Cervical erosion/cervical cancer?

[Humptydumpty85]

I've been experiencing some pelvic pain over the last few months, including occasional lightening crotch type shooting pain in what feels like my cervix (definitely not pregnant!) Today the gp looked at my cervix and said the there was a red patch, which she thought was cervical ectropian/ erosion - nothing to worry about.

I was initially reassured, but a quick Google tells me that this is indistinguishable from early stage cervical cancer, so now I'm wondering how she could be so sure and if I should have been referred to colposcopy to rule out anything sinister. Does anyone have any experience with this?

I'm a worrier to put it mildly and not sure how to proceed!

Hi
I think you need to have another conversation with your GP about this, as no one on here has seen your cervix.
I would be interested to see a link to where you read that an ectropian is indistinguishable for early stage cervical cancer, as I think colposcopists might disagree.
The colposcopists' society site explaining colposcopy is here
With reference to your symptoms, has the GP done anything else in addition to the visual inspection of your cervix?

Hi Bella, thanks for replying. You're right of course that really I need to talk to the gp again - it's just so hard to see or talk to anyone there at the moment.

I'm having some blood tests tomorrow and I've been referred for a pelvic ultrasound, so I feel they've been reasonably thorough. The red patch on my cervix is just playing on my mind - googling is never a good idea!

Just thought I’d add my experience of ectropion. I had it a few years ago and I am a massive googler and never remember finding information that said it’s indistinguishable from cancer. Surely if doctors could ‘see’ early stage cervical cancer then no one would need a smear test. I saw several gp’s and consultants before and after treatment and was constantly reassured that if I was up to date on my smear tests then I didn’t need to worry about cancer, are you up to date? Totally understand your worries though and definitely follow up if you’re not happy x

I had a smear test couple of years ago and nurse said I have cervical erosion, I would have never knew. I was so worried after going home and googling. Anyway, smear result came back clear and never had any problems since

I’ve had an ectropion for years and years - was first identified over 20 years ago and I’m still fine! They’re nothing to do with cancer, it’s thought they’re hormonally driven IIRC. Please don’t worry.

I read that about being indistinguishable from cervical cancer too, wikipedia isn't it? I have had cervical erosion in the past, went to see a gynecologist about it who reassured me that cervical cancer really is rare whereas he sees multiple cervical erosions in a day. So the chances of it being something sinister are low, I do understand the worry though I nearly drove myself potty googling!

Thanks everyone, you've helped to put my mind at rest and see things a little more rationally! I am up to date with my smears so hopefully nothing to worry about.

I didn't know there was a link with cancer. I had cervical erosion when I was 20 yrs old. I was suffering from bleeding inbetween periods and they sent me to colposcopy.

They showed me on the screen the area that was a bit red, he described it as being like a grazed knee. They then lasers it away. Was pretty painless but had cramps and bleeding after.

That's helpful, thanks Shelby.

Should say, just incase it worries anyone who reads this in future, that as far as I'm aware there is no actual link to cancer. It's more that they look the same (according to some websites) so one can be mistaken for the other. Wouldn't want anyone who had it to worry it was linked to or going to turn into cancer - this isn't the case.

Hello...sorry if I have wrote in the wrong place. I am driving myself mad about some issues I have been having the last 2weeks and wondering if anyone had any similar issues and what it was....
My ovulation week was abit more noticeable than ever before ( only been off the pill for 5months after a long stint on pills implants ..you nqme it iv been on it) my ovulation week consisted off alot of bloating 1 tiny bit of spotting and alot of back pain. Which after research I seemed to beleive as normal yer I called the doctor to double check. She also agreed it was pretty normal. The night after I got off the phone with my doctor I DTD with my partner. I stood up and had a shooting pain from down there up to my belly button after this I went to the toilet and there was quiet alot of pink on my toilet paper. Since then I still have the back pain very achey hips and tights also. I don't want to think the worst but health anxiety is a major thing I suffer from.
I also called the doctor back the next day again after this and he says they will just check me out next month when I am due my smear.
With being 29 I had 1 smear at 26 ( I was pregnant at 25) so I I due next month for my second... First smear came back fine.
Thanks to any answers I get its really appreciated!
Emma xx

Hi, my gp also saw red patch in cervix after I was feeling sore. Felt like a fresh graze or cut. What was the outcome pls ?

Hey S22 i have the same issue like its grand notin to worry about for all the world my doc told me its like your cervix got sunburnt.
I went for a colposcopy just to be on the safe side all normal try not to worry x

Thanks for reply ? What’s grand ? Were u sore too ?