Fibroid, thickened womb lining and polyp- referred for biopsy

[jennylamb1]

Had a period four years after menopause and went to the GP to get it checked out. I had a scan last week and a follow up appointment today with a doctor. She said that I have a fibroid, a polyp and a thickened lining of the womb which means that they want to do a hysteroscopy and a biopsy within two weeks. She said that it would be put on a 'cancer pathway' but not to worry too much about this, although obviously I am. Asking if I was going away on holiday or anything. Has anyone else had similar issues and what have their outcomes been?

Glad that it went well Pharos, that’s great to hear. 🙂

Hi just reading on here looking for advice and seen this thread and thought someone might be able to help me.
I went to my GP on the 10th June, I have a lump underneath the skin on my perineum, I noticed it a month or two ago and just kept an eye on it, finally plucked the courage to see the GP about it and I've been referred to Gynaecology on the 2 week pathway.
Im already on the waiting list to see Gynaecology as have 'cervical erosion' and I've previously been to the GP about bleeding between periods, excessive discharge, frequent bouts of Thrush but when swabbed it doesn't show up as Thrush or BV, heavy periods, PCOS and painful periods.
I'm on the verge of getting an endometrial ablation and being sterilised. I'm 40 years old and im done having kids so no worries there.

Anyways I'm spiraling and my anxiety is at am all time high, the GP said she thinks it's a gland that's swollen, but given my other symptoms (my cervix is very red) excessive discharge, leg pains, frequent urination that best to be referred. I'm terrified ive Cancer ans worse still that ive had it a while and it's spread.
Ive been anxiously waiting for an appointment and they sent me one for 4 weeks time as the waiting lists are out of control. It actually contains no information about the appointment like the breast clinic does and to be hobest barely even explaons where the clinic is. What happens at the 2 week pathway appointment? Ive been trying to find info and I can't find anything, it's the not knowing! I went to a breast clinic last year and was in and out in a few hours and was given the all clear there and then, will it be the same with Gynaecology?
I don't know what im asking I just need some information to prepare me I guess, what is the usual time frame and what does the appointment involve?
Thanks

Did you get an email saying that you’d been referred and giving you info on logging onto the NHS app?

No, im in Northern Ireland and it sounds like we're way behind the rest of the UK as we don't have an app, it's all letters and text messages.

You may need to await a scan or similar which will give a better clinical idea of what is happening. Could give your GP a call or go in to the surgery to find out more if you are concerned.

Hi
I rang this morning and they couldn't tell me anything. Il just have to wait and see. I did manage to ring my doctor and find out when I last had a smear test and it was 2022, that hasn't put my mind as ease at all, I'd of thought the GP would of done a smear test considering she referred me but all she did was take swabs for gonorrhea and claymidia which ive had done already and ive been married for ten years.
Anyways il just have to manage my anxiety and wait and see.

Hi,
New here but message for Jenny. I had a hysteroscopy yesterday and it wasn't too painful. I had gas and air. I had a referral after painful periods and then an ultrasound and discovery of endometrial polyp/fibroid. At that point they said nothing ' sinister 'but I've been referred to gynae and had biopsies taken yesterday as she thought things looked suspicious. I am trying to remain rational headed but so difficult. Said results would be a letter or phone call if needed. Thinking of you , the waiting is so stressful x

Thanks ZoeNY. Had a GA for the hysteroscopy in the end because I couldn’t tolerate it when they tried with just a local anaesthetic and painkillers. Could deal with the little camera but when they tried to open the cervix a little more to use the instrument which would remove the polyp that was enough for me. Felt faint and almost passed out.
Been waiting for 3 weeks for results following the hysto under GA, a little worried because they only removed the polyp and sent that for histology and I thought that they were going to take some lining for histology too, given that it was described as heterogenous and I’ve read that other people had a few biopsies taken at the same time which would seem more thorough.
Anyway, I’m on holiday at the moment so hopefully there will be a results letter when I get back tomorrow.

It's all confusing isn't it. I've banned myself from Google but my friend suggested this site. Distraction is good but try and enjoy your break away. Honestly, I hit 50 and everything is going to the dogs!
Please keep posted,,as will I. Btw I'm 51 and perimenopausal , no HRT so obviously a lot you put down to that then all of a sudden youre being poked and prodded x

Hi
I had my hysteroscopy a couple of days ago and like yourself had thickend womb lining and a polyp. I was told that I was to have a biopsy of the womb lining and polyp removed and biopsy of that along with the removal of a bump/lump on my perineum.
I thankfully managed to grin and bear it through the hysteroscopy but the dr only said she removed the polyp and sent for testing she didn't mention a biopsy of the womb lining at all. She just seemed like she was in a hurry to get me in and out as soon as possible and didn't explain anything to me at all so im completely in the dark. Once she finished the hysteroscopy she was supposed to then remove the lump but she said it would take too long and will send me an appointment for another time. The letter stated the appointment would be 30 minutes but I think she had me rushed in and out withing 15-20 minutes. I had asked for local anaesthetic and gas and air and she said I wouldn't need it as its very quick and if it's too much she would stop, she just didn't want to listen to me at all, I felt I was an inconvenience to her.
I'm now left sat wondering when il get an appointment for the lump (which is what my GP initially referred me for on the 2 week pathway) and whether im going to receive any further monitoring regarding thickening of of the womb? I'm 41 and still have regular periods but spotting in between, heavy clotty periods etc and very anxious about Cancer so want to make sure im thoroughly checked over and monitored to make sure there's nothing sinister.
I just think women are treated terribly when it comes to gynaecology particularly, even by female doctors, I literally dont even know what size the polyp is or any in depth details of my scan etc. I have the app for results etc and they don't ever update it with information, basically only the letters you get for appointments.
I dont think they appreciate how nerve wracking this process is and the anxiety women go through and then add onto that how this whole process is extremely slow moving and your left waiting for long periods of time just sat worrying. I just hope everything was looked at that needed to be looked at!

I would keep your records in one place and then chase up if there are any discrepancies. It says on my hysteroscopy paperwork that I was due a ‘hysteroscopy + biopsy + removal of polyp,’ however the discharge paperwork just says ‘resection of endometrial lesion.’ Like you, I’m not sure that it’s all been done correctly and the experience was very rushed. Worth waiting to see the results of what has been sent for histology and then asking any outstanding questions I think.
I did feel the same about a lack of bedside manner or time spent talking the process through, ultimately I suppose that we want to get to the bottom of it more than anything, so I’m focused on that and supposing that many within the NHS are under pressure in their roles.

Oh that's not good @darkcherry14k especially when you're feeling so stressed. If you'd been led to believe you were supposed to be having an additional biopsy I'd maybe give them a call. You shouldn't have to, of course but it seems that things slip through the net. It's a horrid situation to be in and I'm driving myself to distraction. Hard to stay positive when you feel so in the dark. Much love

Do try and do things that will keep you busy. You can’t change the result and this sort of cancer is very treatable- thought chances are high that it isn’t cancer. Keep us posted, you’re not in any of this on your own.

Hi I had two fibroids removed last year I had the hysteroscopy to remove them but I was asleep to be honest I felt fine after the surgery and was walking around normally the next day. Unfortunately I need more surgery to remove more fibroids a year after my surgery I hope your appointment goes well. X

@jennylamb1 Thanks, thats a good point regarding the paperwork. The letter I got just said 'Hysteroscopy' and not much else. I guess I felt like I'd be abit more forward after the Hysteroscopy yet im still in the anxious stage and worried that everything that I thought was being done hasn't been so now ive the added stress of having to chase this up and make sure. I guess the good thing is she didn't seem concerned in the slightest, so maybe that's a sign but then I think well she doesn't know the result of the polyp biopsy yet, but then she didn't seem it important enough to remove the lump and biopsy either so maybe im OK? Its just mental gymnastics is it, il try and wait for my results and see where to go from there. Bless you have been waiting 3 weeks already, hopefully your enjoying your holiday!

@ZoeNY Thank you, I will try and wait for the biopsy results. I can't get through to anyone on the phone, the hospital switchboard either doesn't pick up the phone or the call connects and they hang up immediately, it's so frustrating. Its such a lonely anxious time and you try not to google but you do and then worry yourself sick! Try and stay positive (easier said than done!) But definitely distraction therapy is the only way to cope, keep your mind busy with other stuff so you dont slip into the bad thoughts. Bedtime and waking up at the crack of dawn is the hardest, I wake up in such a panic, just will be so so relieved if I get the all clear! Thinking of you x

Just to update: my biopsy came back clear, very relieved!
In regards to the hysteroscopy: I was assured I'd be given option of local anaesthetic to the cervix and gas and air if needed, none of which was available to me when I actually got there. I took codeine and ibuprofen about 45 mins before I went in (thank God I did!) The procedure just felt really rushed and the Doctor clearly didnt want to faff about giving me pain relief and when I asked and then pushed she stood firm and said the procedure is so quick I wouldn't need it.
The procedure was fairly quick but it wasn't pain free - especially when they filled my uterus with the water, I went dizzy and she drained some of it and the pain eased. Anyways it was OK as it was fairly quick (10 to 15 minutes) but the doctors beside manner left alot to be desired, made me feel like a inconvenience and was holding her up. I was completely ignored when it came to pain relief but she did say if it hurts too much she would stop.
I think if your cervix is at a different angle or cervix is shut tight thats maybe would cause an increase in pain. I dont feel any pain having a pap smear and I had my last child 4 years ago so I think maybe my cervix may be more open which made the insertion of the contraption easier. Anyways it was uncomfortable and painful in parts but was over quickly so I was glad I got it done and didnt have to wait weeks or months for an appointment for general.
I'm now free to go head and get my tubes cut and a uterine ablation, not sure whether to do this or not yet as have read some really bad outcomes from ladies which have scared me so im in two minds.
Hope everyone else are holding up OK?

Pleased to hear your news on the biopsy. Mine was clear as well which was a relief- you do forget that for 90% of women this is the case, because it’s easy to worry isn’t it. My gynaecologist’s bedside manner was about as bad as yours I think, she rushed me through signing the disclaimer and I had to ask her what she was doing because I had no idea what she was sticking where. I think perhaps they don’t enjoy doing the procedure either.
Anyway, good news for you. I don’t know much about ablation I’m afraid, perhaps others have words of wisdom.

Glad everything OK with you both. Mine wasn't such a positive outcome I'm afraid. Just been processing this and taking time.

After enduring a barbaric hysteroscopy awake and with no pain relief, (3 nurses present, one specifically to hold my hand and have a sick bowl ready), of which I took a while to come to terms with, I recommend a general anaesthetic. As my hysteroscopy had to be stopped after 10 minutes before I fainted with pain, I had to have a GA anyway. I have had another one since ( for same reason as you) and told them it would be under GA. Look up Hysteroscopy Action. By the way, I have had 3 children and had no pain relief with two of them. So I’m quite a resilient person.

Oh, I’m so sorry. I hope that things have been caught early. Thinking of you and do feel as if you can talk here is you would like to. The MacMillan community pages are also good I found.

I'm so sorry to hear this @ZoeNY I second @jennylamb1 and know there is a space here for you to talk/vent however which way you want. I do hope it's early stages, il be thinking on you x

Yes I had a lovely nurse holding my hand and was very swift and noticed I was dizzy, she must see it all the time. The doctor was almost ready to shove me off the bed/chair contraption and the nurse stepped in and told me to lie back for a while before I get up and gave me a glass of water. I think the Doctor had totally desensitised herself to how awful these procedures are and just merely seen me as a number she had ticked off her list and like a conveyor belt was ready for the poor soul. I have looked up hysteroscopy Action and it's amazing that there are so many women saying the same things about this procedure and are not being listened to, it's the same old same where women are just expected to grin and bear it and put up with the pain. Like yourself I have had several children with only gas and air and never have a problem with pap smears so im quite good with managing pain but this is not something women should have to endure.

Thank you both, @darkcherry14k @jennylamb1 I will certainly look at the forums when I've processed the situation a bit. Thank you for your kind words. I will.be clearer after my MRI x