cyst

I have just had a scan and a cyst/lump( what ever) in my stomach and it measures 27cmsx23cmsx23cms  have a follow up next wednesday as they say that they are unsure what it is attached to. Scan lady says kidneys look okay. Unsure which type of hysterectomy I had many years ago (?don't know if ovaries there) took national bowel cancer test last yr = okay, passing urine = okay, appetite and general other health= okay could something as large as this just float around?? so to speak. Yes very nervous but don't want to concern family so acting flippant eg = new clothes when gone etc. BUT obviously very worried realy.Apart from obvious fear= cancer  what could this be. Realise you can't answer exactly however would appreciate any comments thanks

[Londres70]

This is in your stomach or your abdomen?  Just confused about the location of this cyst/lump.  This is very large to be a cyst.  This isn't a tumor, is it?  

Well......either this is malignant or benign.  

This could be related to a NUMBER of things as I wouldn't begin to speculate exactly what this is.  

[shirl44uk]

appreciate you trying to answer. are you a doctor. I assume its abdomen as it start between rib cage and goes down towards groin. just like late stages of pregnancy

[Londres70]

No physician, however, I work in the medical field and Oncology is one of my specialties.  

[Londres70]

This sounds more like a tumor than a cyst......purely speculating though.  This isn't "floating" around; this is connected to something especially being that big.  

What kind of scan did you have?  i.e.  CT, US or plain flat x-ray?

[shirl44uk]

having a scan on saturday with camera being put into me is what the lady said. apparently i am to have an xray also but no appoointment for that yet. consultant seeing me again friday (today) week . also had additional blood tests done. The consultant is so nice He is a Mr Al Samurri, at St Margarets, Epping and he is so caring and kind that has made a great deal of difference. I felt like i had myself together, pretty calm etc, however he looked straight into my eyes, introduced himself and said he was there to 'look after me' and I knew that he understood, without me saying a word, that I am absolutely terrified. Thank you so much for your time and interest. I don't talk to family and friends about all this just make jokes about new wardrobe etc. (sorry if this arrives twice or something very similar I thought I'd typed all of this to you but can't see it) Thanking you again. PS very uncomfortable and pain in left hand side going towards groin. Consultant thinks could e trapped nere. Thanks agagin

[shirl44uk]

Tried to put internal xray camera up and could not succeed. Then did scan via gel on tummy and screen (which i had last wednesday when gp sent me to a different hospital) and said could not fit mass onto screen to measure. I told her previous scan was 27cms x 23 x23 and she said she had to measure in 2 parts add together and it was now at least 40cms x 30. Now i'm terrified. She added that the outside area seemed to be fluid. She phoned and has arranged a ct scan for monday pm. I have appt for consultant next friday if i don't explode by then.....I'm hoping (and assuming ) the fluid statement is promising - yes - no?

[shirl44uk]

Had ct scan and results = 1) seems to be attached to ovaries.2)Liver, kidneys etc = all look fine. 3)rapid growth not such a concern. told cancer does not grow that fast. 4)small area of growth has higher density - amount of concern
5) overall very promising news for me 6) going to UCH hospital in london poss within next week or so - final decision will more than likely be op as they do not consider anything else would be recommended. Unsure why i have to attend there but hey ho. - Final area which (I don't rely understand) = my blood is around 540 - 550 should be 400 poss sign of early stage 1 cancer. Yes worrying however, considering massive fears (which i was trying to reject until results) I feel a little more onfident that this will get sorted. Any comments you may have will be greatfully recd.

[Londres70]

I am not sure what count you are talking about that's 540-550.  I am guessing this is a CA-125 marker and/or a CEA marker.

This is definitely concerning as this "thing" is HUGE.  

Keep me posted.

[shirl44uk]

will do i'm not sure what the consultant was talking about it is something to do with a blood result which measures possiblity of cancer. He said acceptable would be 400 and mine was about 550 which was a concern which denoted possible early, low stage 1 cancer. sorry can't say what blood test was called. He added that this measurement went into thousands, obviously higher count = more concern. Waiting call from UCLH and a specialist link nurse contacted me who says that they see new patients on tuesdays and that i should receive an appointment for next tuesday.  She also spoke to me about the fact that i had requested the op be done at Harlow (Queen Elizabeth Hospital) and Mr Al Sumarrai would do it. Her rec was go to UCLH as they are a specialist unit for this form of problem. Thank you again so much for your interest I will keep you informed as much as i can a) in case you have a comment relevent to me and b) for your own interest and research. It may assist when speaking to others. Thanking you again

[shirl44uk]

So SO Sorry for length of time passed when i said i'd let you know outcome. Was operated on 5th dec 2012
Stage 1a (incompletely staged) Mucinous carinoma of right ovary
Treatment - bialateral salping-oophorectomy, omentectomy and appendicectomy.

That was for the very kind oncologyst who took an interest in me when i first registered.

For the layman....had ovaries and appendix removed.
Weighed 6.5 kilos less after op.

Some concern on lymph glands but consider the danger of another op too great compared with possible risk of them being infected. estimate around 3%. so

now have to attend for blood tests 3monthly and will cross each bridge as saying goes. for all of you out there i can only say stay positive. Prior to  op I was warned May have to break breast plate to open and remove all and possibility of loosing bowels. They have to inform you of any possible action they may take prior to op and you sign consent form.

Not pleasant and said I'd rather not know but by law they have to inform you. Result was cut starts 1/2 way between boobs and belly button and bowels all okay. Was on my home 5 days after op...so they definately inform of the worst possibilities. Stay positive one and all and remember the word 'Cancer does not mean a death certificate' I know that may sound tactless but it's meant to help. We all have fears but must trust the marvellous medical profession out there. I'll follow up if any news in April when i have 1st tests. God bless all

[Londres70]

So sorry dear.  This is Ovarian cancer.  Sounds like this was caught in its early stages.  Ovarian cancer is a tricky beast......tricky to detect and diagnose.  Alot of times it is found in later stages, i.e. III and IV.  

Any mention of chemo and/or radiation?  

And no......Cancer DOESN'T mean "death."  Absolutely not.