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Vulval cancer?? Freaking out

Posted , 11 users are following.

Joan1978
Joan1978

I saw a dermatologist almost a month ago, who said she didn't know if my white patches were LS and would need a biopsy, & said she'd refer me to a gynae.

I just had a phone call from the doctor to see if I'd got a gynae appointment yet (which I haven't). Apparently the dermatologist I saw thinks it could be early stages of vulval cancer. But didn't bother to tell me. Doctor is referring for an urgent appointment in next 2 weeks. I am FREAKING OUT!!!!

My symptoms are white patches on vulva & itching now and then. I thought it sounded like textbook LS but now I'm in a complete panic.

Any words of wisdom for me?

0 likes, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • Joan1978
    Joan1978

    Posted

    Got my biopsy next Thursday. Any thoughts on what to expect?
    • Chrisy
      Chrisy Joan1978

      Posted

      You can get a pain relief gel for vulval area. Might be handy. Ask your doctor. I believe it is slightly painful but necessary to ensure you are correctly diagnosed. There are other conditions it could be. Also don't use Clob before the biopsy or you will get a negative result. Your GP should not have frightened you in that way. Wait and see what the biopsy indicates.

    • j02359
      j02359 Joan1978

      Posted

      I was very nervous before mine but the consultant rubbed in some pain relief gel and was very gentle and it did not hurt at all.  Best wishes.
  • powerwoman
    powerwoman Joan1978

    Posted

    You won't feel a thing. After the numbing gel goes in, you will be fine.

    Good luck.

  • Joan1978
    Joan1978

    Posted

    Update:

    Saw a gynae consultant today. He had a look and said he thinks it's both LS and VIN (pre-cancerous). He wants to do several biopsies under general anaesthetic, so I now face another 4-week wait for an appointment.

    Feeling sad

  • powerwoman
    powerwoman Joan1978

    Posted

    Hi Joan

    I am sorry to hear that is what the gyno said.  But you should look up VIN and although it could be this, it is pre-cancerous and not cancer, and there is a lot they can do to stop you developing this.  I hope they do the operation asap so you don't have to wait too long.  It's the waiting that really does you in.  That and the not knowing.  Do your own research about VIN and you will see that they can do a lot to make sure it doesn't develop into cancer.  All of us here with LS have the possibility of developing VIN.  You are not alone.  I am seeing a gynae in two weeks to be assessed myself.  I hope you have support from family and friends.  We are all here for you too, so you can email at any time.  I am sure everyone will respond and try to reassure you.  You have to be strong and think positively, even though it feels hard to do.  I know you probably think that, 'yeah right', she hasn't got this problem, but I have actually had a different kind of cancer and I survived it!  I will be sending positive vibrations to you through the ethernet.

    Lots of love,

    Jan

    xx

    • Joan1978
      Joan1978 powerwoman

      Posted

      Thank you Jan for your supportive comments. It's much appreciated.
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