treatment could not have children. However, she is the delighted and frequently exhausted mother of a beautiful little girl she has adopted.

    I hope your treatment will mean you can still do most of the things you want to in life.

  • I have been diagnosed and have the coil in at moment I would like a hysterectomy but as I've had many surgeries on my stomach my bowl is connected to my womb with scar tissue and the doctors are worried about perforations
  • You are in a scarey place with so much unknown. I haven't posted here for years as I am now nearly 7yrs post surgery and doing fine. I still remember the fear.

    it sounds like you have had previous medical treatment, and this may make things more complicated for you. However, I think you need to listen to your doctors. There are many ways to treat cancer and I think they will be looking at the one which is likely to give you the best outcome. Survival and quality of life matters. My sister also had womb cancer and more intense treatment: she also is doing well, despite some complications.

    some doctors are better at explaining things than others, so you could try asking why they think one treatment is better than another. Sometimes it is good to chat to the nurse as well.

  • I'm 26 and have recently been diagnosed with the same- I haven't had any children and have been told by my consultant I have to have a hysterectomy in the next four weeks. I feel so disappointed in the hospital for leaving me 5 months with the unknown :(. Did you have a hysterectomy too ? X
  • I was over 50 when I had a hysterectomy. My two daughters were quite grown up. My sister had the same condition s few years later. I am sorry you are facing this so young and it will change your life choices. I work with someone who had ovarian cancer, loads if treatment and then adopted the most gorgeous girl. Don't lose hope of a possibly brilliant future. Main thing is to get through the cancer and then go after all the things you really want to do.
  • Hey there,

    sorry to hear what your going through but I can sympathise as I'm going through it too!

    I had a hysteroscopy a few days ago and they took biopsy's. They said my endometrium looks abnormal throughout and I'd need an urgent MRI, which I had today! I'm waiting on the biopsy results but I'm not sure how long they take. 

    They suspect I have atypical Hyperplasia but I don't know if it's simple or complex. I'm only 23 so all this is very scary.

    fingers crossed for you x

  • I'm 23 and have been told I may have atypical Hyperplasia. I'm waiting for my biopsy results and will see my consultant. After all the reading I've done I've hardly come across any stories about this in women in their 20's! I haven't had children yet either :( I will be doing all I can to avoid a hysterectomy. My fingers are crossed for you lovely x

  • I'm 36 and after 18 months of constant bleeding was diagnosed with an endometrial polyp. After consultations I had a hysteroscopy to remove the polyp and was told by the consultant that usually there is nothing sinister in the polpy but they have to send them off for histology. I went back for my results early in July, feeling much better and expecting to be told everything was fine. The complex hyperplaisa with Atypia diagnosis was such a shock, I literally can hardly remember a word the doctor said. I am currently waiting for an MRI scan to check for any spread and will then start discussions re next steps and treatment. The road ahead does feel pretty scary, I have never had children and would love the chance too. 

    Hope you find some good treatment options and get your chance to have a family!

    Will keep everything crossed for you x

  • Hi Yazmiine I'm 23 and have just been diagnosed with Complex Hyperplasia, unsure yet if it's atypical or not but consultant suspects it is. I see her in 3 weeks but at the moment given my age and as I have no children, she's advising the Mirena IUD with added progesterone. Sorry to hear about the surgery, have you had it yet? X
  • Hi Vicky

    sorry for the late reply I've only just seen this!!

    how are you doing? What's the treatment plan for you now?

    my consultant is putting me down the Mirena IUD route as I'm too young to be having a hysterectomy especially with no children. And I want them so badly! 

    I'm seeing her in 3 weeks for a proper discussion about my results in full and ongoing treatment. 

    My fingers are crossed for you also!! X