Endometriosis or endometrial cancer?

[MollyMoo67]

My gp and gynea suspect endometriosis and I’m on the urgent waiting list for a lap. My mum was diagnosed with two primary cancers (womb & ovarian) when she was 45. The womb was only diagnosed once she had a full hysterectomy and the lab had done a biopsy and found she had womb along with the suspected ovarian. I am nervous because I have been looking on dr google (I know!🤦‍♀️) and I have nearly all of the symptoms of womb cancer and I know that they can be the same as endometriosis. I had the mirena fitted 6 months ago and haven’t had a period since, however I have had the odd few days spotting. I had an internal pelvic exam over a week ago and I have been spotting watery/ red & brown since. My question is could I ask the surgeon to do a endometrial biopsy or would this be something they routinely do during a lap? Ty x

[Busy-Lizzie]

Hello Molly,

In the first instance I would suggest you let whoever did your internal examination know that you have been spotting watery red/brown discharge ever since. It's important.

It's also important that you let them know about your family history of womb and ovarian cancers.

An endometrial biopsy is not done routinely as part of a laparoscopy: it would be done during a hysteroscopy, which is when a thin telescope-like instrument is passed into the womb.

A hysteroscopy is sometimes planned to take place while you are under anaesthetic, before or after a hysteroscopy. Depending on what they see, they may or may not take biopsies.

You mention you have a Mirena IUS: did you have a hysteroscopy before it was inserted?

Also, are your cervical smear tests up to date?

All the best.

[MollyMoo67 in reply to Busy-Lizzie]

Hi Lizzie, thanks for your reply, my gynea knows about the history and I think that’s why I have been put on the list sooner rather than later. I’ve had an ultrasound roughly 2 years ago and was told all looks ok.

I called my gp today on the gynea secretary’s recommendation about the bleeding, she’s under the impression it may be because the mirena May have been knocked during the exam, I’m unsure if this would be the case.

Il look into a hysteroscopy, I haven’t heard of this before.

All cervical smears up to date, due Oct this year.

It has been mentioned that I have cervical erosion but this has only ever caused slight bleeding after intercourse.

Thanks again.