Hello NurseLoz and thanks for posting, 

I can appreciatte that this is an unnerving situtaion to be in, not helped by the longer than usual waiting times. 

In general if cervical cancer develops after picking up an HPV infection, it is usually years and years afterwards and most of the time this never happens because the immune system gets on top of the virus which can take a little while.  Of course cervcial screening comes into this as well as it is a preventative programme, the idea being to pick up abnormal cells at a potentially precancerous stage and treat when necessary.

Good as it is, cervical screening can't prevent every cervical cancer, but even so, I think it is reassuring that no abnormal cells were seen when your sample was tested. However this doesn't explain what was seen on examination.

The cervix has Nabothian glands which secrete mucous, these glands can sometimes develop cysts, so I wondered if this this could be a possible explanation for the mucoid lump your GP spotted. It doesn't sound as if your GP mentioned this, but even if it was in her mind as a possibility, you still need to see a specialist to be properly diagnosed.  

I don't know if anyone else will post but if they do, it might not shed much light on your situation, although I know other members of the community will identify with the worry triggered by an urgent referral and your concerns about NHS waiting times. 

Bear in mind that most people referred urgently don't have cancer at the end of the day after being investigated.

While people are in the thick of it waiting to find out more,  our usual advice is to resist looking for answers online as they are seldom to be found there - you can easily go around in circles getting more preoccupied - when distraction,( a tall order I know), is usually a better coping strategy. 

If you want to talk anything over please do get in touch.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here weekdays from 9am-5pm.

Best wishes,

Julia