possible vulvar cancer??

Hello Laura-Lou

Firstly don't apologise for joining us without knowing if you have cancer - many people come here looking for info and many find out later that they don't have cancer at all and we're all happy for them if they don't need to stick around.

If you're looking for info you can try this link to the Macmillan page on Vulva cancer. I've not had that type of cancer but I did find myself reading the info about a year ago because I wanted to check out some symptoms and I think you'll find it's very clearly written.

Obviously none of us can even attempt to diagnose what's wrong with you from a forum post - and we're not medical professionals so we shouldn't even try. That said, I wanted to tell you that I had two bouts of surgery back in my 20s for Bartholin cysts - a non-cancerous blockage of the glands down there which is not uncommon. I'm wondering if that might be something you could have because they hurt a lot. Mine got so big that it was like sitting on an orange stuffed with razor blades  BUT it's totally not cancer and a small surgical procedure can sort them out. I had one pop up again about a year ago - 25 years after the operations and this time it was just what you describe - a pea sized hard lump. No sooner did I see the doc for a bit of reassurance and then it went away of its own accord once I knew it wasn't 'naughty'.

As for being patronised, there are plenty of people here who were diagnosed with cancer long before their 30s. Don't let embarrassment put your life at risk. Please please think about getting an appointment to see a doctor and ask them to check you over. You can always specify that you want a female doctor and if the receptionist gets 'tricky' or isn't very helpful, don't be afraid to invoke the C-word (obviously I mean cancer, not the other one) and get demanding.

It doesn't matter how often you've been to the GP or how much time you've taken from them in the past, you're entitled to get something that's worrying you properly investigated.

Hi Laura-Lou and welcome to the vulva cancer group. 

I'm glad to see Barbaral has already given you some good advice. As she says, it might turn out to be one of these harmless Bartholin cysts but I would reiterate her advice to you to go and see your GP just to rule out anything sinister. 

All the best. Let us know how you get on.

Take care

Hugs

Sue x

Hi Barbara, 

Thank you so much for such a kind reply and for the link. 

I looked up that type of cyst and mine is far too high for that. I spent yesterday scowling the internet (and actually its not fair to say there's no information - there's loads just no site mentions any other cyst), I guess what I'm looking for is validation it can't be anything seious. 

The lump is adjacent to my clitorus (at that height) but on the outter labia. Too high for the cyst you describe, not at the surface to be a boil, defo not herpes, I'm wondering if anyone has had a cyst in this area that's hard and painful - all the posts (apart from the cyst you had) say they shouldn't be painful? 

Sorry and thank you!! I'm normally the first one screaming at the screen 'just go to the doctors!' But recently they've caused me so much anxiety, and professionally acted so badly I really want to avoid at all cost. 

Of course, if no one has had anything similar (I am also having deathly hot baths to try and steam - in case it is a cyst) I will go. 

Thank you, I appreciate your help and you're all so incredible!! I had a very-mini-scare having cin III removed 6 years ago, and I just want to say, you're pillars for strength in women. 

L xx

Hello again Laura Lou and sorry I only just spotted your reply - we've got some ongoing issues with the system 'alerts' and I missed this.

You are clearly much more knowledgeable about the geography for the vulva than me and you're absolutely right that bartholin glands wouldn't be anywhere near your clitoris so bad call from me.

I think it's time to that little voice that's telling you to get down the doctors and get yourself examined.  Good luck and take comfort in knowing that all the research you've done should help you to stick up for yourself when you talk to the GP.

Happy Eater, and thank you again for your reply! 

I'll be an expert in the region soon. :) I do however think its going down slightly, so I shall see how it is on Tuesday and if still there, I'll bite the bullet and be belittled by my GP (in the name off my health). 

I shall keep you up-to-date! 

Thanks, 

Laura 

Hi Laura-Lou,

Sorry you are feeling so worried and stressed about going to see your GP.  

Do you know whether you have a Genito Uriney Medicine (GUM) clinic in your area? (Sometimes known as sexual health clinic).  These often offer a walk-in service and are specialist clinics for all things to do with sexual health, not just STI's and contraception.

I went to my local one this time last year due to a problem and they couldn't have been more helpful and reassuring.  They are totally non judgmental and it is up to you whether they make contact with your GP or not.

You should be able to find your nearest clinic on the Internet.

Hope this helps.

P x

Thanks P! 

That's another great suggestion. I didn't know they dealt with other regional things, I may just look into that. Although I'm Sure its going down... You know how it'll be, I'll get an appointment and it'll be gone. 

Thank you for your advice! 

L xx

Good luck Laura-Lou.  Good luck & i''m keeping my fingers crossed that   It will turn out to be nothing to be concerned about.

Tracyk

Thanks Tracyk, 

And wow, what a lot you've been through! I've just ready your thread - I hope you've had a wonderful first day at home! 

In positive mine us fine now, more research says excess sweating can cause cysts and I get night sweats, so that might be part of it. 

Thanks for your message - I've my fingers and toes crosses for your next apt. 

Loads of hugs .

L xx

Hi ladies, 

Thank you so much for all your advice! I went to the doctors this morning and she's sure it's just a cyst. She said it may not ever get a head and my just sit there, so if it's still there in 2 months go back and have it checked again. 

Traceyk, i hope you're doing well? 

Xx