Urgent referral Gynae cancer - should I be concerned I'm seeing a consultant?

Hi everyone, 

I'm in a bit of a panic. I'm 35 and have had irregular periods since May and have now been bleeding for 17 days. I have abdominal and back pain, im bloated most of the time, im very tired even though im getting enough sleep, my bladder and bowl habits have changed and im having pain during sex. I've had a pelvic exam and bloods taken. All bloods were in normal range, the doctor said the bleeding looks like it's coming from my cervix, but she can't see anything apart from scar tissue from previous lletzs due to CIN3 8 years ago. My mother had cervical cancer at 36 and my grandma had it too, most women in our family have had abnormal cells also. The doctor has put in an urgent referral in for a colposcopy and internal ultrasound. I rang today to check progress off an appointment for colposcopy as my NHS app told me to. The secretary has said im to see a consultant on monday, got through my symptoms and have an exam, but no mention of the colposcopy. Should I be concerned im seeing a consultant? Could the doctor have seen something more than she said? I should add i had left sided pain during the internal exam at the doctors. 

  • Hi Kirstie123, 

    Poor you having had bleeding now for 17 days - you're doing the right thing having this checked. It's reassuring that bloods were in the normal range but I can understand why given your family history you want to have some answers and get this sorted quickly. It's good that the doctor has put in an urgent referral for a colposcopy and internal ultrasound

    You did well to ring the secretary to find out when your colposcopy might be and it's strange that they haven't mentioned the colposcopy. I am not sure what it means that you are going to see a consultant on Monday but try not to read anything into it until they give you further explanations. When you see the consultant on Monday, it could be a good opportunity to mention that you haven't got any news about the colposcopy and ask whether it is still going ahead as planned and if they can shed some light on this. Make sure that you also mention that you had left sided pain during the internal exam at the doctor's. 

    Feel free to get in touch with our nurses if you would like to talk things through with them - they have a free number you can ring on 0808 800 4040 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    Best of luck for your appointment on Monday. I hope that it all goes well and I am keeping everything crossed for you. Don't hesitate to give us a little update next week after you've seen the consultant if you get a chance. I hope that everything turns out to be nothing of concern and that you get a full and quick resolution to these symptoms. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator