post menopausal ovarian cysts

[milliron]

Thank you.......I am 52 last period 15 months ago FSH shows menopause . I had right ovary removed due to cysts a year and a half ago,  but have had cysts on remaining ovary for over a year sometimes with symptoms and sometimes not.   I have had ultrasound every 3 or 4 months since october of 06, and these  have showed either one or two cysts 3 to 5 cm,  no septations, no cul da sac fluid, (not sure of all the rest of the reports) but there is always something there.  My doctor wants to just look again in 6 months.  He has been reassuring that these are nothing,  and if I want the ovary removed he can.  Never have had a CA 125.  I would like to keep my remaining ovary, but can this turn into something else?  I have never been on birth control pills or HRT.  There is cancer on both sides of my family but not ovarian.  Do you agree that this is an OK course of action?

Thanks

[nyc lady]

There is a great patient to patient "ovarian cancer" forum...and alot of the women DO NOT have cancer but are dealing with similar issues....why not stop by, tell your story and hear some of the cysterly stories. I have done a lot of research and listened to many speakers, a non-cancerous cyst will not turn cancerous in the case of Ovarian Cancer.  The good thing is that there has not been any real change in the cysts.  Don't get nervous about the suggestion of getting a 2nd opinion from a GYN/ONC, they are the experts in gynocological issues of this type, they have had 3 years additional training and treat many benign conditions....Dr Seibel, thank you for suggesting a GYN/ONC...so many GYN's do not offer referrals on conditions that are most likely benign.  If only all doctors operated the way you did, there would be so many more early stage diagnosis.

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

It is difficult to offer an opinion without seeing the ultrasounds and knowing more about your history. If there is careful observation and the cysts are not growing, some doctors would continue to watch and wait. But some would feel that if there is something there that doesn't go away, it is safest to remove the ovary. Having a CA 125 can be useful. But the results can be elevated by many things other than ovarian cancer and even if there is no cancer, it can make a person anxious because now the results are elevated for unknown reasons. Consider getting a second opinion with a gyn oncologist who might be able to help you.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD