Question: I would love some advice. I'm 54 (today), and was just informed by the Dr that he recommends a hysterectomy as my hysteroscopy & D&C last week shows complex endometrial hyperplasia atypia. In 2012, I had an ultrasound, biopsy which showed at the height of the scale, hysteroscopy & D&C then was told I was fine ... pathology "showed inflammation." Put on antibiotic. Now, again, my beloved doc retired after 40 years, and the new doc didn't like my symptoms of severe bleeding for the past 3 years and back pain. So, ultrasound, then biopsy, then hysteroscopy & D&C. He said he didn't "see" any cancer mass, but atypical cells are present. My question. Could I have had this two years ago, it went away, and then came back? How could I have had the atypical complex cells at biopsy and then not at hysteroscopy? It all seems so odd to me. Now, When asked if this was only option and he said we could treat with hormones and biopsy every 3 months. Is this normal? My mother died of nonhodgkins lymphoma at 59 and my dad of the same thing at 62. I do not want to die young and leave my 3 daughters. I am both confused and concerned. Shouldn't I be?

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX for your reply. What is your opinion regarding the complex atypical cells being present in 2012 as result of biopsy, but then pathology from the hysteroscopy showed no atypical cells, but reflected inflammation? There was confusion obtaining the results at that time as my doctor was away on vacation. When another doctor returned my call and said he was prescribing antibiotics for inflammation, of course, I was happy there was nothing else, but after reading about his, it seems unlikely that it was so clearcut, no complex atypical cells (as they were there the week before). I have been experiencing bleeding 2-3 weeks a month for over 3 years. I had a late onset period cycle beginning (I was 17 1/2, and at 54 am still not in menopause.)

Is it likely that I redeveloped these complex atypical cells, or more likely that they have been present all along? If that is the case, how long can one have complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia present without it progressing to cancer?

Thank you, I appreciate your candor. I am not trying to find fault with either doctor; I like them both very much. I am just trying to fully understand why treatment of hysterectomy is the best option. (As you can see, I'm not overjoyed about the thought of it.)

Thanks again XXXXXXX