Burning on urination

A few weeks ago, I had an ultrasound to check on an ovarian cyst that was found in 2005.  At that time, it was a functional cyst, but now, it is a 4-cm solid cyst and my ovary is almost three times the size of the other one.  (Of course, this may not be the same cyst at all.)  My doctor, a gyn/oncologist doesn't think it's cancer, but wants me to have both ovaries removed (there's a functional cyst on the other one too) when I can arrange it with my work schedule (probably in December.)

I've had a lot of vague symptoms for awhile now, but things have gotten much worse in the past month. My main symptoms have been extreme fatigue almost to the point of being non-functional, constipation, not being able to eat large amounts, nausea, dizziness, losing weight without trying (10 lbs. in the past month), and just recently I've had some burning after I urinate, but I don't believe that I have a UTI.

I know some of these symptoms can be symptoms of ovarian cancer, but I'm not sure about the burning on urination part.  Anyone have any experience with that?

[SimplyStar]

December is a long time to wait,  in the slight chance it might be cancer, you should have the surgery ASAP,   you might ask for a MRI and a CA125.  3 months more of this unexplained weight loss could be  devastating to your general health.  did you have a urine test done to see what it contains?  Your health should come first before work, without a proper diagnosis you could be putting yourself in danger.  Keep us posted as to your progress.

[rmarie]

I second Simply Star's message, don't wait.  

[Shashi11962]

Okay, I called my gyn/oncologist's office today and talked to his nurse.  I told her the symptoms I have been having and how severe they have been for over a month now (especially the fatigue.)  I told her I was concerned that they might be connected to the 4-cm complex, solid ovarian cyst and that they might be an indication of cancer.  

She discussed my symptoms and concerns with the doctor and called me back.  She said that he didn't see anything on the ultrasound that would indicate that the cyst was cancerous, but that he did feel that the cyst itself could be causing these symptoms. She also said that they had offered me the option of removing the cyst laproscopically (along with both of my ovaries, since I have a functional cyst on my right ovary as well.)  I explained to her about the difficulty of trying to work a week for recovery time into my schedule at the college where I teach, since I'm the only professor on staff who teaches in my subject area and we just started our fall semester this week. I had originally planned to have the surgery around December when I'm out for break for a month, but I told her I'd try to see what I could work out on my schedule.

My question is, can an oncologist tell from an ultrasound whether or not a cyst is cancerous? (It's a complex, solid cyst - not a functional cyst.  I thought those were always suspect until proven otherwise by a biopsy).  So, is it safe to wait until I can schedule surgery given the severity of my current symptoms?  Should I get a second opinion or should I just stop worrying and trust my doctor?

Thanks and hugs,

Lisa

[SimplyStar]

No one can tell from an ultrasound  as to whether it is cancer or not,  the only way to diagnose cancer is through a pathology report on the removed tissue.  Recovery time from a scope surgery is about 2 weeks if you are lucky,  in your case with the work schedule and all , I would have a repeat UTS in mid September and a CA125 blood test, this blood test is not the most realiable,  but it is one of the markers they do use.  the functional cyst may go away on its own, the complex one is still small  but needs watching. Most all cysts are benign, but with the symptoms you describe  most Doctors are recommending a very close watch on them. As one lady on here says, You only have one chance to get it right.  We all hope it is not cancer, but if it is , the earlier you catch it the better you are . My daughter had many of these symptoms for over 4 months before  she was finally diagnosed with OVCA,  she had stage 3  by then.  OVCA is a rare disease, but it does happen as all the women on this forum can tell you.  We are not here to scare women,  but to inform them.