Hi. I'm 39 and a virgin. I've never had a smear (had one when younger and was too painful so stopped it, too embarrassed to go back)

anyway I have a painful itchy hard lump (had it 2 months or more) on my labia minora. Definitely not an ingrown hair and no head to suggest it's a pimple. It's hard and not fluid like. 

It's painful and uncomfortable to wipe after using the toilet or sitting at my desk. 
 

Is the first thing they will suggest a smear or will they deal  with the lump first? 
 

Please don't suggest a smear, I'm aware I need one but I'm asking about the lump first. 
 

thank you for understanding and listening, most importantly not judging 

Hello rachaelrachierach and thanks for posting, 

I think your GP or practice nurse will want to sort out the lump for you regardless of whether you agree to have a smear/cervical screening which is always a woman's choice.

Sometimes bumps in this part of the body can just be little be blocked glands but they can became infected so might need treatment and it is always a good idea to get new bumps that persist checked out to be on the safe side. Don't let any worry about being asked about cervcial screening get in the way of sorting this out and getting your GP's input.  

Best wishes, 

Julia

Hello, 

I am going through a similar experience to this at the moment.  

I am 35 and have 4 children.  I found a lump on my vulva about 6/7 weeks ago, the lump is hard, painless and blood coloured, I also have a persistent itching (it is not thrush as I do often get thrush but this is slightly different).  

I went to my GP who referred me urgently to a gynecologist, the gynecologist examined the lump and has ruled out a cyst, she said she isn't quite sure what the lump is so has organised for emergency surgery to remove it.   Since then I have been bleeding after sex (fresh blood not old brown blood).  Also my smear test (which the gynecologist carried out during my examination) has come back clear.  

So my question to you is...if my smear has come back clear is there a chance my lump is still cancer? Or has the clear smear ruled out anychance of cancer? 

Thanks 

Hello BJJones and thanks for posting, 

I am sorry to learn that you are waiting for surgery to find out what this lump is. I can appreciate that the 'non knowing' is unsettling. 

A smear is more about checking out the cervix (the neck of the womb). Cervical screening (smears) also looks for a virus (HPV) that can be linked to cancer in the vulva so it is good that the results are clear.

As it only looks at the cervix, the smear test would not have explained what the lump on your labia might be. However, cancer on the labia is quite rare so there is probably some other explanation for the lump.  It could just be that the gynaecologist wants to rule it out and removing it to send to the labs is the best way to be sure.

Waiting for an operation in a situation like this is inevitably stressful, but try to keep an open mind and take things one step at a time. 

If you want to talk anything over please do give us a call on Freephone 0808 800 4040, we are around from 9-5, weekdays.

Best wishes,

Julia

I know I'm late but I found this while researching, I'm 14 and this morning discovered a hard lump on the inside of my vagina lip like next to my clitorous if that makes sense?? It's painful to touch and I'm worried to what it could be.

Hello and thank you for posting,

I am afraid but we cannot tell you if there is anything the matter. Although I can say that it would be very unlikely that you have cancer. 

I think the best thing to do, if you are worried, is to see your GP.  Don't worry they are used to seeing intimate parts of the body and will not be embarrassed.  You could also talk with a trusted adult ( perhaps an older sister or mum) about this so they can also give you some advice. In the meantime do not touch it as it could make it more sore.

I hope you will be okay. Please 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 

Hello and thanks for your post,

We would always advise someone with a lump to get it checked out by their GP. It may well be a Bartholin cyst, which are harmless, which you can read about here,

It is always a good idea to however have this confirmed by your GP.

I hope this helps.

All the best,

Catherine

Thanks for the response.
But my lump/bump ll disappear with in a week. It is very tiny but I'm not sure whether is  lump/bump. It doesn't hurt but it is very tiny( smaller than peanut) I had yeast infection so I Thot i got that lump/bump because of yeast infection. And it is in outer vulva. Not inside 

Hi! This sounds exactly like what I have.. I've had my lump for over 18 months, I've been to the doc and to the gynocologist 18 months ago too, she said it wasn't anything to worry about but this past week it's become really sore and sensitive, and like yours hurts when I wipe.. now I'm thinking has it turned into something more sinister.. obviously googling isn't helping the matter. I've decided to give it till weekend then if it's still sore next week see my gp again x