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How is a vulval biopsy performed? Does it hurt?

Posted , 15 users are following.

Pearl01
Pearl01

Hi, I was diagnosed with LS about 12 years ago but didn't have any treatment. Lately I have had trouble passing urine...decreased stream, stinging and itching. So I took myself off to the gynae and my LS is worse with the labia fused and gone, the clitoris completely fused over and the vaginal opening almost non existent. It has also spread to my perineum and anal area. I was given two different creams to apply over the next few weeks along with advice on washing/drying etc. I will be reviewed in a few weeks and if some of the suspicious areas (querying cancer) haven't improved I will need a biopsy.

I was given the choice of having the biopsy in the consulting room with local anaesthetic or in hospital in the operating theatre under sedation. I have already had lots of painful procedures for a previous cancer and I really don't want any more pain if I can get out of it.

Any feedback about the biopsy?

0 likes, 16 replies

16 Replies

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  • Holiday_girl
    Holiday_girl Pearl01

    Posted

    I had a biopsy for LS with a local anethestic and didn't feel anything but was a bit sore for a day or two afterwards hope all turns out ok.
  • Chrisy
    Chrisy Pearl01

    Posted

    Sorry can't help.  I haven't had this procedure as my LS was obvious.  I hope all goes well for you.
  • Pearl01
    Pearl01

    Posted

    Thank you for your replies. I have confirmed LS, the gynae is querying whether I have developed cancer because some areas don't look very good.

    she said that if she needs to biopsy near the clitoris it's very painful and bleeds a lot. If I do need the biopsy I am leaning towards the hospital admission because I'm disabled and can't walk, so I already have problems and it may not be comfortable sitting in my wheelchair for the long commute home. 

     

    • Chrisy
      Chrisy Pearl01

      Posted

      Sorry I haven't been on for a few days.  Busy decorating over Easter.  I am so sorry you have joined the hoards of us LS sufferers.  I hope you have good news with the biopsy.  I am waiting a foot operation so I understand that sitting is uncomfortable when LS is active let alone after a biopsy.  I will be praying for you and hoping you do not have cancer.  Keep us informed how you get on.
    • doreen17521
      doreen17521 Pearl01

      Posted

      I have had a biopsy with LA . The injection was painful but the biopsy was ok and i wasn't too sore afterwards. It is worth having done because it puts your mind at rest.
    • Guest
      Guest Pearl01

      Posted

      Hi Pearl,

      Based on what you've said, you may be right about not sitting in the wheelchair. I had a biopsy and it hurt when the dr. did it but not afterward. It should not bleed regardless where they do it because they put silver nitrate on it (or silver something). The lidocaine gel was applied before the injection. The injection hurt but then the actual biopsy did not (because the lidocaine worked). Of course, this is in the states, so....Will keep you in my thoughts.

      bis

  • kim116
    kim116 Pearl01

    Posted

    Hi Pearl01,

    I had a biopsy at the hospital with just a local aneasthetic and I will admit, it hurt!!!! I was very sore, itchy and sensitive anyway as I was in a 'flare up' mode. It didn't hurt for long though, and was fine after the procedure had ended.

    I think you will need to way up the pros and cons about the effects and possible draw backs that a general aneasthetic involves, whatever you decide life is easier to deal with once you have a diagnosis and you know exactly what you and your Doctors are dealing with.

    Good Luck x

  • Pearl01
    Pearl01

    Posted

    Thanks for your answers everyone. I used two different steroid creams for four weeks and returned for review and whilst I have permanent fusion and deformity, the steroid cream worked and softened the skin and helped with the whiteness. So no biopsy needed, thank goodness. Ongoing treatment consists of using these same two creams for three weeks every three months and if I have a flare. All round, I'm pretty happy with that.
    • amy_60504
      amy_60504 Pearl01

      Posted

      Ive had my bloody today went well stang a little but not too bad. Its just the after bit that is not nice hoping bleeding dnt last to Long. And i did notice havin a pee stings!! 
    • Chrisy
      Chrisy amy_60504

      Posted

      Try pouring water over yourself as you pee.  It helps relieve the sting.  If you smother yourself with Hydramol or Epaderm before you pee that helps too.  Good luck.
  • amy_60504
    amy_60504 Pearl01

    Posted

    Hi i had the  biopsy done on wednesday was called  a punch biopsy the only uncomfortable part is the injection after that you dnt even realise they have done it. the same day they did it it was uncomfy for rest off the day but tha was it for me as from thursday i forgotten id had it done. smile 
  • lisa2358
    lisa2358 Pearl01

    Posted

    I have to have a vulvoscopy & vulvar biopsy, will I be able to go straight back to work?

    I'm a nurse & I am reading so many conflicting opinions. I've heard not but Colposcopy said yes. So ladies that have had it please advise....

    Many thanks

    • muzikhawk2
      muzikhawk2 lisa2358

      Posted

      I had a vulvar biopsy yesterday. I was warned in advance that this could be most uncomfortable. I took a couple of Advil prior to my procedure, and the doctor applied Lidocaine to the area and let me sit a short while before performing the biopsy. I never felt a thing, not even the injection. Got up and never felt anything abnormal for the remainder of the day OR today either.

  • julie97010
    julie97010 Pearl01

    Posted

     Hi Pearl

    i had vulval biopsy yesterday done on both sides.  I was admitted into Hospital as a day patient, had the procedure done in theatre. I have a couple of dissolvable stitches each side, I feel a little uncomfortable, the symptoms can be managed by taking paracetamol. A little tip, buy yourself some sanitary towels as you may have a little bleeding afterwards like me. Hope all goes well for you.

    • toni44td
      toni44td julie97010

      Posted

      Hi Julie,

      Hope you don't mind me butting in here but I am due a biopsy under GA and am so worried 😩 Did you recover well?  I know it has to be done, but a lot of women have it done under local, I am concerned that it will make it worse...

      Best wishes

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