2 week urgent gynaecology referral for lump - terrified

[Hmpher]

I started a thread about this a few days ago but have seen the gp and wondered if anybody had any words of advice or support. I found a lump inside my vagina a few days ago and the gp had a look yesterday. I told her it was on the front wall but she said she could see a lump on my cervix. I can’t tell whether I’m feeling my cervix or whether I actually have two as she said the area I was describing is difficult for her to see. Perhaps it is my cervix I felt but I always thought that would be further in. She’s taken some swabs and wants me to get a full sexual health screen but has also made an urgent gynaecology referral because of also bleeding after sex and between periods.

I’m so scared, I haven’t been able to eat since I saw her. I just want somebody to tell me it’s nothing to worry about. I take my pill back to back which I always assumed was giving me breakthrough bleeding. It happens fairly regularly but isn’t heavy. She told me that I should stop doing the back to back and just take normally. I was previously told it was fine to do but she said it is more of a short term thing so perhaps that is causing the bleeding. The breakthrough bleeding often also has mild period pains so I can tell it’s coming - is that normal? And bleeding after sex is only irregularly, and I’ve always assumed it was just bringing on the breakthrough bleeding which would have happened anyway but hadn’t made its way down yet.

She said everything seemed fine in terms of feeling my abdomen and that my cervix looked healthy other than this “fleshy lump”. I am very worried and upset, I feel sick and want to cry every time I look at my children.

I’m 32 and I’ve never had a smear test. I have been sexually assaulted a few times and the thought of allowing somebody to do that to me was something I just couldn’t handle. Obviously have no choice now I’ve found a problem. The thought that I could have prevented it if it turns out to be something serious is constantly on my mind and making me feel sick. I’m really scared that they will want to do a biopsy or that I might pass out. I have quite a severe phobia of needles and general medical procedures. I’m already feeling worried and embarrassed in advance of the appointment. I assume my husband wouldn’t be able to come with me given the current situation.

The GP said the urgent referral might be rejected because I might be seen as low risk at 32 years old but I thought that was in the typical age range for cervical cancer so hopefully I will be seen soon. I’ve had another feel and am now worried that I can feel another lump forming next to it but I don’t trust my judgement at the moment.

I commented on your last thread I'm sure.

Well done for speaking to your GP as it can be quite embarrassing to talk about these things. I'm so sorry for your past traumas. Don't beat yourself up for not having had a smear. You're getting seen shortly and hopefully it comes back as something small.

The sexual screening is a good idea too, then it can be looked at in one go.

I've had some smears and laser treatment for cell changes in cervix and a biopsy sample taken. It didn't hurt and the staff were lovely.

Honestly just be relieved that you've been and thay the wheels are in motion and take it day by day from here on in.

@OP these things are always so worrying! But it's great your GP has referred you so quickly to get checked out. Lots of non serous things can cause lumps and bumps on your cervix, like cysts or polyps. And there's a good chance it is the pill that caused bleeding but sensible to get it looked at. I wouldn't bother trying to feel it yourself as it's so hard to tell. Try to distract yourself with something you like to do, and try not to worry.

I know, it’s just so hard. I’m prone to catastrophising and always tend to look at worst case scenarios or assume the worst. I think it’s a sort of self defence mechanism, I always want to be prepared for the worst or somehow think my way out of it. Being around my children always makes these sorts of things worse because I well up every time I look at them and I’m bloody looking at them 24/7 at the moment

I’m wasn’t really embarrassed about talking to the GP, she was lovely, but I’m embarrassed about how I act in medical settings. I faint a lot and am trying so desperately to refuse to faint and just carry on with things but I can’t control it. I get panicky and have lashed out at people in a panic in the past which I am very ashamed of. Do you think they’d have a nurse with me if my husband can’t be there? I think I’d be less likely to panic if there’s somebody with me.

Is the gynaecologist more likely to be male or female? I know I can’t pick and choose but having a female gp made me feel much better. I will obviously go through with the appointment no matter who the doctor is but the idea of a strange man touching me is difficult.

Can I ask how they do the biopsy? Would they decide to do it on the day or would it be done in another appointment?

to you.

Gynae is more likely to be male. It may be that you are not physically examined on an initial appointment.

Your GP is good, it would be worth asking her about the process of having a chaperone or female nurse in the room with you when this appointment is happening. In this respect the gynae's secretary and or PALS (patient liaison) are worth talking to in advance of your hospital appointment.

Mines was done all in one go.

When I was referred to the hospital after my abnormal smears, they applied the solution after they had inserted the speculum and were using like a microscope lens to observe the cell changes and get rid of them. They then said they were going to take a biopsy there and then just to check. Got the sample thing ready (sorry my medical terminology is crap) and told me to cough and they took the sample there and then!

I've had both male and female gynaecologists for hospital appointments and they've always had assistant nurses/hca there. I had 6 in one time including students who asked if they could say and see it on the screen. I said yes as I felt comfortable with them being there and it was part of their learning experience.

Theyll hopefully send you a letter out so it explains it all better and goes through what happens. You can always phone ahead to check these things. I'm sure they won't mind.

Thank you both so much. My letter came through with an appointment for next week and it says they will do any tests or treatments there and then. The appointment was with a man. I tried to be ok with it but I was crying all day. I know everybody will think it’s dramatic but I can’t bear the thought of bring half naked/scared/vulnerable in front of a man. It felt like I was going to an appointment to endure being assaulted in order to find out what’s going on. I know how ridiculous it sounds but I am scared enough without feeling that way too. I’ve managed to get an appointment with a woman instead and I feel much calmer about the appointment itself now but it is six days later so a little bit longer to wait.

I feel very, very scared. The fact that I’ve never had a smear means I have no idea what’s going on in my cervix, whether there are changes etc, so no idea what I will be told. What if they find that I actually have cancer? Can they give you a good idea of what’s going on there and then without waiting for results? I’m going to be a wreck if they can’t tell me anything and I have to wait a few more weeks.

What did you wear for the appointment? I’m thinking a long dress might be better than trousers as long as they let me just pull it up. That’s what I wore for my GP appointment.

If they are worried, they'll tell you.

Wear what you've suggested, it's a good idea to feel in control like that.

Hey OP how did it go? I know this is an old thread but I’ve also been referred to gynaecologist for something similar. Can you not ask for a female gynaecologist? I would be mortified if I get a male 😳