Hi.
I had an transvaginal scan in November due to prolonged bleeding in October following a few longer than usual periods in prior months.
I was on cycle day 1 at the time of the scan (which was very uncomfortable) and it showed a polyp measuring 11mm by 6mm and my endometrium measured 14.7mm.
A repeat scan in December on cycle day 10 showed the polyp measured 9.2mm by 8.2mm and the endometrium measured 20.9mm.
I am 38 and have had three children. My periods were always regular, around 26 day cycles and bled for 5. In June, I had a one day bleed, followed by a late period in July that lasted 9 days. In August it appeared normal. September was a 3 day period and then in October I bled for 17 days. The periods are more painful than they used to be and the clots are much bigger. November, December and January cycles seemed average.
My youngest child is nearly 7. I did have polyps in 2011 but it was not investigated as I fell pregnant.
GP has referred me to Gynaecologist. During ovulation I experience the same cramps as pain as I do during my period.
I'm looking for reassurance really and if anyone has had similar symptoms and results but have been okay?
Thank you
Hi Evalinafairy
Welcome to the Womb group.
I am sorry to hear that you have had this bleeding and this seems sensible to have the gynaecology referral.
The endometrial thickness varies during the menstrual cycle. Where it is a little thicker than normal it is called hyperplasia and this can cause bleeding etc. I will pop a link.
Endometrial Hyperplasia: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Polyps may also cause bleeding/pain.
What I would expect to happen next is a discussion with the gynaecologist about a possible hysteroscopy- where they use a tiny camera to have a look inside the womb. They then normally would take a sample of the lining for biopsy and then sometimes also are able to remove the polyp at the same time. The polyp would also then be checked. So basically having a more detailed look.
I did have similar bleeding before I had cancer and was put on progesterone mini pill to control the bleeding. This stopped my periods. My cancer diagnosis came from a later heavy bleed with clots.
Jane
ca125 is a marker that they commonly test for with gynaecological investigations. A high level suggests a need for further investigation. It is more commonly used with ovarian cancer but my consultant said it is useful when checking for endometrial cancer. She also said that it can be raised for different reasons. It is useful when combined with other information but on its own does not diagnose or rule out cancer. So if bloods are ok- that is reassuring.
I would contact your GP tomorrow and ask for an explanation of what has been written- I wonder if GP may have had more detailed info?
Also ask GP what happens now- I would be thinking of making a list of questions to put to him/her
Something like...
-would a hysteroscopy be warranted to have a closer look at womb lining and to take a sample. If not, why not?
-what should be done about the polyp?- monitor, test, remove?
-what can be done about the heavy and irregular bleeding? (hysteroscopy/hormone treatment etc)
-what is the cause of these symptoms and should they be investigated further due to family history of cancer.
-if a gynaecologist is not needed at this stage then what will happen now
I would try something like that- all are reasonable questions given the symptoms you are experiencing.
Jane
