Doctor suggested a cervical examination due to spotting - worried about cancer

[user2466]

Hi,

FYI I have health OCD so please be kind because I’m spiralling. I know no one can give me definite answers as they’re not a doctor doing my examination but I’m just worried.

I’ve had spotting for around 2-3 months, I have pain when I wee or pop (mostly ovulation and during days 1-2 of my period) extreme fatigue, pain during or after sex at certain times in my cycle, I’ve always had heavy periods but the last two have been lighter than usual.

Based on the above doctor requested an ultrasound, which came back clear. He’s now requested I go for a cervical examination and it’s making me anxious. Currently on my period so the date I’ve been given is next Wednesday. Has anyone had all the above and it not be cancer? I have an almost three year old and I’m just imagining the worst case scenario now

Thanks. Aibu

Why would it be cancer?

It is highly unlikely to be cancer. They will be checking for internal infections, STIs, if the cervix is irritated or any other things going on.

Loads of things cause spotting.

Are your SMEAR tests up to date? If so, you can pretty much rule out cancer all together.

It could be endometriosis, it could be polyp, it could peri menopause, it be hormonal, it could be some sort of very treatable infection… I would try not to jump to cancer

I haven’t had a smear test ever (I know it’s bad)

Spotting can sometimes be low progesterone.

I had an examination due to spotting. It's a big polyp in my womb that is being removed later this month.

And make sure you have a smear test soon, so you have one less thing to worry about.

@@MinnieMountain thanks. Did you have an all clear ultrasound?

@RomeoRivers my periods have been somewhat lighter. They used to be very heavy so could be this

You've never had a smear? How old are you?
Hopefully it won't be anything serious. A lot of women get spotting for various reasons including fibroids, polyps or hormonal issues. Sometimes the hormonal issues are short lived. Another common issue with the cervix is what they call entropion, where some of the cells are inflamed and may bleed but it isn't cancer. All of these are more likely than cancer but the reason we have smears it to detect any cell changes LONG before they become cancerous. Cervical cancer is usually actually symptomless until it's already spread, so it hopefully shouldn't be that but absolutely best to get checked.

I know you've got a young child, but are you anywhere near menopause?

It could be so many things, hormonal, contraceptive pill, fibroids, infection, endometriosis - a long list😊

I had bleeding, was diagnosed with a harmless polyp. You often need a cervical examination for diagnosis. Most likely nothing but always best to check. Did your Dr suggest having a smear too?

I’m 29, have had an ultrasound which was all clear so don’t think it’s endo or fibroids or anything like that which makes me worry y it is cancer.

My mum had early menopause so it could be a possibility.

Well i did have cervical cancer and never has any spotting so cant say they are defintely connected

If you are 29 youd likely have had the jab as a teen also which greatly reduces that chances

Just go and have the exam. No point working yourself up on a " what if"

@Timeforachange26 yes I did have the three doses of the vaccine.

Sorry to hear that. What symptoms did you have?

It’s more so about my daughter that I worry about the what if

Have you been called for one but ignored the letter?

None at all actually. Caught on a smear test. I was too old to have the vaccine

You should really keep up to date with cervical screening tests going forward, they’re really important.

Indeed they are.

I'd really love to stop wanky corporatisms contaminating everyday language. Your post works perfectly without the "going forward".

😂😂😂😂😂

It's an interesting approach if you have health OCD. What was behind your decision? Please reconsider, then you will be able to be certain pretty much 100% of the time that everything is fine. It's quick, free, and painless. As your DD gets older, you will be setting her a good example too.

The polyp was confirmed by a transvaginal ultrasound.

What do you mean by "all clear"? Not cancer? It's too early to know for certain but I understand that it's highly unlikely.

As someone with cancer and I say this with kindness try not to jump to the worst case scenario unless you are told to prepare for this news. There are so many other more likely things it can be.

@MinnieMountain I mean they gave me the all clear for endo, polyps, cysts etc via the ultrasound they didn’t find any of that

Odd that doctor sent you for ultrasound before a quick exam. I had same issue and quick examination, and dr saw cervical ectropian (which could be cause for your spotting too, harmless). Then sent for ultrasound to rule out anything else, but that was all fine so was just the ectropian.

I’m an anaesthetist and regularly look after women having procedures to treat cervix cancer, many of whom missed or never had smears and many of whom had symptoms like postcoital bleeding or spotting outside of their periods. Your doctor is absolutely right to examine the cervix to exclude a cancer.