Suzanne...
I'm sorry that you're still going through this.  I remember feeling somewhat badly about wanting to see the gyn/onc for a second opinion...my general surgeon was less than supportive with the idea.  Remember that I told you that you don't always need a referral to see one of the gyn/onc's at the teaching hospitals.  You DEFINITELY don't need one for MSK.  They'll see you on your own referral.  I believe that it is definitely worth the hours and mileage to travel from our area down to Manhattan.  I'll be doing it again on Friday for another post-op check.  Stay strong and don't let the docs around here minimize what you're going through.  
peace,
Anne

Do you for sure need a referral? I looked in my insurance provider book and found a Dr. listed as Gynecology and Gyn/Onc So I took that to mean that would accept me even if it wasn't for the Onc part. When I made the appointment the receptionist asked what I would be being seen for, and I told her cysts. She didn't bat an eye. I never told my obgyn I was getting a second opinion. Another way I've done it before is call the Drs. office and have told them I need a referal because I've made an appointment to see, in this case it was neurologist for my daughter (neurologist required the referral, even though my insurance did not) My daughters Dr. faxed the referral no questions asked.

Hey,
A Gyn.Onc. specializes in taking care of any mass in the pelvic region.  My Gyn. Onc. was very receptive and caring. He told me before surgery that he believed the chance of finding a malignancy was only 5%.  I told him I wanted him to do the surgery "just in case". He agreed and said that is the general opinion in the med. community if there is the possibility of cancer....  Do it right the first time.
If you research it online there are some very credible sites that show the survival rates of women who had ovarian cancer who were operated on by a OB/GYN vs. a GYN ONC.  The numbers are quite convincing. That is my opinion. :)

Sippy

Please continue to pursue a gyn/onc--it is in your best interest. I addressed my problems with my gyn who did an ultrasound and misdiagnosed me.  I wasted time "barking up the wrong tree" because I was led to believe that I had functional cysts when in fact I had ovarian cancer.  By the time it was discovered, it was advanced.  I'm not trying to scare you but to let you know that it's better to have an expert handling your case.  It will give you peace of mind, if nothing less.  Best wishes to you!

Christa

Hey,
A Gyn.Onc. specializes in taking care of any mass in the pelvic region.  My Gyn. Onc. was very receptive and caring. He told me before surgery that he believed the chance of finding a malignancy was only 5%.  I told him I wanted him to do the surgery "just in case". He agreed and said that is the general opinion in the med. community....  Do it right the first time.
If you research it online there are some very credible sites that show the survival rates of women who had cancer who were operated on by a OB/GYN vs. a GYN ONC.  The numbers are quite convincing.

Sippy

In May (22) I was referred to a GYN/ONC by my GYN, due to a ovarian mass.  He has been wonderful.  I had to travel 4 hours to get to him and he immediatly understood that fact.  he said that day that He would be doing surgery and remove the mass asap and got all the presurgery tests that we could do there done that day. then he said I could do the rest of the presurg testing at home and Fax all to him, so the next time I would have to go back down to him was the day of surgery (this wednesday) One month later and If I could have had someone to take me there he would have done it June 9th.  he has been quick to find the reasons, compassionate and very understanding of my concerns.  Even calling me personally when I had some concerns with adhesions which one of the tests in my hometown found. I would deffinately activly push for your pcp to refer you or get a gyn to refer you to one.  I believe that referral is just as good.
I have finally had enough of my PCP.   Read part of the question titled (Upcoming surgery and getting nervous) I started on Saturday asking if people thought I did the right thing replacing my PCP.  I see my new one after I get back from surg for my 2 week checkup.

Well, considering that they cannot 100% diagnose cancer without doing surgery or a biopsy, then your dr's statement is kinda evading the subject.
I'd keep on him and make sure that you get scheduled with a gyn/onc. If worse comes to worse, find a new gyn office that has a gyn/onc on staff or in rotation, and get an appt with a regular gyn in that office. Then you can insist on the gyn/onc and get in easier.
~Marianne