Two week pathway for possible uterine cancer

[jennylamb1]

On this pathway at the moment. Post menopausal bleeding, and an abnormal trans abdominal/transvaginal scan which found a 5.1 thickened endometrium, a polyp and an ovarian cyst. All blood tests fine including CA125 which was 10. I’m on the progesterone only pill which should be protective. Having a hysteroscopy in a couple of weeks under GA (after not being able to finish it with a local), when they are removing the polyp and doing a biopsy of the lining.
My understanding is that there is only a 10% chance of cancer and the gynaecologist surprised me at the first hysteroscopy attempt by saying that the ovarian cyst was not cancer when I asked about the scan.
Just wondering what other women’s experiences are of being in this situation and outcomes.

I've been on the two week pathway for this reason 3 times resulting in 2 hysteroscopies and eventually and thankfully a full hysterectomy. No cancer was actually found at any point.

Can I ask why you had a hysterectomy?

They were concerned the polyps could become cancerous, so it was a precaution. The uterus was analysed following removal as standard, in case there was cancer deeper in the tissue, and found to be clear. I'm really glad I'm not having to put up with the constant on-off bleeding.

Thankyou, hopefully will be the same as you with nothing found, have only had one period of PMB which led to a GP appointment.

Good luck - there's a lot if problems with the NHS but I found them really good and efficient in this area.

They have been actually and the NHS app is good too.

I was investigated for a thickened uterus (spotted during a CT scan taken for another reason) and the biopsy taken during the hysteroscopy did show cancer cells. I had a hysterectomy + ovaries & tubes removed and then a course of adjuvant radiotherapy as examination of the uterus after the op showed the cancer cells had spread towards my cervix.

I'm sorry to hear that. Did you have a polyp as well as thickening?

No, not as far as I know

I had bleeding and thickened lining , 9, and found to be ok and recommended to try a different type of progesterone if it doesn’t settle. NHS was great.

Have had this twice all turned out ok . Fingers crossed for you though it's a very worrying time.

I've had this - hysteroscopy and biopsy didn't find any issues. Hope all goes well for you, OP.

Im in the middle of this now, how did yours turn out? My biopsy is on Monday as a scan found thickening along with some other symptoms. Im really scared of how much the biopsy will hurt.

Biopsy on polyp in June showed normal tissue which was a relief. Taken off 2 week pathway, with a recommendation for a further scan in October. Had a second post menopausal bleed in October and another scan, which showed a cyst which had been missed the first time, however both cysts on ovaries had no features suspicious of cancer and womb lining had thinned. Have another monitoring scan tomorrow, so will be interested to see how things are there, they haven’t got to the bottom of why I’m getting PMBs.
@TaylorSwiftsWeddingPlannerare you having a hysteroscopy with general or without?

@jennylamb1 no I don’t think I’m having a hysteroscopy, i think just a biopsy on Monday. After what I have read online, I think I’ll ask for GA if it goes beyond a biopsy. I had a scan for prolonged bleeding (periods lasting six months and counting) but I’m pre meno.

Just wondering, a hysteroscopy is when they perform an operation to open your cervix and investigate your uterus with a camera and carry out a biopsy with a tool which is introduced via the cervix at the same time. I guess if you’re having a biopsy you must be having a hysteroscopy?

oh, I don't know? I was just told I need a biopsy. I didn't realise they might be the same kind of thing. Dreading it even more now. I was told to take some paracetamol and ibuprofen an hour before. God, this is going to be horrific.

I would check the information on any letter you’ve been sent or give them a call to confirm. Don’t be terrified though, you can always ask them to stop if you are uncomfortable, I did this with a hysteroscopy and had it under general anaesthetic a week later.

I don't have a letter, it's all been done over the phone. I'll try and give them a call but you know what it's like. I'm not sure I can wait a week, the waiting has been awful already, and with Christmas fast approaching I can see this being pushed. Yes, I'm spiralling.

Try not to dwell, keep yourself busy. The two week wait pathway is very efficient actually, so it’s good to be on it in that respect. The NHS app is worth downloading because results and other info goes on there.

Not necessarily. I had one in February just with paracetamol and ibuprofen, and it was uncomfortable, not painful. It just depends on the woman, some find it ok and others don’t. Mine was clear and probably due to HRT. I’ve not bled since.

I've had two hysteroscopy/biopsy referrals. Unpleasant but not particularly painful and I was glad I didn't ask for a GA because I was able to drive home 15 minutes later. Mine revealed fibroids which I chose to leave because post menopause they shrink anyway and that was proved after the second one.

I had a hysteroscopy for a biopsy and like others found it unpleasant and uncomfortable but only slightly painful. The doctor and two nurses (all female) were wonderful, one held my hand, and there was an offer of gas and air if I felt I needed it (I didn't).

But I'm aware that everyone is different and some do find it very painful for a variety of reasons, in which case I think you need to aske them to stop and re-arrange it under a general anaesthetic.