Complex cystic mass 5.1 cm is it Cancer?

[mhamm90061]

I am 35yrs old and had a hysterectomy 3 years ago because my right ovary burst. They left my left ovary and now a Complex Cystic Left Adenexal Mass that is 5.1 x 3.9 c4.2 cm with two anechoic cyst is there. I am worried because I have also found two lumps under my arm and we have a history of cancer in the family. How big is 5.1 cm is it something I should be concerned about, I had endometrosis and had surgery before the hysterctomy to remove it. I have been on hormones before to reduce the cyst and it did not work, I have pain down my right side from my butt to my thigh and my stomach hurts all the time, especially during intercourse, my GYN wants to try me on another hormone to see if it can be reduced but I am scared to wait, the last time I waited I ended up in the hospital for 5 days. Also I have to go to the bathroom alot lately as if I am pregnant, could the cyst be sitting on my bladder? Please help I have no energy and don't like taking pain pills all the time.

[Cagney2712]

Try not to worry too much. I know that's easier said than done! Waiting and not knowing is hard! But, most cysts do turn out to be benign, so you need to keep that in mind.  Do keep us updated , and feel free to come here with any questions, or just for moral support.  There are many terrific, and courageous, women here who are always there to help, provide advice and guidance, or just listen. They were there for me when I was facing surgery, and they'll be there for you too.

[mhamm90061]

thank you so much, you explained a lot. I will keep you up to date, my next appointment is 6-13.

[mhamm90061]

So what is the difference between a regular cyst and complex cyst. I also found two lumps under my arm but the doctor only ordered a ultrasound which did not tell anything except it could be lympnode. I am worried that this is much worst, what other test should I have done besides an ultrasound, are there blood test that can tell me if it is cancer?

[Cagney2712]

Basically, a simple cyst is one that is all fluid filled, while a complex cyst is one that has both fluid and solid components. The complex cyst generally has internal "walls" called septations . The fact that it's complex doesn't mean that it's any more likely to be cancer. Lots of women on this site can tell you that they had a complex cyst, some quite large, that turned out to be totally benign.
There is no blood test that can tell if the cyst is cancer; that can only be determined for sure by having pathology done on it, and that generally occurs during surgery to remove it.  Even the CA-125 blood test won't tell if it's cancer, as even an elevated CA-125 can be caused by many things, and there can be cancer present and not a high CA-125. The CA-125 may, in conjunction with other tests, help the gyn oncologist decide if surgery is indicated, and when.  My oncologist had me go through  2 rounds of ultrasounds, pelvic and transvaginal, 2 months apart, as well as two CA-125s a couple of months apart before she recommended that it was time for surgery. I've read on here that some oncologists also did CT scans and/or MRIs, though mine didn't think it was necessary. Even though the ultrasounds showed that my cyst had gotten larger, had thick internal septations, and papillary nodules (excrescences) inside, she said the odds were that it was benign. While it did turn out to be Stage 1A, there was no way to know that for certain until the ovary & cyst was removed and could be examined.

Like I said before, I'd recommend seeing a gyn. oncologist. They are the best qualified to evaluate any ovarian mass, make sure the appropriate tests are done,  and perform the surgery if it comes to that.  I honestly have no idea if the lumps under your arm could in any way be "connected" to whats going on with your ovary, or are something entirely unrelated. Certainly though thats something you should tell the gyn oncologist as well when you are discussing all of your symptoms.

[Cagney2712]

A cyst of 5.1cm is not huge, but right at the point where surgery would be considered. Even though it's not terribly big, depending on how it's situated, it could indeed be pressing on your bladder.  Given that it's a complex cyst, your other symptoms, and your family history, I'd recommend seeing a gyn. oncologist now rather than trying another hormone and waiting. Chances are it's not cancer,  but a gyn oncologist would be the best to evaluate your situation and, if surgery is indicated, to be the one to perform the surgery, just in case  anything abnormal is found.   I had surgery for a complex cyst in Feb. We had been playing the watch and wait game for several months, until it became complex and developed internal papillary nodules. By the time I had surgery, it had grown to almost 12 cm, yet I had no symptoms at all. It turned out to be Stage 1A, so I was VERY lucky to have caught it that early, and I didn't need any chemo.  Even the gyn oncologist may recommend waiting a bit more, but they are the best qualified to handle any sort of ovarian mass, even if it turns out to be benign.