I agree about going to the hyster sisters website. You can also get a bunch of information about surgical alternatives, for fibroids etc on that website, and detailed descriptions about all the different types of surgical possibilities. Good luck to you...

The fibroids should have no bearing on cancer issues.  These tumors rarely are associated with any malignancy, but they do contribute to increased bleeding and cramping associated with the beginning of the monthly cycle (the period.)   Also, fibroids can lessen the probability of conceiving and bearing children.   However, fibroids are most often associated with the changes in hormone productions found in women aging towards menopause.  If you are  young, and have fibroids, then these could be due to hormonal disfunction, as might the  cysts.

As for the cyst or cysts, that issue might, or might not, be associated with cancers.  What type of cyst do you have?    Some women have normal, functional (follicular) cysts that are painful when they normally rupture and resolve.  We all have different pain threshholds, and other factors, including things like stress or other illnesses, can factor in to your periodic (pun intended) monthly issues.

What is your doctor proposing for the surgery?

I do not know what type of doctor you have been seeing for your problems.  But my advice, for whatever its worth, is to obtain an appointment with a fertility specialist.  Usually, these medical clinics are found in major cities and you might not have such a specialist local to you, but it might be worth a drive just for another opinion.

What are the reasons that you have against the surgery?  Do you have or want children?  I would think it would depend on if you can handle the pain and if you still want children? I am sure they can leave one ovary and possibly part of the cystic one to keep you with natural hormone.

I would like to keep the option open to have children.  I am not necessarily oposed to the surgery.  I am just trying to assess all my options.  My gyn said she would have to do the more invasive surgery of lap. due to the size of the fibroids.  I will definitely be armed with sorts of questions when I have my follow up in three weeks.  We did set a date in April for the surgery.  This site and all of you have truly been a God send.

I have always had painful periods and often times painful ovulation.  The last two months were really bad and that is what prompted me to go get checked.  I had a sharp shooting pain that lasted about 2-3 minutes maybe longer and I had been taking a lot of pain medicine.  This month no problems to speak of.  Seems like I can go a month or two with no symptoms in between periods but I always have to take pain medicine once I start.  I just want to make sure I am making the right decision.

The cyst is complex demonstrating vascularity within the septations.  It measures 3.3x2.1x1.5cm.  I believe I will go ahead with the surgery.  I want to have the option of still having children and it seems like the surgery will better my chances of allowing this to happen.  And the surgery now could possibly ward off having to have a full hysterectomy later.  But I will definitely be hitting my GYN with a ton of questions on the next visit!!

You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha

Yes, I agree that surgery is the wisest choice.  Your cyst is not small (not truly large either, as my endometrioma was much larger than yours) and it is complex (as was my endometrioma) and the probability of it resolving on its own is not likely.  Also, you do have a history of reproductive cancers in your family,  and surgery will allow the doctor to inspect for that as well.

I think that another, possibly xrayu2, mentioned this...all that is necessary for reproduction is one functioning ovary and a healthy uterus.  Thus, even if one ovary is removed or has been damaged by a cyst (mine was so damaged that it required removal along with the cyst), then you can still have children.

If you have not visited the site, then you might want to check out Hyster-Sisters.  While geared to hysterectomies, the site still has a great pre- and post- op checklist to help you prepare for your surgery and recovery.

What trouble are they causing you now?  You should at least monitor them frequently if you choose not to have surgery.  Discuss your fears with your doctor.