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778012 tn?1304901886

Endometrioma without other Endo?

I posted a month ago right after I had a laparoscopy to remove a 5 cm endometrioma from my right ovary.  When I awoke from surgery my father-in-law (a doctor himself) told me that my doctor said that she had removed the endometrioma but had also found a smaller 2 cm cyst in the right ovary that she didn't remove because she didn't want to cause additional damage to the ovary.  Dad also said she told him I had severe endometriosis and that my tubes we affected.  She said I had a 20% chance of getting pregnant on my own without turning to IVF.

I was shocked to say the least, having had none of the "typical" endo symptoms (I have virtually pain free periods that are actually quite light). So for two weeks I researched everything I possibly could about endometriosis.  I've been trying to concieve my second child for over a year now (had a miscarriage in Feb 2008).  

At any rate, when I saw my doctor for my 2 week post-op exam she went over her findings with me.  My jaw nearly hit the floor when she told me that my father-in-law either misheard or misunderstood her.  She said that I indeed had an endometrioma that she removed, but she did not find any endometriosis anywhere else in my body.  She also said that my tubes are fine.  She had run some dye solution through them to make sure they were both open, and they are.  She did say that it is true that my fertility is decreased to 20% just because I've had an endometrioma now.

I left her office very confused.  I know Dad wouldn't tell me something he didn't hear.  So I asked my doctor's office to send me all my records of the surgery.  In the doctors notes it confirms that she found an endometrioma of 5cm and another smaller 2cm cyst, but both were removed.  Tubes were fine and open.  No other adhesions/lesions found.  From the surgical report my post-surgical diagnosis is "Right ovarian cyst with right endometrioma x2"

The cysts were sent to be examined and the pathology report findings were:
1) hemorrhagic degenerating corpeus luteum cyst
2) follicular cyst

I know this is a question for a doctor (I'm going to see a Reproductive Endocrinologist next week), but is this right?  Is an endometrioma the same thing as a "hemorrhagic degenerating corpeus luteum cyst"?

And, finally, if my only symptom of endometriosis was in fact the endometrioma that was removed, does that mean I don't have endometriosis any more?  Has anyone had an endometrioma without having endometriosis anywhere else?

Sorry for writing a novel.  I appreciate any feedback.
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Avatar universal
I have a 2.5cm endometrioma in my right ovary. My Dr didn't say anything about lesions or having endo as well. I don't have painful periods but have pain in the ovary and bleeding and pain after sex as well as spotting thru my cycle. Im just at beginning of this journey and hoping I dont have endometriosis as the pain sounds terrible
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Avatar universal
Hi there.  I was operated last December due to a 6 cm cyst I had on my left ovary.  They believed that it was cancer, but it turned out to be an endometrioma and the doctor also found adhesions.  And like you, I had no symptoms related to endometriosis, but it was there.  Afterwards, I was given a 3-month Lupron shot to control the endometriosis and they did an exam to see if there was any obstruction in the tubes.  I had some problems with the left ovary, but they corrected the problem and the doctor says that I am doing pretty well and that I can start trying to have kids.

I know that it can be very confusing and frustrating not knowing what you have, but it took me almost a year to get operated since I couldn't believe I had cancer and I didn't trust my PF, so I searched on line and talked to doctors, until I found one I felt comfortable with and who was also worried about my fertility and not just wanted to do a surgery and get paid.

They sent parts of the cyst they found to the pathologist and the report said that it was endometriosis.  They can know if it is right away if it is an endometrioma since it is a brownish color and it is called a chocolate cyst.

In my opinion, take the labs to another doctor to get another opinion.

Best wishes,

Neta  
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