A woman has shared how she had to undergo bum and vulva removal surgery to save her life after a persistent itch left her feeling ”on fire”.
Gina Thornton was left constantly “embarrassed” by the daily discomfort.
She sought out medical advice and was diagnosed with endometriosis, as well as lichen sclerosus; a skin condition which causes itching around the genitals – in her case, on her vulva.
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As the issue worsened, Gina was sent to have the coil fitted – though this only led to more flare-ups, coupled with a “burning” sensation.
When the homemaker got the contraceptive removed, doctors discovered a much more shocking reason for her never-ending itch: cancer.
Now, to save her life, she’s had to have her vulva, perineum and anus removed for good.
“My vulva had become extremely swollen and itchy; it felt like it was on fire,” Gina, from Goole, East Yorkshire, told Need To Know.
“I left it for a couple of weeks, though I knew something wasn’t right.
“I had been managing to keep my lichen sclerosus under control most of the time, but this was unbearable.
“My left buttock was also as hard as a rock.
“The pain only got worse.
“I could barely walk, was having sleepless nights and no amount of paracetamol was doing the trick.
“Then, one night, I went to the toilet and was left covered in blood.
“It was horrendous – especially when they told me it was cancer.
“My heart sank and even though it was caught early, my life was about to change forever in a bid to save it.”
Gina, 57, was initially prescribed with thrush medication when the itching started.
With heavy and irregular periods, she knew it was something much more serious before her aforementioned diagnosis in 2016.
In March 2024, when the ordeal worsened, Gina noticed a small tear near the bottom of her vulva.
This developed into a painful cyst, which subsequently burst.
After a few weeks, following a biopsy, it was confirmed to be stage 1B vulva cancer and HPV.
In November 2024, Gina had the anovulvectomy procedure to remove her vulva, perineum and anus.
Luckily, it was a success and there was no need for any additional treatment.
Since then, she’s had a stoma bag fitted, though is living life itch – and pain – free.
She’s also due to tie the knot with her fiance, Colin, on the 4 December.
Gina added: “I want to warn women that if you notice any changes, get it checked out right away.
Ginas incision scars. (Picture: Jam Press)
“I’ve never missed a smear test and have always been vigilant with my health; it ultimately saved my life.
“My main concern [when being diagnosed] was not being able to see my kids marry or have children of their own.
“I may have lost a big part of me, but I’m still alive.
“It hasn’t been easy adapting and for the first few months, I felt like I couldn’t leave the toilet.
“But I’m very grateful that I’m still here, enjoying my life and about to walk down the aisle to start a new life in every dimension.
“Look out for itching, white or pale skin, crinkly patches, bleeding and bruising.
“It’s such an overlooked area, but it could save your life.”
