Pregnant & worried about cancer

[worried77]

NC for this. I’m really worried and am just looking for a handhold and reassurance.

I’m currently pregnant with DC2. In my first labour, I needed an episiotomy which didn’t heal so I had to have a vaginal repair. My midwife has suggested doing perineal massage to reduce the chances of perineal damage this time.

Not really sure what I’m doing, I followed guidance online and used a mirror to have a look down there. However, before I got started, I noticed what I can only describe as a ‘growth’ on the opening of my vagina - I can’t really tell if it’s on the perineum, inside the vagina itself or just on the lips. It’s painless and skin coloured but has about three different... heads? I don’t really know what to call it.

I’ve never looked down there before so don’t know how long it’s been there, but I’m sure it would have been mentioned by a HCP if it was there during my last birth or subsequent surgery. I don’t know if it could be related to the surgery?

I’ve googled and can’t find any benign explanation that fits. Now I’m worried I’ve got cancer. I’ve booked a GP appointment but that’s not until next week.

Am I overreacting? I’m also worried about how it might affect my labour and childbirth. Should I speak to my MW?

I forgot to say... I’ve had a feeling for a while which has been a little bit like very mild thrush - a sort of burning/sore/itchy sensation at the entrance to my vagina.

I’ve looked online and I’m expecting the GP to do a 2 week cancer referral

I'd talk to the mw. It's likely to be harmless and related to the repair hence why noone has mentioned it before. It's normal to be apprehensive about such things when you notice them but get it checked out to be sure it's fine. It likely will be fine.

Thank you, I will get it checked... but if they suspect cancer, how will that affect the rest of the pregnancy? I’m scared

One step at a time, OP. Get it seen to, mainly for peace of mind, and then take it from there. I know it’s easier said than done when it’s yourself (God, do I know- major health anxiety here) but please don’t try to be ten steps ahead.

In the meantime, stop googling. Dr Google only has one diagnosis, no matter what symptoms you have.

This sounds really similar to what I had after my 2nd. It was an over granulation. Which is basicly just overgrown scar tissue. If you can have a good look. Mine was just in the entrance to my vagina and got sore sometimes due to rubbing, esp after sex. Get it checked out. It's probably nothing more than an understandably worried mummy and an over excited scar.

Dr Google only has one diagnosis, no matter what symptoms you have.

That made me chuckle because it’s so true!

I’ll try to stop getting ahead of myself... what did they do for you, elf?

It's not a tag is it OP?

Like a skin tag? I don’t think so, but could be, I guess... 🤷‍♀️