Ascites= malignancy?

[Borgs]

Mother experienced rapid growth of complex ovarian cyst; postmenopausal; rapid onset of ascites.  Doctor is not overly concerned and is sticking with original game lpan to remove the cyst at the end of this month.  Ascites scares me.  Is ascites an indicator of malignancy?

[YvonneS]

If any way possible, please have her see a GYN-ONO.  When I asked, my ONO said yes right away.  Don;t worry about offending.  It is her life.  Good luck.  Yvonne

[Borgs]

Thanks so much SimplyStar.  Your thoughts are appreciated and provide a sense of comfort in this confusing time.  

[SimplyStar]

6 to 8 weeks for recovery from abdominal surgery is not overly too much, usually they say 6 weeks if the job does not include lifting anything heavier than 10#s. Ascites is simply a word for fluid,  the path tests will show if it is cancer or not, no determination can be made until those tests are run on the tissues, fluid removed.  if she becomes too uncomfortable  in the 2 weeks she has to wait for surgery, take her to an ER and they can drain the excess fluid , if that is what it is.

[Borgs]

She is only dealing with a gyn.  Gyn said there would be an onc. on call during surgey.  She is very uncomfortable and the gyn today signed her work release allowing her to not go back to work until after surgery, which is Dec 18.  He said two months recovery time.  Seems to be a long time off with this surgery.  Do you think there is something mom isn't telling us, or is the DR being a little lax?  She said today the U/S indicated fluid in the pelvic region.  I guess my question is, is there any other fluid in the pelvic region other than ascites?  Or is ascites a general name for fluid, and then ascites is broken down into categories (ie. benign or malignant ascited)?      

[rmarie]

It can be, I think it depends upon the amount.  A small amount of fluid with some cyst may not be usual and other problems can cause ascites.  They can tap the fluid and look at the cells   Are you dealing with a regular Gyn or a Gyn/Oncologist?   I would see a Gyn/Onc if you are not, especially with a rapid growing cyst and ascites.  Keep us posted