I'm post menopausal, had heavy bleeding, tiredness and pelvic ache so GP did blood tests which showed CA 125 of 307. Had ultrasound which showed ovaries look normal but endometrial lining of 20 mm , polyps and fibroids.
Had hysteroscopy with biopsies - now waiting results so anxious. Consultant has already said I will definitely need a hysterectomy but how does she know this before biopsy results come through? If I need one that is ok with me but the fact she has said with certainty that I do need a hysterectomy has scared me. Does this mean she thinks I do have cancer?
Any advice appreciated
Hello JoMary
Welcome to the Womb group.
I am sorry to hear that you have been having some bleeding and other symptoms. With any bleeding post menopause it is normal to be referred on the urgent pathway. It is good that you have had the testing done and now its just a case of waiting for the pathology to come back. It is always a worrying time. My biopsy results took around a week so hopefully you won't need to wait too much longer. It is important that they know exactly what they are dealing with so they can give you the best possible treatment.
The urgent pathway is to hopefully rule out cancer.
Heavy bleeding, polyps and fibroids are something that would need treating whether or not cancer is involved. It may be that is why she has already mentioned the hysterectomy. A thickened endometrium of 20mm is thicker than would be expected post menopause so they are looking to see what may have caused it. Hyperplasia (thickened lining) can have different causes- whilst some may need repeat monitoring, others may be more concerning.
The high level of CA125 means that something is not quite right but on its own can not diagnose or rule out cancer. It can go up and down for different reasons for eg; infections. It can sometimes become raised indicating the need for ruling out ovarian cancer. It seems that your consultant feels reassured that they look normal. For endometrial (and other gynaecological cancers) a CA125 is often taken but more as a marker.
It does sound like you have had a lot going on and that the consultant is being very thorough and that is a good thing.
If it does turn out that cancer is found in the biopsy then a hysterectomy is the normal first line treatment. Early stage endometrial cancer is normally a very treatable cancer. If cancer is found then the next step is normally a CT and/or MRI scan to stage the cancer. My hysterectomy was in 2022 and I also had some follow up treatments.
I know it is a stressful time and if it would help to talk things through, do give the Support Line a call. There will be someone there from 8am-8pm daily.
Jane
