Growth found during smear-help, petrified

Hello all

Yesterday I had a smear due to a post coital bleed (not much).

Nurse practitioner said she found a growth on other side of cervix. She is refering me.

I got a real shock as from a previous smear I know I had an ectropic cervix, so thought she was just going to tell me that! I only went because my smear was due, I probably wouldnt have gone otherwise.

I'm petrified; what could it be? A polyp? A tumour? I had a smear 3 years ago, so if its something nasty I am guessing it could be advanced? Dr Google says that some polyps are are actually cancer which is why they take them out. 

Is it worth trying to go private, would I ask for a hysteroscopy?

Any help, greatly appreciated

  • I'm sorry about the growth that has been found during your latest cervical screening Shoobeedo.

    It's natural to have a lot of questions about what this could be but if you can, try not to jump to any conclusions or assume the worse. I know that's much easier said than done but many of our members have been in similar situations so you're not alone and hopefully some of them will be along soon to share their thoughts and advice.

    Wishing you all the best with your referral.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi, please try not to worry. I went for a smear after having spotting. Nurse saw something on my cervix and I was seen at hospital within two weeks. Turned out to be two polyps which were removed and benign.

    Have they referred you for further investigation? If they're polyps, they'll remove them there & then.

    Good luck xx

  • Thank you so much for responding, Im so grateful. I'm so glad that yours ended up being nothing, thank goodness. 
    The nurse told me she was sending me fast track, but today when I called (as I have heard nothing yet), I was told that I have been referred routinely?! Ugh.

    May I ask, did they do a hysteroscopy on you?? Was it painful? She said she could see something on otherside of cervix, so I'm not sure what she is thinking...

    Thank you for your help xx

  • Thank you for your kind response, I know I shouldnt get so frightened... I have had so many scares in last 3 years that I keep thinking each time that maybe this time its something nasty. 

    Again, thank you so much for your kind words xx

  • Hi there, I think they should only suggest hysteroscopy if they see a thickening of the lining of the womb? 

    I did have a very slight thickening and they were going to do a hysteroscopy but I was too scared to have it. I have heard terrible stories about how painful it is. 

    The consultant said that as I was just outside menopause and the thickness was slight we could wait & see for 6 months. If needed, I will request it's done under general anaesthetic.

    I'm sorry if this frightens you. Everyone is different and others may say it's fine but after doing some research, I decided I couldn't go through with it.

    Do you know when your appointment might be? It's a worrying stressful time waiting. I was out of my mind but it was polyps and they were removed quickly. It's not very nice but not too painful.

    Let us know how you get on and try not to worry xx