Scared!! Been referred to gynaecology oncologist?

So I went back to my GP regarding a genital ulcer that has been there for about three weeks now. When I first had it show up, it was quite painful to touch/put pressure on. I initially went to the GP three weeks ago who referred me to the sexual health clinic, they took swabs but said it didn't seem like an STI. She actually thought it might be an allergy to something. I had two ulcer looking things originally, and one looked like it was healing when I saw the nurse there. I got the results back as negative for the STIs. I was hoping they would go away and tried to forget about it since the tenderness and pain reduced but decided to check yesterday because I have a smear test tomorrow and wanted to make sure I am all clear to go ahead with it. Unfortunately, one of the ulcer things has still not gone, so I saw my GP today to ask about what it could be.

She looked and also said it was slightly swollen in the area, as well as there being confirmed an ulcer type thing. She decided to refer me to a 2 week fast-track gynecology appointment because I've already had it a few weeks and it's been ruled out for STI. My health anxiety peaked as soon as she mentioned this and I've immediately started panicking about the prospect of this being something sinister. I have HPV so she said it was wise to refer to rule anything out but obviously I'm thinking if this isn't something simple that the GP can diagnose then it must be something bad!!! She said it didn't *look* sinister but at the same time didn't wanna say for sure.

Has anyone had something similar and it not been anything to worry about? I'm really scared about vaginal cancer and stuff... I know it's super rare but also super hard to treat so my mind has just gone to a bad place.

To make matters worse, I just got my text confirmation and it's to see the oncologist?! Is it possible they've already diagnosed it as something sinister and not telling me? :(

  • Hi

    They will need to take a biopsy from the area first before they can give you a diagnosis I imagine. Is the ulcerated area on your vulva? Try and stay away from Dr Google because that will just show you the worst case scenarios.

    Xx

  • yeah, there's a small fleshy looking ulcer on my vulva that i noticed three weeks ago (there were two initially i believe), at first it was VERY painful and then eased off, my vulva is also a bit swollen still and it remains slightly tender but i can sit and go to the toilet without any major pain. I'm so worried it must be something bad seeing as I was diagnosed with HPV.. :/ 

    I saw a routine gynecologist for pelvic pain a few months back (suspected endo, not confirmed) and I'm sure he briefly examined the area without a speculum but didn't mention anything like this. It's noticeable from looking just inside the vulva so surely he would have seen something...

    Could an ulcer thing like this be something else not of a sinister nature? I'd like to think at least that it might not be something bad entirely...

  • There are lots of things it could be.....a fungal, bacterial or viral infection or maybe a skin reaction to a new product? Have you had an appointment date?

    Xx

  • yeah my appointment is scheduled for the 14th november.. haha i also have a phone call from my urologist later that afternoon so that will be fun! hopefully things will turn out okay and it's nothing to worry over, i know i should stop myself googling and worrying over it!