The singer’s recent annual Pap test results came back abnormal, prompting her doctor to recommend a procedure to remove the precancerous cells, she said.
LeAnn Rimes shares her health update.
In a lengthy Instagram post on Saturday, the 41-year-old singer revealed to her followers that she underwent “minor” surgery on Friday to remove precancerous cells following an abnormal Pap smear.
She began her message by saying that January has historically been a “challenging month” for her. However, she said her 2024 is off to a smooth start.
“Over the past few years I’ve either had dental surgery or been recovering from a vocal cord bleed around that time, which has all been quite depressing. But, I have to say, this January has been joyous and light,” she said. wrote. – But yesterday I had a minor operation.
She said she decided to share her personal health experience as a reminder to her fans to keep up with their annual checkups “to catch early changes that may be happening in the body.”
Rimes then recounted the events that led to her having to go to the operating room.
“A few months ago I had my annual Pap smear, which came back abnormal. In fact, I’ve had abnormal Pap smears since I was 17 and through regular Pap smears and colposcopies, my doctors have been monitoring any cellular changes,” she explained.
LeAnn Rimes turns 40: ‘I wouldn’t be 22 anymore if you paid me’
A subsequent colposcopy and laboratory testing of her Pap smear led to her diagnosis of high-grade cervical dysplasia, or precancerous changes in cervical cells. A high-grade stage indicates that a larger amount of tissue appears abnormal, according to City of Hope Cancer Care Network.
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“I consulted with my doctor and together we decided that a LEEP procedure would be in my best interest to remove the abnormal, high-grade precancerous cells,” the two-time Grammy winner continued, noting that she chose anesthesia. “I’ve already had enough trauma in my life, so I prefer to be outside and comfortable.”
LEEP, or loop electrosurgical excision procedure, “uses a wire loop heated by electricity to remove cells and tissue in a woman’s lower genital tract,” according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
After mentioning how she’s always chosen to be open about various aspects of her health — from her struggles with psoriasis to her mental health — Rimes said she’s now beating the drum about the importance of annual medical exams and early detection.
LeAnn Rimes in Nashville in April 2022 Mike Coppola/Getty LeAnn Rimes wants to end ‘shame’ around women’s sexuality and bodies: ‘It’s time for a change’
“So ladies, please don’t put off your annual exam. My men, too…make sure you get your annual exam, minus the Pap smear 😂,” she wrote.
In her post, Rimes noted that early cervical cancer usually has no symptoms, as she emphasized that early detection can “save a life.”
“I believe that the more we share and talk about women’s health, the more we take the ewww factor out of talking about vaginas and put the power back in our hands, so we can take care of our bodies the best we can,” she concluded her message.
Back in July 2022, Rimes opened up about seeking help for her mental health by checking into a treatment facility in 2012. “I was in a very, very dark place,” she told Insider.
“It was just time,” she added of her decision to seek help. “It was time to break away from my deep codependency and understand what was going on chemically so I could take care of myself.”
At the time she entered treatment, Rimes told PEOPLE that it was a chance to take a break from everyday life and reset.
“This is just a time to emotionally check out for a second and take care of myself and come back in 30 days as the best 30-year-old I can be,” she said.
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Source: HIS Education