Can GP diagnose a cyst?

[doireallyneedaname]

I will preface this by saying I suffer with health anxiety.

A month or so ago whilst in the shower I was having a feel around my abdomen/pelvis and noticed that if “dig” slightly into the area above my pubic bone, there is a lump to the left. It’s not visible on the surface and it feels like scar tissue. If I feel around the other side there are much smaller versions of the same tissue but not this size, which is about an inch.

I started feeling around because I had a longer period than usual and increased discharge which made me paranoid about ovarian/cervical issues, so I guess I was checking for nodes.

Anyway, after weeks I finally decided to go to the GP who had a feel. She said it was scar tissue; then immediately changed her mind and said it’s actually a cyst. She said it’s superficial and mobile, and nothing for me to worry about. She also said it’s too small to he considered for removal, despite me telling her it sometimes makes the area feel “tight.”

Anyway, I’ve now got myself in a pickle over this. Can a GP really diagnose a cyst without an ultrasound? Should I get a second opinion?

It’s not in the lymph node area and it is more easily felt when I’m standing up than lying down.

If it is cyst and even if your gp can "feel" it , it needs to be diagnosed by ultrasound as it can be simple or complex. If it is complex then it is for Gynaecologist to decide if it has to removed. Some complex cyst need to be removed even whey they are small.
Most cyst are simple and go away on their own but if you are getting heavy periods, pain and can feel it then ultrasound is the best way to assess. May be go to a different GP in the surgery or ask the same GP for Ultrasound.

@Literallyfedup

If it is cyst and even if your gp can "feel" it , it needs to be diagnosed by ultrasound as it can be simple or complex. If it is complex then it is for Gynaecologist to decide if it has to removed. Some complex cyst need to be removed even whey they are small. Most cyst are simple and go away on their own but if you are getting heavy periods, pain and can feel it then ultrasound is the best way to assess. May be go to a different GP in the surgery or ask the same GP for Ultrasound.

I'm presuming the GP thinks it is a skin cyst rather than an ovarian cyst?

Argh, I thought so.

My period haven’t been heavier; they’ve just lasted around 2 days longer than usual. The area itself is not painful or tender.

Oh yes; when I asked about ovaries she said that it’s not where near my ovaries and I don’t need to worry.

My GP told me that you can tell the difference between cysts and other lumps because theyre usually able to move them about. They don't feel fixed to the spot, and can move slightly when pressed.

I dont know if that is right or the right attitude to have, but he wasn't wrong and mine went away on its own.

If you are not happy, you are best off getting a second opinion.

Well I don’t know what to do

I did have an incision near the area about five years ago, and I had a baby in Feb 2020 - so I thought it was most likely scar tissue. This cyst talk has sent my anxiety spiralling.

My apologies for jumping to conclusion!!! 😊, I thought you were referring to ovarian cyst.

Your ovaries are much higher up than to the side of your pelvic bone.

The only way a dr can feel an ovarian cyst is by doing a two-hand internal exam (I've had it done for all kinds of things) where they press on your tummy at the same time as the other hand inside you. It needs an experienced gynae to find anything odd going on, by an examination

I don't know how she knows what it is, to be honest by just feeling because it could be scar tissue, muscle, fat, connective tissue- anything, really. But from your description, it's not near your ovaries.

No it’s not near the ovaries and the GP confirmed that. I personally think it’s scar tissue, it’s more of an elongated shape that tapers off as opposed to something perfectly round or oval.

However, the word “lump” freaks me out especially given where it is, but I really don’t know how long it’s been there - I never used to dig around!

I have this exact same thin! Bigger on right than left but feels the same of that makes sense. Sounds harmless, do t worry.