Aa
Complex cyst, swollen lymph node
I was diagnosed with a 4 cm cyst about 2-1/2 months ago and put on birth control pills. At my follow-up today, the cyst has not reduced in size, and now there is a smaller cyst with walls located adjacent to it. My gyn told me that this was not what he likes to see. He is following up with a CA125 test and if results are ok, continue on birth control for one month. He also said he would do surgery if I wanted but he would prefer to wait.
A few things - I have heard that the CA125 test for premenopausal women is inconclusive (I'm 44 now). Also, a few weeks ago, I had swollen lymph nodes and mouth sores that I thought was related to a cold I had (although that's pretty unusual for me). Should I be concerned about the lymph nodes and also should I move ahead with surgery just to be safe? I don't want to regret not being aggressive about this down the road. Thanks for your input!
A few things - I have heard that the CA125 test for premenopausal women is inconclusive (I'm 44 now). Also, a few weeks ago, I had swollen lymph nodes and mouth sores that I thought was related to a cold I had (although that's pretty unusual for me). Should I be concerned about the lymph nodes and also should I move ahead with surgery just to be safe? I don't want to regret not being aggressive about this down the road. Thanks for your input!
CA125 blood test are not 100% accurate. Some women have high numbers and do not have cancer and some women have low numbers but have cancer. I would opt for the biopsy now, especially after the doctor saying that is not what he likes to see. Good luck :)
Your infection resulting in the swollen lymph nodes and oral sores will likely affect the CA-125 test results, possibly causing the results to be high. Infections are one of the many conditions that can cause invalid CA-125 results. Otherwise, the greatest value of the CA-125 test is the establishment of a baseline in the event that cancer is found; the baseline can indicate whether treatments are effective in fighting the cancer. The test itself is not especially helpful in detecting cancer, and at least one woman posting on the forum went into surgery with a CA-125 level of 300, yet still her ovarian mass was found to be benign.
Thanks for your comments. Truly appreciated.
Does anyone know what percentage of complex cysts turn out benign? I didn't know if they were more commonly malignant or benign.
Does anyone know what percentage of complex cysts turn out benign? I didn't know if they were more commonly malignant or benign.
Cysts in general, whether simple or complex, tend to be malignant in only 1 to 2 percent of the cases. I have read other statistics that place the percentage as high as 5 percent. Still, statistically speaking, cysts are most commonly benign.
Sorry MickiVickie,
I have to disagree with you on this one. SIMPLE cysts might have a lower diagnosis of malignancy, however COMPLEX cysts have a higher rate of being malignant. The percentages that you read might refer only to simple cysts, and not include complex cysts.
Complex cysts: Have septations, multiocularity, and include sludge type material and solid components.
The term "complex" has a definition that is totally different than the word "simple". Simple indicates no septations, and only fluide filled one sac, with no solid components.
EVERY term that you read in an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI has a definition. Every little simple term means something. Simple versus complex are two totally different things with totally different indications.
Thanks
Kathy :o) Minnesota
1 in 70 women WILL Develop ovarian cancer in their life times. It is not rare.
I have to disagree with you on this one. SIMPLE cysts might have a lower diagnosis of malignancy, however COMPLEX cysts have a higher rate of being malignant. The percentages that you read might refer only to simple cysts, and not include complex cysts.
Complex cysts: Have septations, multiocularity, and include sludge type material and solid components.
The term "complex" has a definition that is totally different than the word "simple". Simple indicates no septations, and only fluide filled one sac, with no solid components.
EVERY term that you read in an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI has a definition. Every little simple term means something. Simple versus complex are two totally different things with totally different indications.
Thanks
Kathy :o) Minnesota
1 in 70 women WILL Develop ovarian cancer in their life times. It is not rare.
Well, having a degree in the subject, I know that we could debate statistics all day! Seriously! However, according to my doctor, and according to my pal who works at the CDC, cysts' statistics run in the 1 to 5 percent range, regardless of composition. Given that like you, I am neither a doctor nor a research scientist working in this field, I am apt to quote the statistics presented to me by trusted sources who ought to be in the know. When I was diagnosed last year, I was all over the topic. I have read statistics on the subject all over the internet, on both U.S. and foreign sites, and the statistics run all over the board, and there are conflicting reports after conflicting reports, and studies that overturn studies. In the end, I decided that I have no choice but to rely on sources that I trust. My faith in my sources was nurtured by the women who shared their experiences with me on this forum over this past year. Their experiences run along the lines of the statistics presented to me.
I was surprised to learn that even solid tumors, in a pre-menopausal woman, have a low statistical average for malignancies; nowhere near the 99.9% that one would expect from the cancer horror stories that abound on the internet and in my personal experiences! And the statistics for both cysts and tumors are apparently changing. My understanding from my conversations with M., my pal at the CDC, is that the number of benign cysts and tumors are "increasing." The currently accepted theory is that due to modern imaging techniques and the ease of use for these techniques, more cysts and tumors are being detected, and are then being removed long before any possible malignancies can develop. Whether that theory is correct or not, that is good news for women.
Having stated all of that, M. and I ran my test results for my complex cyst into programming in order to determine what I thought would be a more accurate diagnosis of my mass prior to surgery. Using five categories of personalized data, the return was that my cyst had a 79% percent of being malignant. That was scary. Still, my doctor was correct in her original diagnosis and my cyst was found to be... benign.
I was surprised to learn that even solid tumors, in a pre-menopausal woman, have a low statistical average for malignancies; nowhere near the 99.9% that one would expect from the cancer horror stories that abound on the internet and in my personal experiences! And the statistics for both cysts and tumors are apparently changing. My understanding from my conversations with M., my pal at the CDC, is that the number of benign cysts and tumors are "increasing." The currently accepted theory is that due to modern imaging techniques and the ease of use for these techniques, more cysts and tumors are being detected, and are then being removed long before any possible malignancies can develop. Whether that theory is correct or not, that is good news for women.
Having stated all of that, M. and I ran my test results for my complex cyst into programming in order to determine what I thought would be a more accurate diagnosis of my mass prior to surgery. Using five categories of personalized data, the return was that my cyst had a 79% percent of being malignant. That was scary. Still, my doctor was correct in her original diagnosis and my cyst was found to be... benign.
I would have several questions for your pal at the CDC:
1. What then are the characteristics of malignant verus benign masses/cysts/tumors on the ovary?
2. What are the statistics that simple functional cysts turn out to be malignant?
3. What are the statistics that a complex, non-functional cyst turns out to be malignant?
4. Of all ovarian malignancies, what percent presented as complex cysts, versus functional simple cysts upon presentation.
There are cysts that are malignant, and from those found to be malignant there are dozens of statistics that can be associated with the findings.
Statistics, of course, are what risk factors or associated factors are based upon.
Kathy MN
1. What then are the characteristics of malignant verus benign masses/cysts/tumors on the ovary?
2. What are the statistics that simple functional cysts turn out to be malignant?
3. What are the statistics that a complex, non-functional cyst turns out to be malignant?
4. Of all ovarian malignancies, what percent presented as complex cysts, versus functional simple cysts upon presentation.
There are cysts that are malignant, and from those found to be malignant there are dozens of statistics that can be associated with the findings.
Statistics, of course, are what risk factors or associated factors are based upon.
Kathy MN
Just an FYI from my dr. Not all complex cyst have septations. Having septations, according to my dr, does increase her concern regarding possible malignancy. There are also other findings on u/s that would help your dr. determine the likelyhood of a complex cyst being malignant. (ie. septations, fluid in the abdomen, increased blood flow to the cyst) You must have faith in your dr. and their knowledge in this area. If you are not, by all means seek a second opinion. I know several women, including my sister, who had a large complex ovarian cyst that actually grew on 2nd ultrasound, and was gone by the 3rd ultrasound. Her dr. was confident that it was a hemorragic cyst- and she was correct. I too have a 4 cm complex cyst on my left ovary found on Sept. 23. Have a repeat ultrasound on Oct. 14. The radiologist comment was "likely a hemorragic cyst". I know they can't 100% diagnose a cyst by u/s, but you also must rely on the knowledge of the radiologist reading the u/s. I of course am not nieve, everyone is human and mistakes are made. I posted on this web site the day I received my ultrasound results and was in a state of panic. I since have tried to calm my fears and my dr has reassured me that if she had ANY concerns about this cyst, she would of had me in to see the gyn/onc ASAP. (I am not the wait and see type of gal, but I trust her judgement) I am being treated at a major medical/teaching hospital in the Atlanta area. Also, after reading countless posting here, the results of many cysts/solid masses that were questionable have been BENIGN. (For that, I am truly happy for all of you.) That certainly would support the statistics of 1-2% of cyst and tumors actually turning out to be malignant. My dr also says she still thinks of ovarian cancer as being rare to uncommon. Best of luck to you. Thank you MikkiVicki for all your info on this web site. In my heart of hearts I have a feeling my cyst will be an enodmetrioma also with my history of years of endo. Cyst is on ovary that was loaded with endo 13 years ago!!
I need to clarify two points because it is obvious that I have done a poor job of explaining some things. The first is that I have never stated that cysts cannot be malignant. The statistic that I have repeatedly posted (1 to 2 percent, with a range of up to 5 percent depending upon numerous factors) clearly indicates the fact that up to 5 percent of cysts will be cancerous. The likelihood of malignancy is raised by a number of factors including the composition of the mass itself, age, personal cancer history, parity, familial cancer history, hormonal therapies, and personal medical factors such as obesity or menopause. I would also like to add that I have several times posted on this forum the formulation we ran on the particulars of my cyst and personal medical data that led us to a result of 79% chance of malignancy. Yet, my complex cyst with solid components was benign. Kathy W, am I not correct that you also had a complex cyst or mass, and am I not correct that your mass was also benign? If your posts are the ones that I recall, those regarding test results including lack of lymphadenopathy, then I am sure I posted my confidence that your mass would be found benign, or in the case it was malignant then in a very early stage.
The second is that there is by definition a line of demarcation between the solid and the fluid if tests indicate both a solid and a fluid within a cyst; otherwise, you have all solid or all fluid masses. The solid is made solid by the 'wall' containing it; perhaps it will help to think of the wall as a skin or peel around it, containing it. This line of demarcation between the solid and fluid is simply refered to as a wall or a septation. Yes, septations, or "walls" within a cyst define it a complex whether the septation is between multiple fluid filled capsules or between solids and fluids. And in these septations, whether it be a wall between the mass and the ovary, between a solid and a fluid within a cyst, or between separated fluids within a cyst are where the cancerous cells are often found. Thick walls indicate a greater chance of malignancy; but here again, my thick walled septations were benign. Depending upon the originator of the report on the ultrasound imaging, test results will indicate such specific data; for example, the first line on my tvu report said " findings: ovarian neoplasm; complex cyst with solid components. "
The second is that there is by definition a line of demarcation between the solid and the fluid if tests indicate both a solid and a fluid within a cyst; otherwise, you have all solid or all fluid masses. The solid is made solid by the 'wall' containing it; perhaps it will help to think of the wall as a skin or peel around it, containing it. This line of demarcation between the solid and fluid is simply refered to as a wall or a septation. Yes, septations, or "walls" within a cyst define it a complex whether the septation is between multiple fluid filled capsules or between solids and fluids. And in these septations, whether it be a wall between the mass and the ovary, between a solid and a fluid within a cyst, or between separated fluids within a cyst are where the cancerous cells are often found. Thick walls indicate a greater chance of malignancy; but here again, my thick walled septations were benign. Depending upon the originator of the report on the ultrasound imaging, test results will indicate such specific data; for example, the first line on my tvu report said " findings: ovarian neoplasm; complex cyst with solid components. "
I've read what everyone wote on this subject and I'm confused. Maybe someone can help me. My transvaginal resutls- large complex cystic mass in the left adnexa, clinical correlation and foolow up stongly advised. The left adnexal region demonstrates a 10.2 x 7.2 x 8.4 cm complex cyst. Normal ovarian tissue is diificult to identify, My obgyn transferred me to Sloan in the city.I have an appointment on Monday. If these complex cysts have a very low chance of being maligant why are they moving me very fast and why do they want me to see an oncologist.
Thanks for everyone's comments to my original post. This thread has been very interesting and indicates to me that there are many unclear areas as it relates to cysts and ovarian cancer. I have received the results of my CA125, and they are in the normal range (12). I have been instructed to come back in one month for another ultrasound. I am guardedly optimistic but realize these results on a premenopausal woman are not conclusive at all. Thanks again, and I'll keep you updated. I've enjoyed your many posts.
Hi, just read all the information you all had and I have just started research. My ulrasound results today were a complex left ov mass with solid & cystic components. I had the blood test today also CA-125 to see if I need to see an oncologist. I do not have any family history of ovary cancer. They also want to biopsy a spot on my uterus they say may be a polyp. How fast do they usually take care of this I just want it out?
I'm in need of serious advice if someone can help me. I am 6wks pregnant and was just diagnosed with a 10.2cm cyst on my right ovary which have no septations which was seen on my ultrasound. I have recently had a ca 125 test done and it came back elevated(500), which i heard is pretty normal for the for the first trimester. My ob-gyn rec I see a ongologist which he has rec I have MRI done. Im alittle nervous because again Im only 6wks pregnant. I've done some research and they rec it should be done at 12wks. My ob-gyn is pressuring me not to wait till 12wks and is stressing me that this could be dangerous which I completely understand the possibilities. But, I'm only 24years old with no family history of cancer. I had ca-125 test done earlier this year and it came out normal. This pregnancy means so much to me and if surgery is needed I want to wait till 12-14wks so I don't loose the baby. I don't want to go against my doctor but I'm alittle angry at her because again she is pressuring me and has even told me I may not have a viable pregnancy. So I said lets wait till we know but she doesn't think there is time to wait. Would she know by the HCG levels or even the baby's heart beat if it is a viable pregnancy. She has been really scaring me and i don't if can trust her. What do I do?
I'm in need of serious advice if someone can help me. I am 6wks pregnant and was just diagnosed with a 10.2cm cyst on my right ovary which have no septations which was seen on my ultrasound. I have recently had a ca 125 test done and it came back elevated(500), which i heard is pretty normal for the for the first trimester. My ob-gyn rec I see a ongologist which he has rec I have MRI done. Im alittle nervous because again Im only 6wks pregnant. I've done some research and they rec it should be done at 12wks. My ob-gyn is pressuring me not to wait till 12wks and is stressing me that this could be dangerous which I completely understand the possibilities. But, I'm only 24years old with no family history of cancer. I had ca-125 test done earlier this year and it came out normal. This pregnancy means so much to me and if surgery is needed I want to wait till 12-14wks so I don't loose the baby. I don't want to go against my doctor but I'm alittle angry at her because again she is pressuring me and has even told me I may not have a viable pregnancy. So I said lets wait till we know but she doesn't think there is time to wait. Would she know by the HCG levels or even the baby's heart beat if it is a viable pregnancy. She has been really scaring me and i don't if can trust her. What do I do?
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Ovarian Cancer Community
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.
