Hi
Newbie here. In July 23, I went to my local surgery for a nurse appointment. I went because I had periods that were all over the place. I was going months without one, then bleeding for extended period. I also had bleeding after sex. In July 2023, I bled for 18 days. The nurse examined me, she advised that there was some cells growing that would need treatment. I've had cold coalition before, so I thought I'd maybe get same. Nurse said she would speak to GP about getting referred. I didn't hear anything, when I contacted surgery they said GP had reviewed nurses notes and no action required. That was my last period for months.
I started bleeding again on 16th April this year and I'm still bleeding today (3rd June). I went to GP on the 1st May. She looked at my cervix, said it looked OK and that it was most likely my age and said I should get blood tests.
I got the blood tests a week later.
On 21st May, I was still bleeding very heavily. I contacted GP. I got an appointment with a different Dr. She examined and said things weren't quite right, and referred me for a scan. I got a scan 3 days later. I got the results last Thursday. The second GP called to advise that the scan showed a 4.5mm growth on one ovary. It's obscuring the ovary. Suggestion is to rescan in 12 weeks. The scan also showed that my womb lining is 24mm. And advice us urgent referral to gynae.
I think my question is how long does the referral normally take?
I'm based in north ayrshire, Scotland. Aged 43.
My GP is calling tomorrow to check on me. (2nd GP was lovely!). My bleeding is less now following some pills that she prescribed, however I have really really bad pelvic and back pain. Painkillers just aren't touching it. I'm worried as Dr Google (I know, it was a bad plan) suggests cancer. Has anyone had these symptoms and it's not cancer? What can I expect at gynae appointment? What should I be asking?
Thank you
Hello Dee3473
Welcome to the Online Community.
I am sorry to hear that you have had these episodes of bleeding but you are right to get them checked out.
An urgent referral to gynae sounds like you have been put on the 2 week pathway. This is for people who need to be seen urgently as they are displaying symptoms that could in some people mean cancer. It does not mean that you have cancer but that you have symptoms that mean it needs to be ruled out. They normally try to rule out the more serious causes first. So its good because you will be seen soon and get answers soon.
At the gynae appointment I would expect them to take a full medical history and ask lots of questions particularly around anything gynae- so periods, bleeding etc. They will also ask about any other symptoms- so you can explain exactly where any pain is etc.
I also had a physical examination - tummy was felt, an internal, then a speculum exam. Because your womb lining is a bit thicker than normal, they may discuss doing a biopsy. This is where they take a few cells to look at under the microscope. This is the only way for them to know whether the thickened lining is due to a hyperplasia or if cancer cells are present. I think the thing to remember is that there can be several different causes for hyperplasia (thickened womb lining) and cancer is only one of them.
With the ovarian growth I am not sure of the process but you could post in the Ovarian group to see other peoples experiences. I would imagine it would be further scans and perhaps a biopsy to see if it could be a cyst or something more serious.
(+) Ovarian cancer forum | Macmillan Online Community
There is also a Support Line that you are welcome to call if talking things through with one of the nurses would help.
Hope this helps and hopefully your GP will be able to give you a bit of an update today. In the meantime, if there is anything you need, then please do ask.
Jane
