Cancer Research UK main site

Thickened womb lining

Sunflowergirl123
Offline

Hi

I'm currently waiting for surgery to remove a 14cm complex cyst from my ovary (been told it could be cancerous but not sure). 

When I had the MRI to diagnose this, it was found I also have a thickened womb lining and maybe a polyp. When I have my surgery, at the same time they are going to do a hysteroscopy. 

What I'm not sure about at the moment is - what can cause thickened womb lining? I've read about endometrial hyperplasia, but are there other causes? I'm bleeding almost constantly at the moment, which makes me a bit worried. 

Thanks in advance x

  • Hello and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about the investigations you are going to have. This may, understandably, be a worrying time for you.

    A thickening of the lining of the room (endometrial hyperplasia) is caused by hormone levels.  A biopsy is taken to check how abnormal the cells are. Information from the Leeds NHS Trust gives some good information about it.  This includes what causes it and the symptoms it can cause. You can see it on their website here.

    I hope you are able to get some support at this time. Please also get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline 

  • Offline

    Hi Sunflowergirl123,

    Sorry to hear that you have to have surgery.

    I am in a similar position to you as I have too been told I have to have my 16cm complex cyst removed and I've also been told it could be cancerous but they won't know for sure until it is removed, but looking like I will have to have a hysterectomy.  I have an appointment with the consultant on Thursday morning so hopefully will know more then.

    Do you have a date for your operation? and do you know how they are going to remove the cyst?

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Caroline

    Thank you Caroline for that information. Am I right in thinking that either way it will need some sort of treatment? 

  • Offline in reply to MrsP20231

    Hi MrsP20231

    It sounds like we are in a similar position. I haven't got a date yet but have been told it will be in the next few weeks. They are hoping to remove the cyst by keyhole surgery (along with the ovary and the fallopian tube) but they have said that that may not be possible, firstly because of the size of the cyst, but also because if when they look inside it appears like it is cancerous, they don't want to risk bursting it and cancer cells going elsewhere. So, they will decide during the operation and may well have to change to 'open' surgery instead. 

    I hope your appointment goes well on Thursday :)

  • in reply to Sunflowergirl123

    Hello and thanks for getting back to us again,

    It is not until they remove the polyp and assess the thickened womb that they will be able to tell you whether you need any treatment and what this will consist of.

    The hysteroscopy will be able to give the gynaecologist a chance to visualise the lining with the scope and then hopefully remove the polyp. All tissue removed is then sent to the pathologist where they look at the tissue under a microscope. 

    Try not to overthink it for the present. I can understand that waiting for tests can be unsettling but try and keep busy and your mind on other things until you know more.

    You are welcome to give the nurses a ring on the helpline if you want to go through anything.

    Our helpline number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm

    All the best,

    Catherine

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.