Vulvar Cancer Support Group

I am 35 years old. I had my last annual examination this past spring, and everything was normal. I discovered a whitish bump/protrusion on my outer labia in August. I recently went to the OBGYN, who wasn't sure but thought it could be a squamous papilloma (wart). But, he said he wasn't completely convinced.

He added acetic acid, and the protrustion as well as some surrounding (flat) tissue turned bright white. The total area is about the size of a pencil eraser. He added some TCA to burn it off, and I am to return in two weeks. He recommended the acid over biopsy at this point.

frankly, it kind of does look like a wart, althoug the surrounding white areas are flat. BUT, squamous cell carcinoma can look like a wart... I have only ever been with my husband and have been married for over 5 years. My husband was with one other person prior to our marriage. I tested negative for HPV twice since I met my husband; I am assuming this was the high-risk HPV. All of my pap smears have been normal exept for one ascus years ago, which resolved. My husband is in the medical field and very knowledgable, and he has never had any symptoms.

With my doctor thinking this was HPV-related, he said that "stranger things have been known to happen." While I realize that is possible....

Should I get a second opinion? I am terrified that this could be cancer and would just rather have it excised. (I have a long list of breast cancer in my family...including younger people as young as 32 (but BRCA negative!)...and the thought of having cancer...there...just terrifies me.) At the same time, I have seen this OBGYN for five years, he took care of me during a very difficult pregnancy and delivered my child, and I trust him. But, his lack of concern...concerns me.

Do you get a second opinion from someone in the same practice? Going elsewhere would requires some travel. I'm guessing I would have to pay out of pocket for s second opinion...or do you come up with a "reason" an see someone else for a "problem"?

I just don't know what to do. I have scoured the internet and the only 'pictures' I can find are of the advanced stages and nothing that really looks like mine.
Posted on 09/23/09, 09:09 am