thankyou again Mickey Vickey for being so kind in answering question. Love, R x x

English Rose - I should have added that if you do indeed simply have fibroids, then there should be no rush to removal... so a second surgery could likely be delayed until you  do have the money for it.  Fibroids are so rarely malignant that they are by definition considered a benign structure.   They can cause physical problems, however, such as uterine cramping, heavy menstrual cycles, more frequent urination, a general feeling of "pelvic congestion," and constipation (which itself is often preceeded or followed by diarrhea, and most often associated with the start of the menstrual cycle - what fun, eh?!)  However, a pedunculated fibroid might be another matter, as structures growing on "stalks" do bear a risk of becoming twisted.  

Bless you Mickey Vickey for replying.

I am booked in for a diagnostic lap only and will make darn sure they don't biopsy anything. It is kind of brutal to get gone into twice, but we don't get choice & I haven't the option of a 'one stop shop'.  

If it does turn out to be fibroids then presumably he would know for sure & it would be ok to have the surgery with a gyn at a later date?

If it looks questionable when he goes in there then I either have a long wait for a gyn onc, or I try to find

thanks Shawn you are kind x

Thankyou Linda, that reasures me a lot. How are you feeling, by the way?

Sorry to take so long to respond.  I am not allowed to use a computer at work and then we had storms in the area...so I have been 'offline.'

Basically, everyone answered the questions for you already.  Yes, a surgeon can do a laparoscopic surgery to explore further your conditions.   Having seen my own surgical photos, which included a  uterine cyst, a complex ovarian cyst, a damaged ovary,  a damaged fallopian tube, fibroids, new and old endo adhesions, as well as the perfectly normal opposing side of my reproductive system, I see no reason why a competent doctor could not make a proper diagnosis of your various concerns.    No, any malignancy should not be spread by a properly done diagnostic surgery, that includes simply looking at the reproductive system and the surrounding tissues.    In fact, it is standard procedure for the equipment to be inserted into the abdomen, and then a complete visual survey is done prior to  any real work taking place.

However, taking biopsy samples to study for malignancy is another matter.  This situation does involve "damaging" tissues by cutting away samples for study, and such damage and bleeding can indeed spread any malignancy present --- thus the reason that doctor remove these tissues as a whole for biopsy.  If you have been reading the posts on this forum long enough, then you realize that there is an "all or nothing" approach to these situations.   This concern about spreading malignancy is why.  In fact, proper surgical procedure calls for the tissues removed to be bagged and pulled from the abdomen to prevent the spillage of cells.

Have you been advised as to the various costs of the surgery?  It would be quite awful to have the lap, then go back for yet another surgery in the event the condition requires removal/hysterectomy.   Is there a means by which you can have a contingency plan that allows for a "one stop shop" in the event that the surgeon feels your mass (if it is still there) is of great concern?

I agree with the girls! With the lap--atleast they can see what is going on and you will know what you are dealing with.  As I read through postings, I can't even imagine what you ladies in the UK must go through for healthcare.  It sounds so difficult.  I think we all get frustrated when we feel we are being put through the ringer, so to speak, so I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. I hope you are able to get the answers you need to go forward.

Shawn (from Texas)

thanks for your thoughts. This is a tricky question because of lack of money (both me & uk health service!). If there is no harm to be done by having this procedure as a diagnostic, then that might be my best option at this stage. He will not be doing the surgery on that day. If it was def. fibroids, then I would consider having him do this at a later date. If there is any ovarian mass then I would either be refered by him to a gyn onc, or try to find

I highly suggest that you have a gyn/onc present or even preform the surgery.  They are specialists and if there is something, they can deal with it then and there.  A gyn may just do the peak and shreak, close you up and then send you to a gyn/onc.  Like dian says, you only have one chance to do it right the first time.
~Tascha