Hi all so I have been itchy round my vulva and my anul area for long long time and in June I noticed I had a decent size firm lump I went to nurse who prescribed antibiotics but never changed so went back she referred me to Dr who said it prob nothing but to refer me to gynacologist anyway so I was seen within 2 weeks and he said was a barcolist cyst and asked about my red skin around vulva and how scaly it was I said was using canister cream for thrush but makes no difference I went back in 2 weeks for him to make slice in cyst to drain it which he did but said he wanted biopsy of skin in that area as treatment not working I was told would take 4 to 6 weeks on results it's been 3 weeks iv not heard anything and iv noticed wee lump appearing again iv read about itching and sore vulva sign of cancer and although lump was cyst what do u guys think?? The fact he took a biopsy of skin before deciding if I need to see dermatologist for you think the biopsy will test for some sort of cancer???
Hi Busymum85
A biopsy will be testing for cancer, but it will be as much to rule it out as rule it in. A bartholin cyst itself is harmless, and cysts can recur, but when you are discussing the biopsy results with the gynaecologist I would mention that you have another small lump.
I would try not to read too much on Google as it can increase your anxiety, and try not to overthink before you get your results back from the biopsy as there could be explanations other than cancer for your symptoms. Best wishes for your appointment, and I hope you’ll let us know how you got on.
Sarah xx
Hi again
Receptionists should not give any information over the phone as they are not medically qualified so that’s quite normal. It’s impossible to guess what the letter might say, but personally I’ve always had letters for appointments. If it’s being sent today it should be with you soon, and I hope it puts your mind at rest.
Sarah xx
I had face to face appointments at all stages for everything-biopsy results, discussions about treatment etc. I’ve had good results at appointments and some not so good. Different health areas do things differently, so it is possible in these post covid times to receive not so good news in a letter, or a phone call, but I think it’s always better to have a face to face appointment so that things can be explained and you have an opportunity to ask questions if you need to. My consultants have not been in the habit of telling me anything over the phone. Of course if there is nothing untoward in the biopsy you may get a letter confirming that everything is clear. The waiting to know more is very hard-I completely understand that.
Sarah xx
It’s really hard to say nowadays how quickly biopsy results will be available as so many labs are still experiencing backlogs due to covid. I had biopsy results a week later, but this was before covid and things were much quicker. Your gynaecologist probably has a good idea of timescales, saying 4-6 weeks, and this will be based on his experience recently I’m sure. Many people in all sorts of situations are waiting within this type of timescale, and it rarely makes any difference to diagnosis or potential treatment.
Thank you, yes, I am doing fine.
Sarah xx
Hi Busymum85
Maybe there was nothing for them to diagnose at gynaecology? Maybe you will need to see another department, but this is another reason why receptionists should not give out information-they can only tell you bits and leave you wondering and more anxious. I hope you find out more when you get the letter.
Sarah xx
