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High CA-125, thickened endometrial lining, polyps - cancer?

Morby
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40F, overweight, 20 a day smoker

I've been having long and heavy periods for the past number of years now in addition to middle of my menstrual cycle bleeding and spotting.

Had a CA-125 test which came back as abnormal at 65.

Was sent for an ultrasound and I've been told that it shows thickening of the endometrial lining and multiple polyps.

I have now been referred to see a gynaecologist.

I'm terrified that this is cancer and I'm going out of my mind with worry. It will be a few weeks before I get to see a gynaecologist.

Could anyone please tell me if this is likely to be cancer, I know it's so hard to say but I'm so anxious and worried and need to prepare myself.

What course of treatment can I likely expect?

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    From my results;

    "Normal sized anteverted uterus measuring 76 x 31 x 37 mm, which appears normal in outline and texture.

    The endometrial midline echo is thickened and heterogenous measuring 13mm.

    Internal vascularity is demonstrated.

    Whilst malignancy cannot be excluded, endometrial hyperplasia could be a differential.

    Both ovaries appear normal. No pelvic free fluid seen.

    Thickened heterogenous endometrium with internal vascularity. Gynaecology referral required.

    Endometrium is abnormal and prolapses into the cervical canal.

    This could be accounted for by one huge or multiple large polyps but should be regarded, for the purposes as management, as thickened abnormal looking endometrium."

  • in reply to Morby

    Hello and thank you for posting. I'm sorry that you have these concerns at this time.

    As we are not doctors we cannot interpret scan results, but I can tell you that polyps and a thickened endometrial wall (endometrial hyperplasia) are more commonly not cancer. But the gynaecologist will likely want to biopsy the polyps and the lining to confirm all of this.

    Many non-cancerous things can happen in a woman's pelvic area that can cause an increase in the ca125 blood test, and look abnormal on the scan. However it is still important to fully investigate changes and be reviewed by a gynaecology team.

    Once the team have confirmed exactly what is going on for you they will be able to create a suitable management plan.

    Waiting for results and information is difficult, particularly over the holiday period. I hope you can keep yourself busy and know more soon. 

    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 (not Bank Holidays).

    Take care,

    Sarah.

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