Granulosa cell theca cell ovarian cancer

[Grandmere68]

Does anyone have any experience with this type of cancer?  I have recently been diagnosed, after being told cyst was benign immediately following surgery.

[ChrisP2236]

Yes, I was diagnosed with GCT in 2006, stage 1c - also told things looked fine after the surgery - they can never be sure until the pathology report comes back. There is a very active thread on the OvCa.net website - http://www.ovca.net/forum/forum.cfm - scoll down to granulosa cell ovarian cancer.  The ladies there are very helpful.  It's important to educate yourself about this type of ovca as it is fairly rare and many gyn/oncs have little, if any, experience with it.  Typically it is a slow growing, indolent type of cancer.  It has a history of late recurrance - up to 30 years, so you must be monitored for the rest of your life.  CT scans are usually recommended on a regular basis, and Inhibin B levels should be tested regularly.  Some drs. also test Inhibin A.  You will need to be your own advocate and take charge of your follow-up.  I'll be glad to try to answer any questions you might have but do try the OvCA.net site -  you'll find a wealth of information.  Best wishes, Chris P

[Grandmere68]

Thank you for your response.  Sorry I'm so long in getting back to you.  In recent weeks, I've had genetic testing, baseline Inhibin B and contrast CTscans, which I learned yesterday will be done every 3 months for at least a year, possibly longer before they are spread out.  My tests results are excellent, my genetic tests (for BRCA1,2) were negative.  But my oncologist insists that I see a gynecologic oncologist.  Appt. has been made.  It seems as though there IS a chemo treatment that is used in this type of cancer, but it is "controversial" thus the second opinion.  I confess I have not gone to the OvCa.net website yet (been too busy having tests and going to doctors!!!), but I plan to do so.  Thank you so much for your help.  My cyst ruptured on removal, that is why the consideration of chemo or even radiation.

Thanks again.

G.

[ChrisP2236]

Your oncologist is right to refer you to a gyn/onc for this.  It would be a good idea to ask the gyn/onc how many cases of gct s/he's treated as it's relatively rare.  You want a dr who is familiar with gct and takes it seriously.  Some women are treated with chemo initially - the ovca.net thread has women who could help you with that.  I did not have chemo as my gyn had bagged the ovary prior to removal and no spillage was indicated in my follow-up surgery.  Good luck.  Chris P