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Vulva cancer suspected

Rhimarie
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Hello all

 

Im new and have never joined a forum in my life but I'm finding myself scrolling the internet for stories and advice and theres isnt much when it comes to vulva concerns. My symptoms started last year with persistent itching and burning in vulva with open sore developing. I saw my GP who was very matter of fact about her concerns re cancer and referred me to gynae. Unfortunately I had a poor experience at gynae who advised probably herpes and gave me treatment which was ineffective. I was due to have a follow up review but this constantly got delayed so I have now gone private and am due another consult tomorrow. Unfortunately, by chance the consultant I'm seeing privately tomorrow is also the same consultant who assessed me via NHS so I'm really nervous he's going to brush me off again. The burning and itch has been ongoing for over 7 months and is worsening. Ive now also developed two little pimple like lumps.

I'm looking for advice re other peoples inital symptoms and how they eventually got diagnosis. Ive tried several treaments including aciclivoir for suspected herpes and steroids for suspected lichen schlerosus - nothing helped.

Are we able to ask for a biopsy? 

 

Thanks in advance , any advice would be really appreciated

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    Hello Rhimarie and a warm welcome to Cancer Chat, 

    Poor you, your symptoms sound painful and I hope you can get these sorted very soon. I am sorry you had such a poor experience with the gynaecologist and that the treatment you were given was ineffective. How unfortunate though that your private appointment is with the same consultant you saw on the NHS when it would have been good to seek a second opinion about this. You can find out more about getting a second opinion on this page. You may have had your appointment though by now but if not, perhaps you could try and ask if you could see someone different and get a second opinion? 

    I hope you get a definite diagnosis soon and that you are finally given treatment that will help. Do talk to your consultant about the possibility of getting a biopsy I am sure they will be able to advise you further on this. 

    I will now let our other members who have had similar symptoms before come and share their experience with you. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

     

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    Hi

    I was diagnosed with Vulva cancer in October last year. I have always had troublesome smears since my very first one at 25. I was diagnosed with CIN 3 and HPV and have had numerous biopsies and procedures done over the years. I then got pre-cancerous changes on the wall of my vagina...cue further biopsies and ops. 

    Towards the beginning of last year I developed an itch in my vulva area. It was unlike anything I have experienced before! I noticed red, sore areas developing and spreading. These would bleed if scratched and there was never any relief from the itch. 

    I attended for my usual six monthly smear and pointed it out to my consultant who said it was likely to be VIN but it didn't look cancerous.....famous last words eh! I had biopsies taken in September and was told in October that it was cancer. I had a total vulvectomy in February and a sentinel lymph node biopsy. Unfortunately the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes and so I am currently recovering from a bilateral lymphadenectomy.

    We know our own bodies better then anyone so if you feel that something isn't right or that you aren't getting the right tests/treatment make sure you speak up. If you have any questions or want to ask me anything about what I've had done feel free to message me back. 

    Good luck with your appointment.

    XxX

     

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