Hereditary and Complex Cystic Mass

Thank You for this forum. In the past my two older sisters passed away of cancer. Oldest sister at 46 of Breast Cancer, she survived 11 months after diagnosis and passed away in Dec 1998. The next sister at 44 of Ovarian Cancer, she survived 18 months after diagnosis and passed away in Jan 2002. Although my sisters are all from the same parents, having two different cancers they both handled their situation differently. I learned alot from both of them and watched them both experience the hopes and experience the acceptance of being terminal. They taught me to be very agressive with the doctors and get answers. They taught me to get regular screenings and tests, etc. I feel like a walking time bomb and now my recent results are revealing complex cystic mass on the right ovary. I am 46. Today I had a follow up Transvaginal and I am waiting for the results this friday. The CA125 is within normal range. Now I am reaching out to my sisters in this forum. Does anyone have information or experience with Ovarian Cancer and family history. My fathers Aunt and Mother passed away from the same cancers. So this cancer is coming from my paternal  side of my genetics. Sometimes I feel like I am going to be an "it" after I have the ovaries and removed. My breast exam is next week 11/8/06.  Is the next step removal of the ovary and exploratory surgery?

[nyc lady]

Genetics play a factor in slightly increasing the risks of being dx'd with cancer.  It seems that there is a link between colon, breast and ovarian cancers.

There are genetic tests, I don't know much about them at all. BRACA gene tests I believe is what they are.  Insurance does not always cover the test, even after a long fight for it, but it is something that you should check into.

Also, I know that your CA125 is normal and I am glad that you are constantly watched, but, with your family history, have you thought about seeing a GYN/ONC?   I do not think that you have cancer.  GYN/ONC have more schooling then an OB/GYN with an emphasis on gynocolical issues vs. obsterics.  

I know how hard the waiting is.  If there is anything we can do to help...just ask!!!!

[baskets145]

I understand your fear.  I am having surgery Nov 28th for a solid mass w/cystic components on my right ovary.  It is 3 times the size it should be.  My CA125 came back okay as well.  I can't tell you if you have cancer but I do know that my maternal grandmother and her sister both died of ovarian cancer and it is important to have the CA125 testing as well as ultrasounds and other precautions.  Do not let your doctor string you along.  I have decided to have a laproscopy and remove the ovary.  At that time he will see if it looks suspecious and if so, then he will do a complete hysterectomy.  One thing is for sure, our health and well being can only be left up to us.  We know our bodies and our comfort level of fearful living.  Please keep up with your dr's and medical procedures.  I am 38 and never thought this could be happening to me.  In my case it could be just a cyst or it could be something else but my dr has said that it is encapsulated so that is a good thing.  I'll be praying for you.  

PS The only positive way to find out is the laproscopy test.  

Kimie