Vulvar cancer question!

Hi everyone,

I have been having some symptoms for a while such as bleeding when going to the toilet and occasional bleed (I don’t have periods) extreme pain with bleed after intercourse, lot if pelvic pain and groin pain, Vaginal discharge and the worst symptom of all constant irritation, sore and pain of the vagina. So bad it has me up most the night and in constant discomfort all day and this is dispite having numerous creams, tablets and anything going for thrush for over a year that I can think of! 

I went to my doctor who after doing the usual checks for any sti, std, infection and thrush which all came back clear. I was referred to gynaecologist  who then sent me for a colposcopy originally thinking there may have been issue with cervix and biopsy’s where taken which show low grade acetone (spelling is bad sorry) but nothing sinister. 

My symptoms are getting worse over time and now at my wits ends I went back to the doctor and explained I told them all of my symptoms they only really focused on the cervix. So after answering some questions and telling things like I can no longer have sex with my husband because of how bad things are in that area and the bleeding still continues as well as the rest of the difficulties I’m having, she then had a look and took some more swabs but she has noticed that there are areas of thicken which she was concerned about and asked if I had stitches when I had my son, I never did (he was very small) and she was concerned about something she could feel! She has given me some cream to see if it can relieve the irritation and wants to see me next week! She also mentioned that I’m not the right age?? I’m only 36! 

I’m really concerned and wondered if people can tell me there symptoms and experience and what I should expect. I have obviously googled my symptoms (I know I shouldn’t but things are really bad for me at the minute) 

Thank you in advance for you reply x

  • Hello Gail

    I'm so sorry you are going through problems.

    I had the itch & so sore for a few months,as I'm housebound I tried every thing I could find & buy on internet.

    I have bladder cancer & did think it had spread.I then managed to get my GP to visit as my womb has now started to protrude.

    GP prescribed Canesten thrush cream,after a few days use oh boy so much relieve.

    Best of luck x

  • Thank you for your reply.

    I have tried canestan so many times with no relief. I’ve tried the cream, tablets and the one that you insert in the Vagina at night (sorry I don’t know how to spell what they called) none of them have helped. Most nights I’m sat in a bath on cold water to help relieve a little bit as soon as I get out the bath there’s no relief! 

    Sorry to hear your having a difficult time and I wish you the very best of luck and get well soon. 

    Xxx

  • Can I ask, have they ever checked you for lichens schlerosis? I had the same sort of problems, the itchiness was rife and nothing except steroid creams made it less severe. Went to the docs a number of times and finally had a biopsy at the hospital and they diagnosed me with lichens schlerosis which is an inflammatory condition which tends to be long term. If not treated it can be much worse - I’m I. Treatment now and I’m so much better. Anyway thought I should add it in, as I don’t know if that’s been ruled out yet for you.

  • hi,

    Thank you got your reply, nothing has been mentioned about Lichen Sclerosis but I have only just been seen by the doctor again. Would that cause area of thicken. I can only use the word thicken as she didn’t really go into it much apart from that there wasn’t areas of thicken she was worried about. 

    Xx

  • Yes it can cause skin changes and causes parts of the skin to thicken. If not treated it can change the skin and cause issues. I hope this helps: www.bad.org.uk/.../get-file.ashx

     

    I like you, had all the tests too, had swabs and was tested for thrush etc. It was constantly itching and was ruining my life. Luckily one of the doctors picked up on it and referred me to gynocoligist and she did biopsy there and then. Got a letter a few weeks later saying I have it. Now I know what it is I’m on a treatment plan and I feel so much better. I hope they can find out soon what the problem is for you but I’d def ask about that next time you see someone. It’s less common in women under 50, which prevents some drs investigating for it but I have it and my friend does and we’re only 36.

  • hi,

    Thank you got that, Iv just read through it. It sounds very similar apart from the white patches. But I already have thyroid problems (thyroid removed but still on going issues) and Graves’ disease which are both auto ammone diseases so could make sense as I was told that by bio chemistry is all over the place. I know menopause can cause it but I was tested last year and that was fine and they are able to tell you far away you are from going through it. They just said I was I had many years before I will start. 

     

    Xx

  • yeah, it did make me think when I read it - it all sounded very familiar in terms of what I was going through. I didn’t have the typical white patches therefore they weren’t sure so the biopsy is really the only way to find out. Literally all these vaginal creams, canesten  etc won’t work if you have it, only strong steroids will work. I really hope you get some answers soon. They don’t know why people get it but it’s all autoimmune and cells attack healthy ones. 

  • hi,

    I have tried every cream going and like you nothing at all works! I’m literally climbing the walls with it! I will be making sure I mention it when I see the doctor next week. Thank you and I’m pleased you have managed to get sorted xx

  • thanks so much, and I wish you all the neat too. It’s good to just get a diagnosis in a way so you are not carrying on suffering - I’m so comfortable - nights were the worst for me after a shower etc. I hope it all goes well for you :)