Appendix and Benign Mucinous Cystadenoma

Dear Dr Goodman,

I am 37 years old, and had a 15cm ovarian cyst removed 4 weeks ago. The surgeon also took my tube, ovary, and appendix. He told me they take the appendix as a precaution.

I spoke to my gp today as I had not yet had any results and was getting worried. She told me the cyst was a benign mucinous cystadenoma, which I was happy about. But she also said they found 'something' on my appendix which needed further testing. The results for that aren't back yet. She said it was less than 1cm in size and was 2cm away from any cut margin.

I read on this forum your answer to someone else's question, in which you said you would take the appendix if the cyst is mucinous so I am assuming that whatever they have found on my appendix is related to the cyst. My gp seemed to think it was just lucky they took it and found it, but of course she is not a specialist. If they are related, would the thing on the appendix be cancerous, and could it possibly have grown elsewhere? Or is the fact that it was small and contained, and has been removed, enough?  I am going out of my mind with worry and don't know how long I will have to wait for these results!

Many thanks

Mary

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi there
it sounds like you had just the right therapy. It is unlikely that you need any other treatment or evaluation if the final pathology on the ovary is benign.
in general, you need to have the standard follow up of yearly exams and pap smears.sometimes an ultrasound to check your other ovary is reasonable.
best wishes

[Mazjak]

Just to add that I saw a gynocologist today who confirmed it was a carcinoid tumour of the appendix, less than 1cm and contained. I have been given an appointment at the bowel clinic next week. Should i ask for further testing to be done, to make sure I don't have anything anywhere else, and if so, what kind of tests would u recommend?

Also, should there be any kind of follow up after my cyst, or is it all done now it has been removed? My gynaecologist said they wouldn't routinely do any checks in the future.

Many thanks in advance for your advice,

Mary