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2ww referral for cervical lesion

Taf1510
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Hi everyone, 

I hope everyone is keeping well (I know this is an odd place to say that as we wouldn't be here if we were feeling well). 

I have been having ongoing issues with heavier bleeding than normal, very large clots (some the size of my fist, with some strange looking pieces in it). I have also had frequent discharge that often smells absolutely foul, ranging from rotten fish to an old bloody/metallic smell but still with a hint of rotten flesh. This has been ongoing for approximately 12 months, however has gotten worse since summer of this year. My GP did a speculum examination and reported some tenderness, with a lesion on the right hand side of the cervix at 3oclock, which is red, raw, inflamed and has contact bleeding. She then wrote ? sinister pathology. She explained that she would put through an urgent 2ww referral for suspected gynaecological cancer and that the appearance of my cervix is consistent with cancer. Besides this, I have had an ongoing problem with UTI's over the past 12 months, but even when there is no evidence of bacteria and infection, I am still having pressure in the pelvic region that feels like I need a wee. Then when I go, there is little to no urine coming out. The smelly discharge was less frequent in the beginning but now days I cannot have sex because the smell never seems to go :(. 

The doctor did mention the possibility of cancer because she did not want me to be alarmed by the letter and that she did not want to ignore what she had seen, which I am thankful for. I have had CIN 2 in the past and had cold coagulation to remove it (2016). I am aware that there is something called cervical ectropion (this was not mentioned by GP), but I do not seem to meet any of the criteria that makes that a liklihood. 

I am hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst, but the days are dragging and as a researcher by profession, I am constantly seeking answers, which I do not yet have. Do you think my symptoms and referral/lesion indicate something sinister? 

 

I am struggling to think about anything else right now. 

Best wishes to you all, 

Paige x

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    Hi Paige

    I think your dr has done absolutely the right thing in putting you on the 2 week referral to see a specialist on the basis of what she saw. An ectropion is where the cells from inside the cervical canal grow on the outside and it can look red and can bleed on contact. But that's not consistent with your symptoms or what has been seen.

    A lesion is an area of abnormal tissue, so it is likely that when you are referred a biopsy will be taken to identify what this is. This would be the only way to get the correct diagnosis.

    I've been through this myself, and it was not painful having the biopsies taken-my gynaecologist also used used the word lesion, although he did not mention cancer when he took the biopsies. 

    It's difficult not to think the worst while you are waiting for your referral, but I would recommend avoiding Google in your search for answers as that cannot give you a diagnosis. 
     

    I hope you get your appointment soon. x
     

     

  • Offline in reply to Minska

    Good afternoon, 

    Thank you for your reply.  Do you mind me asking, did you have any symptoms prior to diagnosis? I hope you are doing ok and recovering well? 

     

    Best wishes, 

    Paige x

  • Offline in reply to Taf1510

    Hi again

    Yes, but I was post menopausal so it was a different situation. I had heavy bleeding on and off and a lot of pelvic pain. My original diagnosis was more than 4 years ago, and my cancer did recur after treatment but I'm doing well now thank you. x

  • Offline

    Hello Paige, 

    How are you doing? 

    I know your post is from 2 years ago but I was just wondering what the outcome was?

    I am in a very similar position to you with exact symptoms. I went for my smear yesterday and I explained and about bleeding every 10-14 days, really big clots, pain and discharge with the fowl smell. While doing my smear she inspected my cervix and explained that it’s a different colour and also there’s a ‘Legion’ on it too. 


    I do have my appointment for the 31st but I guess it’s a worry until then. 

    thank you in advanced xxx

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