Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
146110 tn?1247150090

Complex Ovarian Cyst

Hi, I am 36 years old and six years ago I was diagnosed with a dermoid tumor and had it, my left ovary and tube removed during a laparotomy.  I have now been diagnosed with a 5 cm complex ovarian cyst on my right ovary.  The cyst is fluid filled with debris and a solid component.  I have had a follow up ultrasound after 4 weeks and the size is the same (a second cyst went away during this time).

The doctor who did my first surgery would not consider a laproscopy because of the risk of cancer.  (That was a dermoid and I was told before the surgery that is was only a 1% chance it would be cancer.)  This doctor wants to start with a laproscopy to see what the cyst looks like.  

My questions are, which procedure is better?  Has technology changed that much in the last 6 years?  Should I consult with a gyn/oncologist before the surgery?  What are the chances that a complex cyst is cancerous?  Should I be concerned about scar tissue since I have had 3 other abdominal surgeries and does that effect what type of surgery you should have?

Thank you for any info you can give.  The doctor who diagnosed the cyst does not do surgery so I will need to find someone soon.
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
A related discussion, Concern about my cyst was started.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
A related discussion, please explain was started.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi, in March of this year I developed about a one inch lump on the right lower pelvic region. My primary doctor decided to have both a pelvic and ultrasound done and found a one inch cyst on my right ovary. Since than I have met with my GYN and had another ultrasound done. The results of the second ultrasound has shown no change in size. I am experiencing some discomfort in the same region as the ovarian cyst and my GYN doesn't seem to think the discomfort is being caused by the cyst. She has not really discussed matter in detail other than telling me the size and that it has not changed. My GYN has percribed me 2 months of birth control to try to shrink the size of the cyst. I am not only still feeling discomfort in this region but I am haveing all kinds of side affects from the birth control pill. The GYN has advised me to stay on the prescrption until finished.

Other than completeing the prescription and following up with the GYN, what else can I do?

I am concerned because I am only 23 yrs. of age and I don't feel the GYN is giveing me the entire story. She sounds like she doesn't believe that I am experiencing discomfort in the same region as the cyst or that I don't know my own body. I have had to do all the research by myself. I feel that the GYN should be telling all of my options and should be more atuned with my patient history that I am giving her.
Helpful - 0
146110 tn?1247150090
One more thing...
I have mesh that was put in for a repair of a hernia behind my bellybutton.  Would this make a difference in what type of surgery I can have?
Helpful - 0
242604 tn?1328121225
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi There,
Your question reminds me very much of one I answered on laparotomy vs laparoscopy. I refer you to that answer from 7/5/2006.  I reviewed the issues of when to do a laparoscopy versus a laparotomy. It sounds like with your three previous abdominal surgeries, I would lean towards a laparotomy. Mesh in and of itself would not alter my decision of laparoscopy vs laparotomy. It is possible to go through the mesh or find a different location for the initial laparoscopic incision.

However, ultimately you have to rely on your gynecologic surgeon's recommendations because a recommendation in the absence of personally doing a pelvic exam and reviewing the actual films, is only half a recommendation.

Most cysts are benign but there is no preoperative tests that will definitively let us know. I know it is a horrible anxiety until you know for sure. For an unchanging 5 cm complex cyst, either a general gynecologic surgeron or a gyn oncologist would be fine. Please let me know what happens.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Ovarian Cancer Forum

Popular Resources
Learn how to spot the warning signs of this “silent killer.”
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.