Complex Ovarian Cysts....Worry is getting the best of me.

[suthrnbrwneyz]

I was wondering if anyone could offer some advice/personal stories/comfort/etc.  I went to the doctor complaining of pain each month that was sciatic in nature.  The doctor told me no worries, just sciatic pain, do some exercises.  I was concerned b/c it ONLY happens during my cycle.  And it's getting worse each month.  So I went to the nurse practicioner who seemed pretty convinced it sounded like endo., but said she would like me to see a GYN specialist and have a transvaginal ultrasound.  I had that done and the results came back today; I have two complex cysts (one on each ovary) that are relatively the size of a golfball. The suggestion was to re-evaluate in weeks.  Meanwhile, I see the GYN next week.  I'm totally panicked and scared to death that these will be malignant.....even though the nurse practicioner said the chance is "very low" and still maintains that endo. may be causing this.  My periods are heavy, but this pain ONLY happens during my period and OCCASIONALLY during the middle of my month.  It's horrible and excruciating, but the prospect of cancer is far worse.  I'm 36, no family history of ovarian cancer, and I have two children.  I also have crohn's disease which is medically controlled.  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[dawnlyn]

Along with what Amy and Sharon mentioned above you might want to post your question on the cyst forum you may get more information on that site as well. Good Luck to you.

Dawnlyn

[Sharon2714]

I pray ur cysts return in size or at worst are revealed to be endometriomas
if your NP is convinced about the endo the cysts have a very distinctive appearance
on ultrasound ... the wait and see approach seems appropriate ... if the size is worrisome they will probably opt to remove them in a number of ways ... or if the composition is complex they would have to remove them to rule out ovca ... i hope this helps ... it seems these are the few things i read about these days
god be with you
love
sharon
PS make sure to get a gyn onc if u need the surgery

[AJ70]

Well, it is true that cysts are almost always benign. Your nurse practitioner is right. Have you had any other signs of ovarian cancer? Such as bloating, feeling full quickly, unexplained weight loss or gain, feeling really tired all the time, frequent urination? Did your GYN specialist take a CA 125 blood test? If it is elevated it could point to malignancy BUT it could also point to other things such as endo...it certainly doesn't mean for sure your cysts are malignant. But it is a test that is usually done if it is suspected.

I had a large mass on my left ovary that unfortunately was malignant (I am very lucky as it was found early)  - but I didn't experience the pain that you are talking about. I did have terrible cramping during ovulation that sometimes went down into my legs - but my oncologist told me that wasn't a sign of ovca. My periods were normal. I don't have children unfortunately, and also have no family history of ovarian or breast cancer. I am 38 years old.

If I were you I would maybe ask for a CA 125 test when you go to the GYN next week - or see if they already took one. If it is elevated they might be quicker to act and see what is going on.......rather than waiting.  Early detection is sooo important with this disease. But hopefully ovca is not what you are dealing with.

As well - I believe there is an ovarian cyst group on MH where maybe you can find more answers.  Try not to worry too much - I know - easier said than done...but try to take comfort in knowing that most of the time - a huge percent of the time - ovarian cysts are benign.

Take care,

Amy