Lumps x 2 in vagina - scared

[LumpScared]

As the title says, I have found two lumps in my vagina, quite high up near the cervix. Obviously I am very scared this could be cancer. I will be making a GP appointment asap but in the meantime if anyone has any words of wisdom I would be very grateful. I am 50, have been on HRT for almost a year, but recently stopped as I was having issues with the patches. I am waiting for my period to arrive but nothing so far. I started googling but got very scared and had to stop because I was spiralling.

Hi 👋 OP. I know the panic that comes with discovering something new. I'm not medical and you obviously do need to get them checked out but there is a strong chance they are benign. I know we always jump straight to thinking the worst. Have you had a smear recently?

Thank you for your reply. No unfortunately I am due a smear test

That's OK. My understanding is that lumps in that area are usually benign ( i used to work in the NHS as a hospital manager of womens health) but obviously they need to be checked out. If the wait is too agonising, can you afford a private Gynae appointment?

When was your last smear?

Thank you so much. Yes could afford private if possible. My smear was probably 3 years ago? It is definitely due.

Well IF it was cervical cancer, and its more likely they are cysts, then it is usually a slow grower.

There will be private gynaecologists that will take self referrals. Just go knock it on the head would be my advice.

I know how worrying this must be for you. Have you experienced any other symptoms like irregular bleeding? Could these lumps always have been there?

Thank you for the replies, very much appreciated. No other symptoms at all, I had no idea they were there but was checking to see if my period was on the way! I know that sounds weird but that’s how I found them! Otherwise I would be none the wiser.

Likely to be benign whatever it is but definitely get them checked out.

@Hillsmakeyoustrongthank you so much, I definitely will

Book a GP appointment and your smear. There’s no need to pay for a private appointment when you have your GP as a first port of call.

I had one check out in my twenties and it vanished eventually. They’re very often ok.

Hi @LumpScared how are you doing?

@Hillsmakeyoustrongso sorry I have only just seen this. All was fine, apparently it is just normal tissue for a woman my age. Thank goodness. I appreciate your support as I was very worried at the time so thank you.

Great news, I bet you were so relieved. Glad to have helped a bit

You do need to get them checked out. However I had one after the birth of my first child, and it went on its own.

Without wanting to sound weird, how did you find them? Am I unusual in that I don’t really feel inside myself. Other than putting in tampons etc, I don’t really stick my fingers inside myself. I don’t think my fingers would actually reach my cervix.

is this one of those things where I discover I’m odd?

@bumbaloo I never have myself but I've been under a gynaecologist for years and have regular reviews (annual at least) so I don't feel I need to. I always have my smear done promptly as well. I think some women are more in tune with their bodies and would do quick checks like you would with breasts and become familiar with their normal. I think it's wise. I'm a bit squeamish if I'm honest and have a tendency towards health anxiety so I probably subconsciously avoid it.

Natholian cysts possibly OP? They normally self resolve and are harmless, although annoying.

After I typed it I tried!!! I have small hands and obviously quite small fingers. When I used tampons I always struggled to push them up far enough. There is no way I can touch my cervix.
i’m confused really. Are some peoples fingers long enough to reach all the way? I can’t even hit cervix even with a tampon!!

@bumbaloo I don't know if I'm honest. I honestly haven't tried it myself. When you go for a smear the nurse usually does a visual check of the cervix and surrounding tissue and this is what I rely on. I would also rely more on symptoms such as bleeding, unusual discharge or pain to alert me to any issues. You don't have to physically check your cervix would be my thinking. Boobs yes. I also check moles.