22cm ovarian cyst

I have a 22cm ovarian cyst which will be removed next week. My oncologist said it appears to be fluid filled with some veins on the side. My ova1 test came back elevated at 7.5 but are there other factor that can elevate this test? I am 44 have had and nursed 2kids. I also have no family history. Is there a chance with something this large that it is still benign? I have had no real symptoms except for the fact that I now look VERY pregnant. For some reason today...everything had begun to hurt. My back, sides, and neck are very stiff plus it hurts to take a deep breath or cough. Why now? Does size matter when it comes to benign or cancer? Thank you for any info.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi there
it sounds like you are in good hands.
Surgical removal is the right thing to do. Most cysts are benign but final diagnosis is only possible with evaluation under the microscope after removal.

good luck with your surgery
take care