Small Cyst but continued O/C symptoms

Question

Hello.  I am new here and concerned.  Over the last few months I've had pain, sometimes abdominal, sometimes pelvic..can be under my ribs, can be at sides, it wanders.  Also back pain has been wicked the last 2 weeks.  I have no urination issues and only seldom do I have bowel changes, my low belly always seems to stick out...not sure bloated is the right word. I'm just bigger in that area than I've ever been and the cramping is daily.   For the last 2 months I've been getting my period every 3 weeks instead of 4 which is odd for me and periods are heavy now too. In the last 3 weeks, I've had a normal abdom u/s...a pelvic and transvag u/s revealing only one cyst at 1.7cm on L ovary.  Urine analysis was normal.  Gyn told me no need to worry about OC, but my symptoms of pain, bloating, back pain are worrisome.  I'm 37, have a 1 year old and 3 year old and need to be functioning.  I'm not overweight and don't smoke. No history of O/C in family. Doc told me to see GI specialist, but it just feels like girlie cramping, not stomach.  GI doc ordered abdominal CT and CA125 (I think more to ease my mind)along with other bloodwork.  So should I  be so worked up about ovarian cancer if the only thing revealed on the 3 ultrasounds was this small cyst? Could a cancerous tumor have burst and them not see it and I have cancerous cells floating around in my abdomen?  I want to stop worrying but I don't know enough about this.  Grateful for any insight.

beyondthesea · Answer

I have an ovarian cyst, although mine is 5cm, and I have the same symptoms you do. We're in the process of scheduling surgery so of course we won't know for sure if it's OVCA until then, but my doctor suspects it's not. I think my symptoms might have started with the lower back pain, which really surprised me. I was going to the chiropractor for it for months before the cramps got annoying and I put two and two together. Try not to worry, but you're doing the right thing by getting everything checked out.

sk2006a · Answer

Mare sure you have an abdominal AND pelvic ct scan.  ab only will not show antyhing going on in your ovaries.  i had a scan due to pelvic pain, only to find out two weeks later that they only did an abdominal scan.  so, now i get to pay for TWO scans and wasted over one month.  also, you need it with and without contrast dye.  good luck :)

Gatsby · Answer

Welcome to the site.  Let me reassure you that 99% of ovarian cysts are benign, but you are doing the right thing getting medical attention.  I would suggest that you seek a 2nd opinion with a gyn/onc as they are specialists in women's gyn issues and have seen everything.  GI problems are common symptoms of ovarian cysts.  The only true dx will be with pathology.  Please seek a 2nd opinion.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha

Small Cyst but continued O/C symptoms

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