13cm Cyst

Hello Doctor-
I am 25 yrs. old w/no children. About the second week of January I had this sharp pain on my lower pelvic area. I had felt this pain before but never for so long. It lasted for a week and a half. At first I thought it was due to cramps but when I later went to the doctor he told me it could be a cyst. He had me go to get an ultrasound. The ultrasound found a 13cm mass on my left ovary. My doctor then referred me to a OB/Gyn. The doctor there told me I had to have laparotomic surgery since the mass is so large. My sister had laproscopic surgery several years ago and they were able to salvage her ovary but the size of the cyst she had was the size of a golf ball so mine is extremely large compared to hers. I'm really scared about having surgery. My doctor said he would try to salvage the ovary as much as he could. That freaked me out even more. I also have rheumatoid arthritis. Will all this affect me having children later on? I know you can still have kids w/only one ovary but the other ovary has a 1.3cm cyst. I'm afraid that this will grow. Should I get a second opinion before having this kind of surgery? Is it possible to take birth control pills to maybe shrink the mass so I can have the less invasive surgery? Or is this just wishful thinking? I don't have any pain right now. It may be due to the naproxen I've been taking for my arthritis.  What can I expect after having this kind of surgery? What would happen if I were not to have surgery at all? Please advise.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi Eve,
Thank you for your complete information. You are understandably frightened!
However, the recommendation fro a laparotomy and removal of the 13 centimeter cyst is very appropriate. In fact , it is the safest way to try and salvage your ovary and try to just separate the ovarian cyst from the normal ovarian tissue. A second opinion can help you clarify your thoughts and also give you the opportunity to interview another surgeon if you are not sure you have the right doctor for you. However, I would be concerned if the person you see for a second opinion says something different.

It would not be appropriate to try shrinking something that size. Birth control pills will suppress cysts that are related to ovulation. The Pill will not suppress or shrink a tumor.

It is absolutely possible to get pregnant with one ovary.
best wishes to you