Ovarian Canver???

[Twosandbits]

Hello Ladies

I have a long history of Endomitriosis and have had two laparoscopies, one included the removal of my left Ovary due to a large chocolate cyst. I have been symptom free for the past 4/5 years until last month. I started my period and got the most painful shooting pains in up my bottom which quickly radiated all across my lower abdomen. The pain spread up to my naval area and then right up to under my ribcage. This lasted for about nine days in total and I was barely able to eat because of the pain. My period had changed from a normal flow that lasted around five days to a two day period with very minimal dark brown blood.

Then four days ago I suffered the same pain up my bottom with the pain quickly radiating upwards as before but this time it was mid cycle and not even ovulation time. I ended up in A&E where they discovered a very high white blood cell count. They then admitted me to hospital and I had a CT scan. The scan revealed a 5cm complex mass on my right ovary and the doctors took more blood to test for tumor markers. I get the result back on the 10th of this month with a plan of what the consultants will do next.

I am so terrified that I may have Ovarian Cancer as my maternal granmother died of this disease at an early age. On the other hand I am trying to keep calm and think it may be another chocolate cyst but I do not know wether they are classed as a chocolate cyst.

I would be very grateful of any insight into my worries as I really don't want to get over whelmed with anxiety.

Thank you very much

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi there,

I am sorry you are going through so much discomfort.
Most likely you are just experiencing a flare of endometriosis again
However, there is a subset of women with severe endometriosis who are at risk for the development of ovarian cancer

The CA 125 tumor marker will not be helpful . It is commonly elevated with endometriosis. However, with you family history of ovarian cancer, you should consider a consultation with a genetic counselor to review your potential risks for ovarian cancer. You should consider the gene testing.

if you are at higher risk for ovarian cancer, you should consider a FULL removal of ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus.when you have completed your family.

in the setting of endometriosis which may have as a source, the lining of the uterus, it is important to remove the uterus as well as the ovaries

now common things being common, you most likely are having a flare of endometriosis. You may need a laparoscopy and removal of that ovarian cyst at this time
good luck with everything
take care.

[Twosandbits]

Hello

Thank you very much for your insight into my condition. As I mentioned my consultants will be meeting on Wednesday to discuss my treatment options. Whilst in hospital I did request that it was added to my notes that I would like to have a full hysterectomy including the removal of my remaing diseased ovary.

I am 40 years old and have completed my family, I am fully aware that this is major surgery and may be even not a complete cure for Endomitriosis plus i will have to take HRT for possibly the next ten years.

I just want to be as pain free as possible without relying on heavy duty pain killers and protect myself as much as possible from contracting this form of cancer.

Thank you once again for your help, it is very much appreciated.

Best wishes

Rachel

[Twosandbits]

Hello Annekathryn

I spoke to my consultant and yes my CA-125 is raised, he now wants me to have an MRI scan before they will even consider surgery as they have to transfer me to a specialist hospital. I will see him after my MRI and I know I am receiving very good treatment, however last time they found a mass on the ovary they removed, I didn't even have a CT scan now having both and I'm feeling increasingly uneasy about my situation.

I am trying to stay positive and have taken aboard your advice about Endomtiosos and a benign cyst.

Has any other ladies been through a similar situation? I would very much appreciate any replies, even if it is to share your experiences which may be different to mine.

Thank you,

Rachel

[Twosandbits]

Hi just wanted to say that the complex mass on my ovary is NOT malignant!!! As you suspected it was caused by Endometriosis. I am so so do relived, I will need surgery but that seems like a walk in the park compared to what it could have been!!!

Best wishes

Rachel

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

wonderful;
thank you so much for the follow up