How much will weight affect ultrasound for cysts?

Question

I have an ultrasound 6/14 to see if abdominal pain (started early June) is being caused by an ovarian cyst.  I was told to have a full bladder, so I'm assuming it's going to be transabdominal.  I am quite overweight, and I'm concerned about how well they'll be able to see what's going on in there.  My symptoms are getting increasingly worse, the pain level is the same but the nausea is just about killing me.  I'm 32, no kids, and I've never felt anything like this before - needless to say I'm terrified.  My doc says he'll "faint from shock" if I have cancer, but I can't imagine something as mild as a cyst causing me to be this non-functional.  I'm barely sleeping or eating at this point due to the nausea, and my work is starting to slip a bit.  If my weight keeps them from seeing my ovaries, what's the next step in getting a diagnosis so I can relax (not knowing makes me squirm!)?  Should I push for a transvaginal ultrasound if they can't see much, or will my weight be an issue there too?

Linda J · Answer

Hi there, I've always had the transvaginal ultrasounds when looking for cysts. I'd push for that. 

Cysts can make you feel miserable. It's amazing what something "benign" can do.

Linda J

birdbath · Answer

Hi ting,

You might want to push for a transvaginal ultrasound. They are the best at picking up any cysts on the ovary, because of their location. Many times an abdominal ultrasound will NOT pick up cysts, and doctors will usually order a TV ultrasound to have a really good look. The Transvaginal ultrasound usually works better because of the location of the probe. The probe is only a few inches away from the ovaries and provides a pretty clear picture. I don't think abdominal size has much to do with it in this particular area. 
Believe it or not, benign and cancerous cysts/tumors cause the exact same symptoms! Anything that is on the ovary and disrupts it can totally turn our lives upside down! Hang in there. Robin.

Gatsby · Answer

Welcome to the site!  Definitely go for the transvag us.  It will show everything.  Also, are you seeing a gyn/onc?  They are specialists in womens reproductive health and have seen everything.  It may be a good idea to get a 2nd opinion from a gyn/onc.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha

wubbie3 · Answer

Even a small cyst can cause big problems.... Inflammation, pushing other things around, etc. I had a 3.8cm cyst, and ended up in the ER for pain and nausea. I had nausea, back pain, headaches, and lots and lots of gastric upset from that tiny thing. 
I'd insist on a transvaginal ultrasound. It's better for several reasons... you can see the ovaries much better since the probe is much closer to them, and you don't have to have a full bladder :)
Hang in there and keep us posted!
~Marianne

livertrans · Answer

I know most of the Ultrasound techs that I have worked with would do the normal scan of abdomen and pelvis.  They would then go onto the transvag to visualize the pelvis better.  I, too, am quite overweight and after they determined that I had a cyst they went right to the trasvag for the other appointments.  I agree with all the others.  If they don't do without being asked you should push for it.  You would likely have to go back for it if they don't do it while you are there.  Good luck.

How much will weight affect ultrasound for cysts?

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