Discovered lump

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi, I've just joined this site as I discovered a lump in my vagina about 6 weeks ago and went to see the Dr last week. She examined it and said she thought it was benign but has referred me to my local hospital for a second opinion. She confirmed it is not Bartholomid's cyst. 

I have received notification of the appointment at the hospital at the out patient gynaecological clinic, but it is for 21st June so I now face a 7 week wait. 

So of course I've been doing some research and matching my symptoms (lump, itchiness, night sweats) to possible causes including vulval cancer.

I have a couple of questions

1) What will happen at the outpatient clinic - if they suspect its cancerous will they call me back for a biopsy or will they do it on the day? My letter doesn't say request I avoid intercourse etc which is what I would expect if they were prepared to do a same day biopsy, but I will be very fustrated if I have a further wait for a biopsy appointment! 

2) I can't find any stats on how many lumps are diagnosed as benign - can anyone shed any light on this for me? 

Thanks for your help and support xx

  • Hi and welcome to the online community

    Waiting for tests is always a horrible time no matter what we're being investigated for. It's only natural to start looking for answers on the internet but, unfortunately, whatever symptoms you put in one suggestion will always be cancer. So my best advice is to stay off the internet, no matter how tempting it is, as it will only increase your worry even though your GP has said she believes it's benign.

    I'm sorry that I can't answer your questions but I noticed that your post had gone unanswered. Could I suggest that you post your questions in ask a nurse and one of the specialist nurses will aim to respond within 2 working days.

    Wishing you all the best and do come back and let everyone know how you get on

    x

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  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to latchbrook

    Thank you latchbrook for your great suggestion. So I phoned a Macmillan nurse and asked her the same questions. She was lovely, and checked the NICE guidelines for a referral for an unexplained mass in the vulva, and she found that they recommended a 2 week referral pathway. 

    I passed this information on to my doctor's surgery so I'm hoping I'll get an appointment much sooner after all. I'll be phoning them to check that the doctor contacted the hospital again after the bank holiday. 

    I'm glad to update you with this information because it might help someone else next time.

    Thank you so much for your help x