If a doctor told you over the phone

[sodrained]

Advice please my grandma is 77 and has been having symptoms of ovarian cancer for a whilst now, she finally had a scan and everything done Monday morning and by 6pm yesterday they had called her up to say that the doctor I think it was will be calling her tomorrow, this panicked us as this was 5 hours after the scan? She's been having periods severe back and leg pain etc and so bloated and gaining weight despite hardly eating anything at all.
Anyway the doctor called her this morning and said her ovaries are fine, however she needs further tests as her endometrial lining is so thick he suspects cancer. I never ever thought they could say that over the phone? She's now in a state so am I and has to wait for a consultant letter to return to hospital for I imagine more scans and tests. Does this sound like they know it is and that's why they've been so blunt. I feel like my world is falling apart

[RandomlyChosenName]

Poor you and your poor Mum.

It’s not really reassurance, but the doctor told me my son was being fast tracked under the two week referral as it could be cancer. I’m not sure of their exact wording, as I only heard “cancer”. Anyway, he didn’t have cancer (or anything else serious) thankfully.

Did he say “suspects cancer” or it could be a sign? She needs to be checked anyway.

I hope everything is better than it sound now. I really feel for you.

[RandomlyChosenName]

Many apologies. I see you said Grandma.

My thoughts are with your Grandma, you and the rest of your family.

[Floralnomad]

I think what the dr has said is fine , obviously it’s distressing but you will be on the 2 week wait so will get an apt within that time .

[sodrained]

Thanks everyone I'm not quite sure what he said to her other than they think it could be that. That's what made me think maybe they have a rough idea it is that so being quite no holds barred about it?

[Thymeout]

Try not to worry till you have to. It's routine to do further tests if the endometrium is more than a certain thickness. They'll probably do a biopsy. Hysteroscopy? My dd's mil had the same thing - all OK.

They have to investigate everything that 'could be cancer', like a breast lump. 'Suspicious' and 'suspected' has to be on the referral form as justification for getting her seen quickly, instead of waiting for months.

I once had a copy of a letter sent to my GP saying I was being investigated for suspected ovarian carcinoma. This was only days after my consultant had told me he thought my (enormous) cyst was benign, but it was really scary seeing it in print.

Fingers crossed that she'll be seen soon and they will be able to rule out the worst case scenario.