Lump in Vulva

Hi,could you try your surgery again ask for a referral to Gynaecology?

A telephone appointment isn’t going to help,I’ll just fill you in on my background which may help you.

In 2013 I discovered an identical lump to you in the morning whilst bathing,rang my surgery and was given an appointment that afternoon.Saw a female locum who referred me on the 2 week pathway to Gynaecology with what I assumed after some research was a Bartholin Cyst.Received Gynae appointment within 10-14 days.Yes suspected Batholin Cyst.Booked for WLE/biopsy.Had op within 6 weeks or so and results came back with the cyst and gland benign but SCC in skin underneath.
I’m not sure if this will help you but try and push harder for a referral if you can.I wish you all the best x

Thank you so much.

I've  been physically examined and referred but as I said it was rejected. 

Today I have managed through online messaging to get the attention of a GP who has specialist interest in gynaecology issues.

She has offered me a face to face next Wednesday. She hadn't noticed the scan had been rejected in my notes. 

I'm hoping that this means it is now being taken more seriously.  No longer dealing with a eye rolling male doctor who doesn't  use all the information should make a difference. 

That’s good news.

Hi Loudy

I found a lump in my vulva in March 2020 and saw a doctor, was put on 2 week pathway which was lost in covid. My lump grew and I went back in November 2020 again 2 week pathway which was followed through with a Gynae team. I had an MRI in December which they through was a "Cyst" but booked for removal in January 2021. I was then diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma (Details are in my profile if you click on my name). I had 2 surgeries and am on constant monitoring. I would push for a scan/removal even if its benign. 

Not all lumps are cancerous, but I would push for further review.

Best wishes

Chris

Thank you for your message. 

I will continue to push for proper diagnostic procedures. 

I realise that, this must be difficult for you all and appreciate the messages. 

I haven't really spoke to anyone seriously about this, other than the GP. 

Were all here having been through the same thing with differing outcomes, its a safe space to raise your concerns .  Let us know how you get on.

Thank you

Hi there, I’m also 49 and found a lump on the left side of my vagina. It’s deep, not visible but you can feel it in the region on Bartholin glands / fleshy space to the side of the vagina. 
My gp wasn’t worried about it but I pressed and she put me on the 2 week cancer fast path. I was a gynaecologist who poo poo me and said it was normal ligaments. It’s def not.

Luckily I’ve not long changed jobs and have bupa with my new role so I’ve gone down the private route. The second gynaecologist thought it was Bartholin gland related but nothing to worry about but again I pressed and got an ultrasound. The radiologist found what she thought were 2 cysts and suggested they were benign but has put my forward for an MRI. The MRI is a week and 1/2 away now and tbh I’m beside myself with worry. It doesn’t present like a Bartholin cyst and as cancer is so rare in that area I feel a bit lost as everyone just looks at me so blankly. I’m really petrified. I’m not even sure why I’m writing this but I suppose I wanted to speak to someone who might understand. 
Oh - I also get the weird numb feeling that Loudy mentioned. 
sending love to anyone who needs it. Xxx

Hi,

Please update as your appointments progress. I'm so pleased you have got some attention. Bupa is a great thing. 

I'm hoping to be taken seriously going forward. Or I will have to pay for a MRI. 

Rarity doesn't mean impossibly which seems to be the attitude i have faced so far. 

The emotional harm of this approach is devastating.

I hope you get some clear answers.

I will update and let you know how I get on. Please update after your Wed consultation. I hope it goes well for you. The emotional toil is extreme, and everything is so slow when they don’t take you seriously which just prolongs the anxiety. It’s over 2 months now since I first saw my gp. 
Good luck next week. I will be thinking about you. Xxx