Hello, I had abnormal bleeding started end of October/start of November. 2024 (by abnormal I mean period stops then bleed for 3 days of for one 10 days bleeding etc)  I then had bleeding after intercourse and pain. It was a small amount the first time by the third time  it looked like a horror scene. Fast forward to January 25 GPs opened I got a smear booked STI and blood tests. I was anaemic, had no Sti’s and finally after 9 weeks my smear came back as high risk HPV and cell changes and had an urgent colposcopy booked.

By this point I had already been seen by the lady who ‘does the smears because she has training to spot cervical cancer’ and a GP - Both of whom said my cervical looked fine! I had what’s called a cervical ectropion…

I attended the colposcopy but by this point I was in a mess internally, the bleeding was constant, if I lifted anything heavy I would lose more there was discharge I had back pain pelvic pain and pains in my legs and groin. 

The consultant at the colposcopy saw it straight away. I bled a lot during which she struggled to stop.She was lovely but said she was suspicious that I did indeed have cervical cancer but had to wait for the biopsy to come back. 

fast forward again to yesterday… I was told I have stage 2A2 cervical cancer, my tumor is 5cm and bulky and has grown out of my cervical and onto the top of my vagina. 

Sorry for the long reply I just wanted to paint a picture, that even when 2 people 1, who has specifically been trained in this; misses things and fails to act on even glaring symptoms alone. I believe I should have been referred to the 2 week pathway instead it took 5 months to get diagnosed.

Im glad you have an appointment with a gynecologist that is the best place to be seen. They know what they are looking for, better still a colposcopy. 

Hi Sophasdf, and thank you for posting.

I am sorry to learn that you are having symptoms that are causing you concern.

It is good news that your cervical smear came back as normal in January, and there were no signs of any abnormal cells.

Everyone's situation is individual, it is possible you may not have had the cervical ectropion at the time of your previous examinations. Unfortunately, not being involved in your care, we cannot say.

Waiting for tests and test results can be stressful and cause anxiety, but only a doctor who can assess you and do any necessary tests will be able to tell you what the cause of your symptoms is.

I can appreciate that this uncertainty is difficult. This information on cervical ectropion from an NHS trust may be helpful.

Whilst you are waiting for your appointment, if you would like to talk things over with one of our nurses, you are welcome to give us a call. We are available between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday, and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040

Take care,

Jemma

Hello, just reaching out as your journey seems a bit similar to mine. I had continuous spotting start November 24 with watery discharge. Saw my GP in January as it was ongoing and got referred to Gynae. Had an appointment beginning of March and the doctor told me I had a mass on my cervix and something similar on my vaginal wall. They took biopsies and fast forward to 16th April I’m told I have cervical cancer with a 2.5cm tumour. I’ve since had an MRI and PET-CT to find out my staging and treatment plan, and have my appointment on 13th May to tell me all of this.

I’m just wondering if you’re happy to share your treatment plan? as I feel like mine has clearly spread to the vaginal wall and I may be a similar stage x

Woah that’s a lot of information for you to take in! Have you already had an MRI done then? They said they weren’t sure on my staging until I’ve had all my scans done but my consultant thought maybe stage 1-2.

I’m sorry you had so many symptoms, mine have mainly been spotting constantly (nothing heavy), constant watery discharge, some lower back ache and I did have some groin pain for a while which randomly stopped in January. 

Thank you for sharing, it’s useful to know as I may have something similar treatment wise! 

Thank you, fingers crossed your stage stays the same! I hope everything goes well for you xx