Worried about urethra caruncle

[stirling]

Does anyone have any experience? I've been suffering with a urinary problems for over 2 years. My flow is at times terribly slow. I noticed a fleshy lump growing on my urethra - it's cloudy. I've pleaded with Gps to refer me to urologist -, they're dragging it out and refusing. Insisting that I see a gynaecologist instead. I've been waiting for a referral for for over 4 months.

The v young gp insists it's just a caruncle and we don't treat it. She phoned a gynae who told her to give me some oestrogen cream.
A private gynae I saw (paid out of the emergency pot) said it's caused by prolapse bulging against vaginal wall, that if I was worried a urogist could easily do a cystoscopy.
I've read awful things about urethral cancer and am panicking.

Should I just take a loan out and pay for a private cystoscopy? Consultation with urologist?
Thanks

Anyone?

Hi Stirling. Sorry I have no medical knowledge nor any experience of your problem. I just wanted to say I'm thinking of you. Take care

First of all urethral cancer is very very rare but I do understand your concerns because I've been in a similar situation myself recently.

I don't know much about caruncles but really your GP should be referring you to a urologist because of your urine flow issue alone. I don't understand why they are dragging their feet.

A cystoscopy will be able to tell you if you have a tumour straight away if that is what you are worried about but to pay privately you won't get much change out of two grand (I know this because I saw a private urologist recently). In the end I had one on the NHS.

Why don't you pay to see a private urologist and then ask for a cystoscopy on their nhs list? This is what I did and was seen within four weeks of my private appt for a cystoscopy.

Many thanks. I'm so angry that they're refusing. Arrggh. The cost! That's just extortionate.

Hi Tanfastic - is that actually possible? To pay for a consultation but have investigation under NHS? I never knew...I'll have to try that, no other choice. Many thanks

Yes! If you are worried (although I don't think you need to be).

I looked up the consultant urologist at my local BUPA hospital and got an appt to see him within three days. Cost £200 but was well worth it imo.

He then told me there was nothing for me to be worried about but I needed a cystoscopy and kidney scan to be sure. He asked me if I'd like to pay privately or be transferred to his nhs list. Doing it this way at least you don't have to wait to see a consultant.

Oh, this is very helpful info tangfastic. A big thank you. I just called the portland hospital but their consultant only works privately. I'll try my local bupa hospital then. Thanks again!

@stirling Hello! I know probably long shot but my GP thinks I got this 11 weeks postpartum. Do you have an update?