During pregnancy my left leg became bigger than my right. After being checked for DVT twice, I was told I had a cyst and that this was an issue of swelling. I kept going back to the GP and was told various things mainly related to being post-partum, having a c section etc. As I was told this was swelling related to a cyst and extra weight can make it worse I focused on losing weight. I did visit the gp again regarding vitamin absorption or lack of and low blood pressure and asked if it could be related to my leg but was told no.
Fast forward 18 months I finally saw a GP who took me seriously and sent me for an ultrasound. This picked up something and a MRI was requested.
I have since been told that soft tissue mass has been located within my thigh, pelvis and uterus and that I will be preferred to oncology and gynaecology.
This was 5 days ago and I have just been so confused since. Of course I know oncology is cancer specialist but now I feel in limbo and keep kicking myself that I should have been more forceful with the GP as my leg is so much bigger than the other.
I suppose if you've managed to get this far with me (thanks) I'm just wondering what next?
Will these referrals be fast?
Do soft tissue masses need a biopsy?
Will I need to make sure it's no where else? As MRI was thigh hip and pelvis?
I'm just in a whirlwind of what next.
Thanks for reading
Hello Daisy87
Welcome to the Online Community and the Soft tissue sarcoma group.
I am sorry to hear that you have been having problems with your leg and it growing in size. It must have been tough to hear that there is a soft tissue mass there after your ultrasound and MRI. I can understand that it is confusing and also worrying. If talking things through at any point would help then please do give the Support Line a call. The details are at the end of this.
In answer to your questions...........
-Yes I would expect any referrals to be made on the 2 week pathway. This is where people who may have symptoms that may in some people be cancer- they need to rule out the most serious cause first. I can remember my first letter with oncology on- it can be scary but the idea is to find out what it is quickly- and that is good because there is less waiting around.
A referral to oncology and gynaecology would be normal in these circumstances. Oncology- because they need to rule out the potentially more serious cause and gynaecology because your uterus is involved.
- Cancer can not be confirmed without some sort of biopsy. A biopsy would confirm if cancer is present and give a provisional stage and grade. This would be used to determine treatment. If cancer is ruled out then there would be a discussion about what other treatment may be needed. I will pop a link to some info that may help.
Diagnosing soft tissue sarcoma | Macmillan Cancer Support
- If it does turn out that there is some cancer present then it would be normal to have another scan- this would be to check other parts of the body - they are trying to pinpoint exactly where any cancer could be to best determine treatment. Mine was chest, abdomen and pelvis. I had a CT with contrast.
It is understandable that it all feels a bit of a whirlwind. I hope you get some firm answers soon. If there is anything else you need, please do ask.
Jane
