Dermoid Cyst 4x7cm - need open surgery - Advice

[gabbie83]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this site, I'm trying to get more info on ovarian cysts and surgeries.
In December I went to a new OB/GYN doctor, told her i experienced discomfort during sexual intercourse. She examined me and told me it might be a cyst - in Jan I went for a U/S, it showed it was a cyst - 2 months later (March) went for another U/S to see if they went away... they didn't... turned out it was a demroid cyst... about 4cm. Month later (April) she sent me for a Cat scan so she can see a clearer picture. Turns out that this dermoid cyst that's on my right ovary is 7.3 x 4.6 cm.

I met up with my doc today and she said she would want to do the open way surgery (not laporscopically) since the cyst is so big. She said that they might not be able to "shell" the whole cyst (or something like that)
Does that sound normal? She told me the time difference in the recovery after surgery is... 6 weeks for the open way (& 4-5 days in hospital after surgery) vs 1-2 weeks laporscopically (& 1 day in hospital).
I'm just nervous b/c I know if you have good insurance -- sometimes doctors do unnecessary surgeries. I just want to make sure that I need this surgery. I will go for a second opinion but I thought someone might give me some advice.
She also told me that its not THAT urgent.. I would have to wait 5-6 weeks for the hopsital.. I also asked if it makes a differnce if the surgery is in summer or fall - she said there is no difference. ANy advice on that?
How bad is the pain after surgery?
Are all OB-GYN doctors SURGEONS?
I also have only paper results-they're not films

[AnotherKatie]

see my reply to your post "22" ....

[Gatsby]

Welcome to the world of the "inner cat"  that is what I called my 2 dermoids that were removed 12/21/05!  Just had to cough up a hairball.  Kidding aside, you do need to have them removed as dermoids do not resolve.  Mine were both larger than my uterus. Unfortunately I was at a surgical center and not a regular hospital so the dr had to continue with the laproscopy.  I have 3 3inch scars.  It is going to be easier to remove the dermoid if you are opened up, also less likelihood of spillage.  These tumors are very rarely cancerous.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha

[suzsen]

I doubt the surgery is unneccessary, but you might try a 2nd opinion to see if it can be a laparascopy.  It probably depends where it is.  Mine is 4 x 5 and the doctor is going to try laparascopy, but your is a little larger. Regardless, it sounds like it needs to come out.