I’ve had on and off pelvic pain for the last 8 months. Ultrasounds didn’t find anything wrong, smear test was negative so I stopped worrying until this last couple of months when I’ve felt generally unwell. Pelvic pain also ramped up this weekend so I decided so see if I could check my cervix. Didn’t get that far as a felt a large solid mass just inside my vagina next to the urethra. This has sent me into a state of panic. I’ve got a dr appt booked for tomorrow but am struggling in the meantime. This seems such a rare cancer there doesn’t seem to be much info out there. Has anyone else had a tumour in a similar place?
Hi Coco76 and welcome to the group.
I’m sorry to read how worried you are, but can completely understand your concern. What I would say is to try not to assume anything before you see a specialist. I would imagine when you see your gp and are examined that you will be referred to a gynaecologist. Don’t be concerned if the referral is marked as urgent or suspected cancer as this is the pathway to be seen soonest, and the gp will not be able to diagnose what’s wrong at a surgery appointment without further tests,
I didn’t have vaginal cancer, but I did have cervical cancer and my tumour was growing into the vaginal wall. Vaginal cancer is rare and more common in older ladies, but lumps in that area are not always vaginal cancer, or indeed cancer-it could be a cyst for example. A biopsy would be needed to confirm what any lump is, so I’d expect that will happen for you too.
There is a lot of waiting during the diagnostic process, so I’m afraid you’ll be unlikely to get any instant answers. The referral normally takes a couple of weeks, and if biopsies are taken or scans are needed, then there will be a further wait unfortunately.
I have always followed the philosophy of “it’s not cancer till they say it is” and although I know you are worried, you cannot diagnose yourself and nor can dr Google so I’d recommend not looking for answers on the internet even though it might be tempting!
Please let us know how you get on at your appointment and feel free to ask any questions and we’ll do our best to help support you going forward.
Sarah xx
