Can I Still Get a Pathology Slice After Removing a Growth?

Regarding pathological slides?

Hello Doctor, I discovered a single small polyp below the vaginal opening last month, and it hasn't disappeared after a month.
I went to a gynecologist who informed me that it was a condyloma.
The doctor immediately excised the lesion and administered the HPV vaccine.
However, since I just gave birth on November 7 and had no prior abnormalities, my husband and I discussed that there had been no sexual contact with anyone else.
I would like to have a pathological biopsy to confirm if there was a misdiagnosis.
Can a biopsy still be performed after the lesion has been excised? If so, where can I go to have the biopsy done? Thank you very much for your assistance.

We, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/11

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Last month, I discovered a single small polyp growing below the vaginal opening.
After a month, it did not resolve, so I went to a gynecologist who informed me that it was a wart.
The doctor immediately excised the lesion and administered the HPV vaccine.
However, since I just gave birth on November 7 and had no prior abnormalities, my husband and I discussed that we had not engaged in sexual intercourse with anyone else.
I would like to have a pathological biopsy to confirm if there was a misdiagnosis.

1.
Can a pathological biopsy be performed if the lesion has already been excised?
Answer: No, a pathological biopsy cannot be performed.
2.
If it were possible, where would I go to have a pathological biopsy done?
Answer: At a hospital, if there are residual lesions.

Reply Date: 2017/03/11

More Info

After the removal of a growth, particularly in the context of a suspected HPV-related lesion such as a condyloma (often referred to as "warts" or "cauliflower-like growths"), it is understandable to want to confirm the diagnosis through pathology. In your case, since the lesion was excised, the ability to perform a pathology slice (biopsy) depends on whether there is sufficient tissue remaining for analysis.

1. Pathology After Excision: If the entire lesion was removed and sent for pathological examination at the time of excision, then a pathology report should already be available. This report would confirm whether the growth was indeed a condyloma and whether there are any atypical or malignant cells present. If the lesion was completely excised and the pathology report is clear, further biopsies may not be necessary.

2. If the Lesion Was Not Fully Removed: If there is any residual tissue or if the lesion was not completely excised, it may still be possible to perform a biopsy on the remaining tissue. However, this is contingent upon the presence of any remaining abnormal tissue. You should consult with your healthcare provider to determine if any tissue remains that can be biopsied.

3. Where to Get a Pathology Slice: If you wish to pursue further pathology testing, you can typically do this through your gynecologist or the facility where the initial procedure was performed. They can guide you on the next steps and whether additional biopsies are warranted. If necessary, they may refer you to a specialized pathology lab or another healthcare provider who can perform the biopsy.

4. Importance of Follow-Up: Given that you recently gave birth and have had a history of HPV-related lesions, it is crucial to maintain regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. They can monitor for any new growths or changes and provide appropriate screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV testing, to ensure your reproductive health is managed effectively.

5. Understanding HPV and Condylomas: HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, and certain strains can lead to the development of genital warts. While many HPV infections resolve on their own, some can persist and lead to more serious conditions, including cervical dysplasia or cancer. Vaccination against HPV can significantly reduce the risk of developing these conditions, which is why receiving the HPV vaccine after the excision was a positive step.

In summary, if the lesion was completely removed and sent for pathology, you should have a report confirming the diagnosis. If there is any doubt or if you wish to confirm the diagnosis further, consult your healthcare provider about the possibility of additional biopsies. Regular follow-up care is essential for monitoring your health, especially after childbirth and with a history of HPV-related issues.

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