Dermoid cyst...everyone feel free to comment!

[Kate987]

Hey,
I wrote this in the women's health forum as well, I'm not exactly sure where to post this.
I recently passed 3 kidney stones, and in the process of that had a CT and an ultrasound.  All of my pain was on my right side, and they ended up finding a dermoid cyst on my left ovary.  The doctor said because of it's size (20x23mm), and the fact that I'm 19 and am in college we could wait until November or December to do a lap to remove it. I read kimigwen's post and found it very helpful =)  I was wondering if you gal's could give me any more advice as to warning signs that there's torsion or if it ruptured, or if there's something I could do to prevent them from happening.  Also if I have the surgery in december, it'd be on the 15th, and my family and I are supposed to go to phoenix pn the 26th after to visit a family friend and see my sister in the fiesta bowl.  Will I be okay to sit in an airplane all day that soon after surgery?
Thanks for all the help in advance!

[shazzybow]

hi ,i wondered if you could clarify the size do you mean cm? or mm? 20mm is quite small (2cm) i wouldnt have thoughtthat this would rupture or have tortion, however if it is 20cm then i would imagine you would notice extreeme pain if it ruptured or if there was any tortion, the type of pain you would need to get immediate attention for. dermoid cysts tend to be fairly solid ,they have tissue such as hair, bone and sometimes teeth and have sticky serous fluid in them, 99%of them are benign.
i had one removed 18 years ago because it was large i had my ovary removed. i recently had another on my left ,this was smaller and my ovary is in tact. following the op you will have some discomfort, but its bearable. your tummy will be swollen for a while so (due to the gas used)loose clothing and underware is better. my wound took 4 weeks to heal so i couldnt go far because i needed nurses to dress it. you may need your stitches or clips removed around 10 days and you will also need a lot of rest. i think youd be pushing it a bit to fly so soon, you may need to check whether you are covered to fly after surgery. would you be able to ask your doc to bring it forward?good luck sharon

[Kate987]

Thanks so much for the comment!
The dermoid is only 20x23mm or 2.0x2.3cm according to my last check up at the end of August.  He said we caught it very early so hopefully the surgery will be fast and my ovary can be spared.  I myself did not think it would be safe to fly, but the gyno thinks I'm going to be fine so no worries.  I do think I will ask once we figure out which date they can squeeze me in.  Thanks again!

[shazzybow]

kate your welcome, have you been told whether your op is via a laprascope or whether you will have a laparotomy? the latter is a vertical incision and takes longer to recover from. im glad to hear your dermoid is small and caught early, if your having a laprascope you may get away with flying, ive not had one perhaps others here can tell you what the recovery is like.

another point, it would be great if you keep your ovary, your fertility will be fine ,even when i had my ovary removed, i still had twins 2 years later. i thank god every day for blessing me.Good luck, sharon

[Gatsby]

Although 99% of ovarian cysts are benign, you are wise in seeking medical attention.  The fact that your dermoid is small will be helpful in saving the ovary.  I had 2 softball sized dermoids removed 12/21/05 and lost my left ovary and 90% of my right ovary.  Since dermoids are normally slow growers, it is good that the dr. will be removing it.  Dermoids do not resolve on their own and surgery is the only way to get rid of them.  Good luck and keep us posted.
~Tascha

[Kate987]

Hey all,
The doctor believes he will be able to do a laprascopy because it is so small as of now *crosses fingers* Thanks for all the help yet again!
Kaitlin

[mermaid26]

I had a fist sized dermoid spontaneously rupture in May of 1998.  I didn't even know that I had one growing in me. I always had "bad" cramps with my period but looking back I believe the warning signs were there.  I had a really painful cycle the month prior to rupture.  I believe the rupture occurred at about 3:00 a.m. Tues. and the pain awakened me.  This unfortunately occurred at the onset of my period, so I thought I was just having a really bad period again and took some Ibuprofen.  I went to work the next day in a lot of pain, but I deep down I knew something was wrong, I didn't want to eat, hurt to walk, move, etc...  I stayed home sick the next day and got a late appointment with my gastro.  The pain was in my entire abdomen now.  He referred mey to the ER next door for testing.  The next day I transferred to my Gyn's hospital where he did the laparscopy/then laparotomy to save my left ovary.  When they opened me up I had developed peritonitis and they had to do several "washings" to clean me up.  I believe rupture is very very rare.  I was my doctor's first case and the talk of the surgical team.  Lucky me to leave such a gross impression in their memories.  I have learned so much from the women on this sight, like they come back.  Don't ignore any pain signals.  Unfortunately everyone is different.  That's what makes this forum great, personal experience not textbook presentation.  My prayers for peace and wisdom to you.

[Kate987]

Thanks for your comments! You ladies are truly nothing short of amazing for all the adivce dispensed.  mermaid26, thanks for your comment, I feel better just knowing as much as possible as to what can happen and what some warning signs are.
I have sort of an odd/maybe gross question.  The past couple of weeks I've noticed I've been more gassy than usual and some very minor pains on both sides under my belly button and to the left and right of that.  I am also due for my period in a week and a half, if that makes a difference or not.  I was wondering if I just happen to be gassy and need to make some adjustments in my diet or if I should look more into it. Thanks for your help again! Sorry if I'm very annoying and thanks for your patience =)

[lak82]

Hi how are you? I was reading your post and just a have few questions for you. Do you know how big the cyst was before it ruptured? You said the Dr said rupture is very rare? I have a ?dermoid cyst measuring 18cm X 8cm X 17.5cm but am also pregnant and am really not sure what to do.  The Drs have advised to to have it removed at 14wk, I am 13 now, just in case it ruptures.  But if you were told rupture is rare? I really dont want to have it removed as there is a chance of miscarriage.

Thanks

Leicha

[mermaid26]

All I remember my doctor saying is that it was about the size of a human hand when you make a fist.  Back then he told me dermoids are pretty fast growing.  Some of the other ladies on this sight may know better about the rate of growth.  I believe I read there is a less than 2% occurrence of rupture but I would imagine because you are pregnant you fall into a whole new risk category.  I believe your doctors know best and are considering the utmost in safety precautions for you and the baby.  I believe the sooner it comes out the better you will feel physically and mentally knowing this issued is resolved.  You are certainly in my prayers and know that God's hand is always with you for peace and guidance.

[mermaid26]

Your seeking knowledge is never annoying or an imposition.  Only a sign of your search for wisdom and understanding. I am a big believer in the gut/hormone connection personally because I tend to have an increase in symptoms mid-cycle and those 4 days prior to my period.  Taking vitamins and dietary changes seem to help me relieve symptoms if just for the reason that I feel like I have some control over the situation.  I had some pain behind my navel this year that seemed to resolve itself but I having been dealing with digestive issues as well this year.  Consult your gyn if it's stressing you though, so they can put your mind at ease. Take care.

[Kate987]

I have another question...I have my belly button pierced.  Do you think I should be taking the piercing out now before surgery or should I leave it in?  I have no real attachment to the piercing so I have no qualms on removing it. Thanks again!