Worried about biopsy on vulva

[AnxiousJ]

NC for this.

Feeling very anxious as I wait for results of a biopsy, sample taken on Tuesday and follow up appointment to discuss results booked in for two weeks from then.

In the last ~6 months, I’ve developed odd marks on my labia, the only way I can describe them is as blood blisters. There are approximately seven (it’s hard to see!) and they seem to be getting more noticeable and/or bigger and/or more of them. They are itchy and also a bit painful, but it’s more like discomfort or irritation. Some of them seem to be in a line, following a blood vessel.

The GP wasn’t really interested and fobbed me off. Saw a second GP who also rolled her eyes and said it’s “the ends of my capillaries” (wtf? Just appeared out of nowhere?!) but did a general referral to a gynaecologist. The appointment came through for 3 months time. Luckily I have private health insurance, so made arrangements to see a private consultant.

The private doctor confused me as she said it’s “probably nothing sinister” but then said it might be a melanoma. As I said, a biopsy has been taken. Does a biopsy mean she’s thinking about cancer? I’m not really sure.

Obviously, Doctor Google tells me I’m dying of some very rare vulval cancer. It’s all I can think about has anyone experienced anything similar? Would it be unusual for a cancer to present in several marks on the same area? I’m so worried.

Thinking of you . I had lichen sclerosis and had biopsies for that . It was a worrying time .

Do whatever you need to get through today. Duvet day, tv, sleep, whatever. We have private healthcare too, it's great but I used to hate waiting for the appointments when they were in the evening, especially when I was a bit nervous about it

Is someone going with you?

Yes, whose idea was it to make such scary appointments in the evening? 😂 my DH is going with me. I was going to go alone, but then realised driving home might not be the best idea if I get bad news. Also DH is brilliant at helping me to relax.

I know, it's on your mind all day and it's like time goes so slow. All part of the anxiety I suppose, Ive definitely felt like that. It will soon be over. It's good that your husband is going with you though, a bit of support is always good.

I need to do some work now but I'll think of you and check back later if you feel like updating. I really hope it goes well for you.

Hi AnxiousJ, I’ve been watching your thread for a while, not sure whether to post or not.

This waiting is really the hardest time. Even IF it is bad news (and that’s a very big if), there will be a plan for you. And then you will be dealing with a series of known steps, which is much easier than a whirl of scary thoughts.

I was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma on my vulva in January this year, but in my case my gynaecologist said that’s what he thought it was from the first time he saw me. I’ve had a major operation, immunotherapy and am still suffering from a few side effects, but basically I’m doing OK.

Just get through today as best you can. Tomorrow you will either be very relieved or will have a plan. Let us know how you get on.

I had these when pregnant with my third child. They were super itchy and if you scratched them, they bled massively. My GP described them as 'similar to varicose veins' caused by the downward pressure of the pregnancy. I had them checked a couple of times, but they went away about 3-6 moths after birth.
Bigger than a freckle, smaller than a mozzy bite.
I hope your appointment goes well tonight.

Thank you for taking the time to comment, @Toofaroutallmylife I appreciate it. Sorry to hear of your experience, I’m glad that you’re doing much better now. Would you mind sharing what symptoms you had that led to your diagnosis? I completely agree that If I do get that news, a plan of action will be much less anxiety-inducing than all this waiting and not knowing.

Bigger than a freckle, smaller than a mozzy bite

Yes, that sounds about right! Hopefully will get the same news. Glad yours have cleared up.

Dilated blood vessels - nothing to worry about. Very relieved! Also feel a little silly thank you everyone for your kind support

So pleased for you! But please, never ever feel silly for getting your health checked out.

Ah, that's great news. I'm so pleased for you, you must be so relieved. Don't feel silly, we all have to take responsibility for our health so you were completely right to be checked.

Thank you! I’m going to try and use this as a lesson to trust GPs a bit more, as it’s basically exactly what the second one said and also going to take steps to get my anxiety in check. I thought I was going to vom or have a panic attack when I was in the waiting room!

Phew!!!!

Good idea to try to get on top of your anxiety. There's lots of self help books and also tips on the Internet. Counselling/cbt can really help if you're up for that.

For tonight though, just do something nice and chill out after a stressful couple of weeks.

I'm so pleased for you! What a bloody relief! All that energy it has taken up. Relax now and have some nice cake.

Big relief!

Great news.

I have just seen your post @AnxiousJ & wondered if these spots were a type of vulval varicose vein. I am guessing youre still young as I saw your post about a baby (I'm 61) so not sure if these v.v's would present in someone, say less than 40 ish.
I recently travelled long haul, walked vast distances & had also lost lots of weight prior to this holiday - so am not sure if any of this pre-empted mine appearing - but quite disoncerting & my Dr Google searches havent been very helpful.
My GP too was quite dismissive initially, but did ask about my weight loss (in that in a woman weight loss is noticeable "in that place") & so apparently is more obvious.
But am assuming they like your dilated blood vessels just stay there now & cause no harm. Hopefully.

Hi @eenymeenymineymo, thanks for commenting. I am late 20s, but have had two pregnancies very close together both with vaginal births, so it’s possible that all that pressure and trauma has caused the veins to go ... funny? Sorry to hear you’ve been worried about similar. Hopefully it’s nothing to worry about, but keep an eye on things and go back to the gp if you need to.

I seem to recall my gp saying something about aging and thinning skin. How flattering!!!