Just Answer Just Answer
Ask A Question  -  Help  -  Register  -  Login   

Ask Your Health Question. Health Experts Answer You ASAP
(Not a Health Question?)

Question

Almost two years ago I was given a massive dose of ...


Sent to Health Experts November 03, 2007 7:33 p.m.
Almost two years ago I was given a massive dose of antibiotics for H pylori virus. The end result being a yeast/bacterial infection every other month. Right now I am on Diflucan AGAIN and am in pain in the area around the opening of the vagina. Finally I went to a dermatologist (after 4 gynolocologist) She gave me biafine ointment to apply topically. She also said I had a fissure at the opening and extreme thinning of the skin around the area. I am being treated with vagifem by the gynolocologist for the thinning. Does this thicken the skin in that area. The dermatologist would like to do a biopsy of the tissue around the area. I'm afraid I'll never heal if i do. Any suggestions. I can honestly say I'm desperate at this point.

Optional Information:
Female, Age: 65

Already Tried:
Vagifem 3 x a week plus topical Estrase on irritated area. Also when infected -Terazole 3, Diflucan for two weeks together with Levaquin, Gynozole 2. Mycelex for the other sore area near the opening, Lotrosone and this evening the new ointment given to me by the dermatologist
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $15   
Answer
November 03, 2007 7:58 p.m. (25 minutes and 48 seconds later) 		ACCEPTED Check Mark
Hello,
Vagifem is a estrogen cream and will increase the vascularity of the vaginal skin and help with your symptoms. So this is an appropriate drug in your case. It seems most of your symptoms are due to atrophic vaginitis, and this may be complicated by Lichen sclerosis. This occurs due to lack of estrogens. Presence of fissure is also consistent with lichen sclerosis. However a biopsy is required to make a definitive diagnosis and to rule out a cancer. And if on physical examination of vagina, cancer is not a possibility, then biopsy would be unnecessary as the treatment of lichen sclerosis remains the same i.e. estrogens. Also you may benefit from oral conjugated estrogens eg. Premarin. So you may discuss this option with your gynecologist.

Regards.
dr. G

__________________
Please do click "Accept" if my comments were useful. Let me know if you have further queries. A positive feedback is always encouraging.
PictureDr A Gupta  -- Doctor (MD) -- 99% Positive Feedback on 912 Health Accepts
MD Internal Medicine, Internist with over 12 years of urgent care/outpatient experience.
Reply
Sent November 03, 2007 8:05 p.m. (6 minutes and 35 seconds later)
My present gynolocologist feels that a biopsy would be barbaric in that area right now. However someone I went to in the past suggested a biopsy also. Would a physical exam include a PAP smear and just an examination. If negative would that be considered not cancerous. Also is biofane ointment ok to use.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
November 03, 2007 8:15 p.m. (10 minutes and 1 second later) 		ACCEPTED Check Mark
A physical exam includes just the inspection and pelvic examination. PAP smear is for cervical cancer and will not tell anything about vaginal cancer. However if physical exam is negative for cancer, a biopsy is not required. And Biofane treatment is ok to use, its efficacy is doubtful in some cases but it will not hurt to try.

Dr. G

__________________
Please do click "Accept" if my comments were useful. Let me know if you have further queries. A positive feedback is always encouraging.
PictureDr A Gupta  -- Doctor (MD) -- 99% Positive Feedback on 912 Health Accepts
MD Internal Medicine, Internist with over 12 years of urgent care/outpatient experience.

Think you can answer this question?
 Login or  Become an Expert









DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.
   Just Answer! > Medical Questions & Online Health Advice > Cancer Questions
Question List - Become an Expert - Terms of Service - Security & Privacy - About Us
© 2008 Just Answer Corp.