Changes in Cervical Texture
Hello there! I’m a woman in my late twenties who is quite attentive to my health, largely due to my OCD along with the health anxiety that accompanies it. At present, I’m not using any form of birth control and I’ve been married to my husband for nearly a decade. Five years ago, I received the HPV vaccine. Additionally, I underwent a Pap smear approximately five years back after some unusual findings were noted at the time I had my IUD inserted. Fortunately, the results were negative, and no concerns were raised when the IUD was removed. Since then, I have been tracking my menstrual cycle, which includes monitoring changes in my cervix. I have noticed a nabothian cyst that has persisted for about a year. However, last month I detected a new alteration in texture. It’s not quite a lump but more of a distinct bump situated on the left side of the cervical opening. It’s small yet feels hard and rough, lacking the smooth and fluid character of the cyst; it resembles a tiny scab post-pimple. I can’t articulate it any better than that. I’ve arranged a visit to my doctor, but it’s scheduled for three weeks out, causing me increasing anxiety. Moreover, I’ve also experienced light pink spotting following intercourse, which adds to my concern, as I suspect it relates to this situation. I understand that nobody online can provide a diagnosis, but if anyone could offer some reassurance or share insights, I would greatly appreciate it. Just to clarify, the cyst remains unchanged, so this new hard bump is entirely different.
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 3:11:03 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about changes in your cervical texture, especially when you've been tracking your health closely. You've taken a proactive step by scheduling a visit to your doctor, which is the best course of action at this time. Let's break down your situation and look at some important points for reassurance and guidance.
Key Points:
- Cervical Changes: While nabothian cysts are usually benign and common, any new changes in texture, especially those that feel different, warrant attention.
- Light Spotting: Light pink spotting after intercourse can be caused by various factors, including cervical irritation or hormonal changes, but it's important to evaluate it in the context of the new cervical bump.
Explanation:
- Nabothian Cysts: These are typically harmless and form when mucus-secreting glands in the cervix become blocked. They often do not need treatment unless they cause discomfort.
- Texture Changes: A new hard bump that feels different from the cyst is something to monitor. Changes can sometimes relate to natural variations, but they can also indicate other conditions that should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
- Spotting After Intercourse: This can occur due to friction, infections, or lesions on the cervix, and should definitely be discussed with your doctor.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep notes about any additional changes (e.g., size of the bump, recurring spotting, any discomfort) before your appointment. This information can greatly help your doctor.
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Self-Care Tips:
- Avoid intercourse if it causes discomfort or seems to trigger the spotting.
- Practice stress-reduction techniques, like deep breathing, meditation, or light exercise, to help manage your health anxiety while you wait for your appointment.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet, which can support your overall reproductive health.
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Stay Informed: Understand that while you are experiencing changes that are concerning, many cervical anomalies can be benign. Your doctor is trained to evaluate these changes, so trust in your upcoming appointment.
While waiting for your appointment can be challenging, continue to focus on caring for your mental and physical health. If you have severe symptoms before your visit (like heavy bleeding or severe pain), it would be good to seek medical attention sooner. Remember to be gentle with yourself during this waiting period.
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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7 Months Old) - **Weight:** 9 kg (good growth rate in spite of condition) - **Jaundice:** Continues to be present (yellow skin) - **Stools:** Remain pale/clay-colored - **Development:** Achieving appropriate milestones - **Energy:** Appears to have a good energy level - **Feeding:** Normal appetite --- ## QUESTIONS FOR r/AskDocs We have been informed this is **Type 2 Abernethy malformation** (portal vein present). **Three treatment avenues have been proposed:** ### Option 1: **Endovascular Coil Embolization** (minimally invasive approach) - A catheter is inserted via the leg vein to access the shunt and deploy coils/plugs to close the abnormal vessels - Pros: No surgical incision, minimal discomfort, short hospital stay (2-4 days), no scars, enhanced safety - Duration: 1-2 hours - Recovery: 2-4 weeks for jaundice to show improvement ### Option 2: **Open Surgical Intervention** - An incision in the abdomen to ligate abnormal vessels and redirect blood to the liver - Pros: Direct visualization, effective results - Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.