This page gives details of the services that the clinic provides and what you can expect when you attend.
Location of the Gynaecological Urgent Suspected Cancer Clinic
You will find us in the Gynaecology Department of the Women and Children’s Hospital. When you arrive, please check in with the clerks at the desk on the ground floor; they will be able to tell you if your appointment is on the ground or first floor. There are also digital check-in kiosks if you prefer.
Why have I been referred to the Gynaecological Urgent Suspected Cancer Clinic?
You may have symptoms or test results that could suggest a gynaecological cancer. The Gynaecological Cancer Team knows a hospital referral for suspected cancer can be very stressful for patients. Our team of doctors, nurses and support staff work to give you the best patient experience during this stressful time.
The good news is that 97 out of 100 people who come to our service do not have cancer. When cancer is found, it is important to us that patients can be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.
How long will I be in clinic?
We try not to keep you waiting for your appointment, but delays can happen. You may be in clinic for 1-2 hours, depending on the tests and exams that needed. You are welcome to sit with a friend or relative during this time.
Who will I see in the clinic?
You will be seen by an experienced gynaecological specialist. They will either be a doctor or one of our specialist nurses, who may be any gender. They work under the supervision of a Specialist Gynaecological Cancer Consultant.
Wirral University Teaching Hospital is a teaching hospital where medical students and nursing students come to learn. The specialist will ask you if students can be present during your appointment. If you do not want students there, please let us know. Your wishes will always be respected.
What will happen at the clinic?
When you arrive at the clinic you will see the clerk who will book you in or use the digital kiosk to confirm your arrival. After taking a seat in the waiting area, you will then be called through to a Clinical Support Worker who will record your height, weight and body mass index.
A pelvic scan may be required before your appointment. You will be directed to a scanning room to have this performed. This may be in the Women and Children's Building or over in the main hospital.
Afterwards, you will see the doctor or the specialist nurse who will ask you a number of questions about your symptoms and past medical history. This may have already been completed via a phone call and so may not be required on the day.
Next, the specialist will ask for your consent to start with an exam and take biopsies if needed.
There will be a female chaperone present; she is there to support you and help the specialist.
Should I still come to the clinic if I have my period?
Yes, please do attend so that we can ask about your symptoms. You may need to come back for some tests, but this will be explained to you.
What sort of tests and procedures might I have in this clinic?
The tests you need will depend on your symptoms. We have listed the types performed in this clinic below. You may need more than one and some may be arranged for a later date.
Pelvic examination
This is an exam of your tummy and pelvis. The specialist will use their hands to feel your abdomen, to check that there is nothing abnormal. Your GP may have done a similar exam already. The specialist may also need to place their fingers inside your vagina or back passage whilst carrying out this exam.
Speculum examination
This is an exam to look inside your vagina. An tool called a speculum is used to open the vagina. This is the same tool that is used when you have a smear test.
It may not be a nice feeling for some women, but it is not normally painful.
Ultrasound scan
You will need quite a full bladder for an ultrasound scan, so we suggest you do not pass urine for at least an hour before the time of your scan and try to drink 1-2 pints of liquid an hour before.
Ultrasound uses soundwaves to show a picture of the organs inside your body. There are two types of scan and you may have both tests.
1. Abdominal ultrasound, a probe is put on your tummy
2. Transvaginal ultrasound, a probe is placed inside your vagina
Endometrial biopsy
If you have been having abnormal bleeding or a scan has shown a change within the lining of your womb (endometrium), a sample of tissue will be taken from this area.
A thin flexible tool (like a straw) is inserted through the cervix (neck of the womb) and sucks away a small sample of the womb lining. This process can cause unpleasant period-like pains but these should not last for long.
Simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be helpful. You could take these about 1 hour before the process. Other pain relief is offered in clinic, you can discuss this with the specialist.
You may still need simple pain relief over the next few hours.
Colposcopy
A colposcopy is similar to a smear test and is usually painless. A microscope with a light (colposcope) is used to look at your cervix. If there are any abnormal areas, the specialist will take a cervical tissue sample to be examined in the lab.
Cervical biopsy
This is performed as either
· a small pinch of tissue or
· a larger sample called a loop biopsy
If this is to be done, you will be given a small shot of pain relief in the cervix, so that you should not feel any discomfort during the process. A small heated wire loop is then passed through the cervix to take the sample.
A special liquid is then applied to stop bleeding.
Vulvoscopy and vulval biopsy
The skin on your vulva (the folds of skin around the entrance to your vagina) will be examined by the specialist using a microscope.
If you have an area of itchy or sore skin, or a lump that does not go away the specialist may wish to take a sample of tissue.
A small shot of pain relief will be given to numb that part of the body.
Afterwards, a solution is applied to the area to stop any bleeding.
Blood tests
This is normally done in the Phlebotomy Department; you will be given a request form to take with you .
You may need to ring to make an appointment.
Please ring the Phlebotomy Department directly on 0151 604 7382.
When will I find out my results?
This will depend on the test(s).
If possible, we will give you your results on the same day. If a sample of tissue was taken, the results can take up to 3 weeks.
A member of our team will contact you with your results. Please be aware that this may include results that are a cause for concern.
We will be here to offer you all the support you need during this time. We will also write to you and your GP.
What if I need tests that can't be done during the clinic?
Some patients will need further tests or investigations which may need to be done at another time. If your tests could not be done at your first clinic appointment, you will receive an appointment by telephone or letter. We have listed other types of investigations below.
CT (Computed Tomography) scan
A CT scan takes x-ray pictures of cross-sections of the inside of your body. The scan takes longer than an x-ray and is painless. You may need an shot of a special dye to highlight any abnormal areas within your body.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan
During the scan, you will lie down and pass through the scanner which looks like a small tunnel.
If you do not like small spaces, medicine may be offered to help you feel more calm. Headphones / earbuds are offered as the scan can be noisy.
An shot of a special dye may also be needed to highlight any abnormal areas within your body.
Hysteroscopy
A very thin telescope is used to look inside the womb (uterus). A sample of cells may be taken from the lining of the womb and checked under the microscope.
What if I feel unwell at home?
If you have discomfort after your examination or biopsy, you may want to take paracetamol and ibuprofen (as long as you are not allergic).
If you begin to feel unwell, despite taking pain relief, please contact us on one of the numbers below.
If you have any questions or concerns, please ask a nurse or the doctor caring for you or ring one of the numbers below.
Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00:
· Clinic Clerks: 0151 604 7043
· Specialist Nurse and Hysteroscopist: 0151 604 7043 (ask to be put through to the specialist nurse)
· Nurse Colposcopist: 0151 604 7775
· Gynaecology Clinical Nurse Specialists: 0151 604 7556
· Gynaecology Cancer Support Worker: 0151 604 7556
Out of hours:
· Gynaecology Ward : 0151 604 7132
