What are the symptoms of potential cancer?
Patient: I have been post-menopausal for 12 years.  Suddenly, last January, I started some spotting.  Sometimes it was light, and sometimes it was dark.  I saw my GYN. She did a vaginal ultrasound, a hysteroscopy, and eventually a D&C to be safe.  The results were normal with everything.  However, whenever she would do the vaginal ultrasound, there was one area that always looked like it had thickened.  The bleeding continued off and on.  We changed HRT.  We changed progesterone.  Finally, five months later, I got a second opinion.  Same routine.  Same tests, except this time I was sent to Dr. Platt, ultrasound guru, and he saw that same area that looked thick and had extra blood flow and said, "You need to get a D&C now."  I had another one.  Same result.  Nothing.  Bleeding continues to start and stop.  This last week, I started bleeding more than ever before.  Sort of like a small period, with red blood some and light blood at other times.  I use the Vivelle patch, but only use the smallest dosage, cut it in half, and replace only one time per week.  I've done that for 10 years.  I use bioidentical progesterone that my GYN had mixed for me.  So my estrogen is very little.  Last week, I went back to my original GYN, and she did another ultrasound, saw that same area that looks thick, and this time we decided to send me to an oncologist.  Last point:  I am leaving on Sunday for an international vacation, and I cannot see the oncologist until I return.  How to control my fears about cancer?  Oh, and my mother had breast and cervical cancer (still alive), my grandmother had breast cancer, and my daughter died eight years ago from sinus cancer.  I've always been super healthy.  Whew!  I know that's a lot.  I'm thinking that perhaps the recent change of progesterone has stimulated this bleeding?  I'm also wondering what the heck that thickened area is that they keep seeing even after a D&C?  Thanks. Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. In my opinion, you should not worry much about cervical cancer. You had D&C (dilatation and curetteg) twice and both were negative for malignancy. So possibility of malignancy is very low in your case. So no need to worry and enjoy your vacation. Yes, your bleeding is mostly due to hormonal imbalance and for this you need to consult gynecologist after your tour. Also consult oncologist after tour to remove your fear. Thickened area is mostly due to fibrosis. So at present, no need to worry for cancer. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.