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Swollen feeling in lips and vulva, vaginal atrophy

Ghislaine
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I finished chemo at the end of June and radio in September. I am generally recovering well and have just started a course of Tamoxifen. However, my lips and tongue feel swollen and tingling. My vulva also feels swollen and shiny with a very distended clitoris. My vagina was incredibly dry and burning, really uncomfortable.  I have been prescribed moisturiser for this which has improved things, but the My vagina is very tight and inserting anything is painful and distressing.  Is this a common after effect of treatment? I can't find any information on it. I have talked to my oncologist but was rather fobbed off. Is this something that will just go away on its own? Not really sure who else to ask!

  • Hello Ghislaine,

    Welcome to the Online Community,

    I’m Michael, one of the Cancer Information Nurses Specialists here on the Macmillan Support Line.

    I am please to hear that generally you are recovering well after your chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

    It is very concerning that your lips and tongue feel swollen and are tingling after you have recently started a course of Tamoxifen. This treatment might cause an allergic reaction. Signs of a reaction can include:

    • a skin rash or itching
    • feeling breathless or wheezy
    • swelling of your face, mouth or throat.

     We strongly advise people with new, worsening or changing symptoms to contact their Clinical Team or NHS 111 immediately.

    If you feel your symptoms are life threatening you must call 999 immediately.  

     

    I am also sorry to hear that you are also experiencing various gynaecological symptoms too, this must be very distressing for you.

    Tamoxifen can cause vaginal discharge or bleeding, as well as vaginal dryness and itching.  

    Sometimes depending on where you have your radiotherapy you can also develop side effects.

    If you have had Pelvic Radiotherapy it can cause side effects during and after treatment, including effects on the vagina, such as skin reactions, dryness and narrowing. These changes can be uncomfortable.

    We have some information about vaginal changes, sexual well-being and cancer if any cancer treatment has caused changes.

    We would recommend that you speak again with your consultant, or you can always speak with your clinical nurse specialist, or the radiotherapy team who treated you, about the problems you are experiencing, and they should be able to help.

    We also have a Radiotherapy - Discussion Forum that may be of help to you.

     

    I hope this information is helpful. You can always call one of our nurses directly if you want to talk over your concerns or require any further support.

    The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

    Best wishes,

    Michael. Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    REF: MH/AD

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