Hi,
I have recently been to my GP as I had concern about a new growth. Easiest way to explain it is it looks like a white cauliflower/wart type growth just on the top of the inside of my labia minora. I have previously had growths/polyps/skin tags in the past but nothing that looked like this.
At my GP appointment when examining she found I had another white growth at the bottom of the vaginal opening. As she does not know what it is she has sent an urgent referral for me to Gynae.
I am concerned as we dont know what it is. I do get quite a lot of itching from time to time near the perenium but put that down to maybe piles/ haermorroids etc but now think it could be this growth.
I now know that there is a family history of melanoma on my biological fathers side and know that he had treatment a few times before he died from what I have been told.
Only other symptoms I have noticed recently is discomfort/bleeding during sex which I have never had before.
I'm 37, have 2 children, 1st child at 19. Never had any stds, or hpv virus (that im aware of). Last smear in 2022 normal.
I am concerned about these growths and what they could be. Has anyone experienced similar and what your outcome was.
I am going to speak with my private health insurance monday to see if I can get an appointment quicker through them rather than nhs.
Dont know if im over thinking or worrying too much but am concered these growths could be cancerous.
Thank you for listening.
Hi Elwx45c40c and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
I don't have the experience you're looking for but I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.
I hope you don't have too long to wait for your appointment with either the NHS or privately to come through.
Anne
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Thanks for your reply. Been phoned today with a private appointment for tomorrow thankfully. Hopefully get some answers
️
Hello
Welcome to the Online Community.
I am sorry to hear that you have developed some skin growths and are having a referral to gynae for further investigation. My own cancer was endometrial so I have been through the gynae oncology testing.
I can understand that these symptoms are worrying. Due to the position of these growths and the symptoms of itching, discomfort and bleeding during sex a gynae referral would be the expected next step.
If your last cervical screening came back as clear 3 years ago it is likely that you were hpv negative then.
What I would expect to happen is an appointment with the consultant, possible biopsies of the area and for most gynae concerns a transvaginal ultrasound is done. Although uncomfortable, it is not painful. If your referral was done on an urgent basis I would expect an appointment within 2 weeks.
Because of your gynae symptoms and where the growths are it may be helpful to have a look at the vulva cancer forum- the ladies on there will have had similar testing and maybe able to offer you more specific support.
(+) Vulva cancer forum | Macmillan Online Community
It can be scary to be told that you are on an urgent referral and I know I panicked when I saw my appointment was for gynae oncology- however it is important to remember that they are trying to rule out cancer as a possible cause for your symptoms- it does not mean that there will definitely be any cancer present- just that in some ladies with these symptoms, cancer may be a possibility. They always try to rule out the most serious potential causes first and once that is done they will hopefully look further to see what your symptoms might mean and how best to treat them.
I hope that your appointment goes ok. In the meantime do give the Support Line a call if it would help to talk things through with one of the nurses.
Jane
I would think they would most likely do a routine gynae exam with history. I was also asked about general medical and family history.
There could be different causes for these symptoms but an urgent referral would normally be done where there is any chance that the symptoms could be caused by cancer.
For unexplained bleeding then a pelvic ultrasound would often be offered.
For the growths- I would expect them to take a small biopsy first. Once they know what they are then they can work out the best treatment for them. I would expect them to suggest they are removed at some point. The specialist may have an idea from just looking at the area- but a biopsy would normally be done to rule out cancer.
I will pop some links here - not because I am saying that it may be vulval cancer- but because it goes through the testing process.
Vulval cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
Vulval examination | Macmillan Cancer Support
Good luck for tomorrow, I hope it brings some answers- do let us know how you get on.
Jane
Update...
Had my consultation today...saw lovely gynae consultant - she's told me not to worry but would like to remove them to get them checked. Wanted me in as soon as possible but as I am going abroad in a few weeks she says best to wait until I'm back because of healing and the risk of infection.
From what she has said they will remove both under local but in theatre due to risk of bleeding due to where they are. They will then be sent off to determine what they are. Then go from there. So it's just a wait & see at the moment 
I'm glad that you had a lovely consultant- it does make a big difference. Sounds sensible to wait until after your holiday.
