Cervical polyp panic!

[cutoutstars]

Hello!

I went to the drs last week about some spotting the week before my period arrives that has happened the last couple of cycles. I had an internal exam and the Dr said my cervix looked healthy but she could see what looked like "a benign polyp" but because it wasn't there at my smear last year she'd send me to have it checked out.

I have massive health anxiety and told her that and she didn't seem concerned (about the polyp not the anxiety lol)

Anyway I've just checked my NHS app for a different reason and seen that I've been fast tracked for a referral because of "suspected cancer" - and had a massive panic attack.

I'm wondering if something has been through something similar because I can't speak to a Dr until Monday I'm so worried there's something I haven't been told 😔

I’ve had a couple of polyps. Removal is no biggie and they then send them off to check but the vast, vast majority are benign. So get it checked but don’t worry.

Hey
I had 3 polyps removed from my bowel.last month
Said suspected cancer on letter
But wasnt

The 2 ww pathway / suspected cancer - is a quick way to hopefully get cancer ruled out etc

It could be a non cancerous polyp
Always good to have them removed

I have had a polyp on my cervix for about 25 years. I’ve never given it much (if any) thought.

Given your health anxiety, I think the doctor has put you on the suspected cancer pathway to get you seen quicker.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that they think the polyp is cancerous, they occur far more often than you think but it’s a way through the system.

With spotting before your period - it makes sense to get the polyp removed

One of the polyps removed from my bowel was medically deemed as large - at least 25 mm.

Its always good to get polyps removed

Generally - most polyps take a long time ( 10 years ish) to even potentially turn to cancer and many never do

I learnt the hard way this year that being referred via suspected cancer route does NOT mean the doctor thinks you have cancer. It just means your symptom(s) COULD indicate cancer in a very small minority of people and/or they meet the criteria for referral, and therefore need to be investigated. 99% of people referred via this pathway do not have cancer.

I was petrified like you (mine was for an ovarian mass) and I panicked for 2 weeks. When I went to see the gynecologist at the hospital, despite it being the suspected cancer clinic she immediately said "nope I'm not worried, it's benign, we will do a scan to get a better look at it and then we'll remove it, but you don't have to worry"

Well a few months later and it's been removed, it's been sent off to pathology and it's confirmed as a benign cyst.

What I'm trying to say is, if doctors say they're not concerned, it's because they're very confident that you're fine. The wording of the referral sounds scary but if your doctor isn't worried, it sounds like it will be okay! Best of luck

Thanks for your reply :)

Thank you for your reply, I appreciate it x

I'm sorry to hear you went through this panic too (but happy to hear you're fine :) thank you for taking the time to reply - my mental health isn't so great at the moment and it's so easy to go down a rabbit down!

I work in this field. Polyps are very common and nothing at all to worry about.. Often the nature of the referral pathway is a tick box exercise and does not mean your GP is concerned.

Oh mate, I am going through the exact thing right now. All I can say is please please try not to worry or panic! I went to the GP three weeks ago with pains that made me collapse, along with bloating, and was convinced it was ovarian cancer. I had a blood test on the Monday lunchtime, and they rang me on the Tuesday morning to say my CA125 levels were significantly raised and that they were putting me on the two week pathway for an ultrasound and vaginal scan and to see the gynae oncologist. Considering my DS15 was having some health problems as well as other life pressures, I broke down at work and spiralled into a panic that I was right, but had to push it to the back of my mind as I had booked a weekend away with my kids and I had to be happy mam as usual. Anyway, had my appointment last Friday, the ultrasound showed up a 4cm cyst, but the gynae seemed quite happy that it wasn't anything to worry about. So while she was rummaging around, I mentioned that last time I had a smear the nurse said I had a few polyps, and she got her scalpel plier things and whipped one out there and then! To be fair it didn't hurt too much, but I wasn't expecting it! She did seem very reassured that it was benign and that the vast majority are. Had my bloods repeated which came back with the CA125 level back down to normal and had a letter from the consultant saying he was pleased with this. CT scan yesterday and now just have to wait for the results from that. Fingers crossed it's all ok for you and me, but this two week pathway thing does mess with your mind and you fear the worst. But really it's great that they get you seen quickly. Thank the lord for the NHS. Keep us up to date with how you get on, or PM me if you want to chat x

@cutoutstars hope it turned out ok for you. I am currently on the 2 week pathway, had a bit of bright red bleeding that was different to normal. The doctor examined me yesterday and said there's a purple patch on my cervix so best to get referred. I've been in a terrible state since and have convinced myself it's the worst news. Had a smear 2 years ago which was fine. Doctor also advised me to stop my HRT (because of the oestrogen) until it's investigated.

@cutoutstars any update ? Mines red x

Not sure if anyone will read this or respond but I'm going through a similar issue at the moment , I'm terrified and have worked myself up into a bit of a frenzy .
I went to the Drs this week after over a week of trying to get an appointment as I've had some spotting this month for a few days straight after my period ended , they did a check at the Drs and said that my cervix was red and showed lesions or scarring , they weren't really sure ! The nurse then said they were fast tracking me for a urgent hospital appointment, the notes say suspected cervical cancer and I'm am quite frankly terrified ! Can anyone advise or reassure me , has anyone else experienced this ?? Got my appointment through today for the 9th April .
I already have a benign brain tumor which I had to have radiotherapy for ,just can't take any more health issues especially with two small kids.

I’ve had 3 polyps removed, all benign. Easy peasy (and I’m someone who gets intense pain whenever anyone comes near me with a coil so I was worried, but it was fine).

The referral wording is just because that’s what they are ruling out, don’t worry. The vast majority of polyps are nothing at all.