1. < Gynecologic Cancers

Bleeding: I know what's happening is not normal but is it cancer?

Posted by hildac @hildac, Apr 18, 2023

Google is not my friend right now.
Post menopause 59 yrs old.
Started spotting 5 weeks ago. Was brownish in colour. Has progressed to bleeding and is red.
Ultrasound shows lining at 4mm.
Abnormal amount of fluid in my uterus.
Gyno appt today. She attempted endometrial biopsy but cervix was very narrow. Managed to get a small sample. If it's not enough we'll have to retry in hospital. No polyps observed.
I've had abdominal and lower back ache for about 6 months. Has gotten worse
All this to say I know my symptoms are not normal and much if what I'm reading us suggesting cancer.
Does anyone have any input or experiences to share?

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johungate3 | @johungate3 | May 4, 2023

My diagnosis of Serous Carcinoma of the uterus, a very aggressive form of uterine cancer, was done with a hysteroscopy inserting a teeny camera in the uterus to be sure the biopsy was taken from the area that was suspicious. Within 2 weeks I was in the hospital having a hysterectomy to remove everything. Lucky for me, my stage was 1a. It all started with occasional spotting for 4 months prior. Be alert.

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johungate3 | @johungate3 | May 4, 2023
In reply to @debra54 "Do u take hormones? Could be that or inflammation. My gyn dr couldn't get biopsy either..." + (show)
@debra54

Do u take hormones? Could be that or inflammation. My gyn dr couldn't get biopsy either cuz cervix would not open and they put me to sleep for that so he suggested hysterocmy but going for 2nd opinion before I do that. Maybe they will find a way to see or get in uterus.

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Don’t put this off. Get the hysteroscopy where a tiny camera can see inside your uterus to focus on parts that don’t look normal.

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1 reply
debra54 | @debra54 | May 4, 2023
In reply to @johungate3 "Don’t put this off. Get the hysteroscopy where a tiny camera can see inside your uterus..." + (show)
@johungate3

Don’t put this off. Get the hysteroscopy where a tiny camera can see inside your uterus to focus on parts that don’t look normal.

Jump to this post

If they can get cervix open to insert camera. I'm going to ask him bout a med to insert to open cervix the night before.

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1 reply
debra54 | @debra54 | May 4, 2023
In reply to @debra54 "If they can get cervix open to insert camera. I'm going to ask him bout a..." + (show)
@debra54

If they can get cervix open to insert camera. I'm going to ask him bout a med to insert to open cervix the night before.

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The camera has to go inside cervix?

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1 reply
Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | May 4, 2023
In reply to @debra54 "The camera has to go inside cervix?" + (show)
@debra54

The camera has to go inside cervix?

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@debra54. Yes, this is my understanding about a hysteroscopy. When I had one (I was asleep so I’m sharing what the gynecologist told me) a small camera on a thin tube was inserted into my uterus to view. The doctor first inflates the uterus with carbon dioxide as it has to be somewhat inflated for the doctor to be able to look and work there.

So, given what you’ve written previously I don’t know if this would work for you. Can you ask your doctor about it?

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1 reply
debra54 | @debra54 | May 4, 2023
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@debra54. Yes, this is my understanding about a hysteroscopy. When I had one (I was asleep..." + (show)
@naturegirl5

@debra54. Yes, this is my understanding about a hysteroscopy. When I had one (I was asleep so I’m sharing what the gynecologist told me) a small camera on a thin tube was inserted into my uterus to view. The doctor first inflates the uterus with carbon dioxide as it has to be somewhat inflated for the doctor to be able to look and work there.

So, given what you’ve written previously I don’t know if this would work for you. Can you ask your doctor about it?

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Yes I will....which I found out by going thru me records that I gave had abnormal bleeding, it's only seen under microscope. Since 2016 but dr only told me last year and at 1st I was sent to a bladder dr but all my tests were good so then they sent me to gyn....so I wouldn't think it's too serious considering how long its been. I'm 58 so I'm menopausal.

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1 reply
Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | May 5, 2023
In reply to @debra54 "Yes I will....which I found out by going thru me records that I gave had abnormal..." + (show)
@debra54

Yes I will....which I found out by going thru me records that I gave had abnormal bleeding, it's only seen under microscope. Since 2016 but dr only told me last year and at 1st I was sent to a bladder dr but all my tests were good so then they sent me to gyn....so I wouldn't think it's too serious considering how long its been. I'm 58 so I'm menopausal.

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debra54. OK. Will you let me know what you find out?

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cortina33 | @cortina33 | May 11, 2023

Push for a CT Scan just to rule out any cancers.It is better to be safe than sorry sometimes the biopsies are no good because cancer can hide in between the vaginal walls. So I highly recommend you get a CT done. You are your best advocate.

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cortina33 | @cortina33 | May 11, 2023
In reply to @hildac "Hi Helen My sentiments exactly. The biopsy was done earlier in the week by my gyno...." + (show)
@hildac

Hi Helen
My sentiments exactly.
The biopsy was done earlier in the week by my gyno.
Given the only thing that has been observed in the imaging tests is a collection of fluid in my uterus I'm at a loss. I thought they would see something that would point to a source.
So the only thing we can do now is wait for the biopsy report.
I'm still spotting and bleeding. I think its day 26 now. Pain is uncomfortable but tolerable with some tylenol.
Frustrating indeed 😩

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I would get a CT scan with contrast just to be on the safe side.

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cortina33 | @cortina33 | May 11, 2023
In reply to @hildac "Hi Helen. Up until 2 days ago it all seemed to be getting worse. But the..." + (show)
@hildac

Hi Helen. Up until 2 days ago it all seemed to be getting worse. But the last 2 days have been great. Not gone but I feel good . My blood work came back AOK so that's good news.
Still no word on biopsy results 😕

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I would get a CT scan just to be on the safe side of caution.

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