Hysterectory done by ob/gyn or gyn oncologist

I am 46 years old and was treated for infertility for 3 years (perganol, clomid) and then had a normal birth/delivery. I am in menopause--have not had a period for about a year, other than a light amount of bleeding in July 06. I have no history of ovarian cancer. Two recent ultrsounds have reported that I have cysts on both ovaries, fibroids on my uterus, problem with a fallopian tube, and fluid near the right ovary, also fluid discharge. I also have pain (when pressing) in the pelvic lymph node area. I have seen an ob/gyn and a gyn/oncologist. Both say that they would be surprised if I have ovarian cancer, but they have suggested a full hysterectomy.  I am scheduled to have a vag hyst this Thurs 10/26, with the surgery to be done by my ob/gyn.
While they would be surprised if it is cancer, they can not rule it out. My question is whether or not I should have the gyn/oncologist do the surgery rather than an ob/gyn.  If cancer was discovered, would I be better off having the gyn/oncologist doing the surgery? Also, based on reading that I have done, is it possible to diagnose and stage cancer doing a vag hyst? Thank you for taking my question.  

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,
You should ask your doctor how about how your ovaries will be evaluated. Are you having a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy or simple a vaginal hysterectomy. With the latter, it can be very difficult to evaluate the ovaries and impossible to evaluate the upper abdomen.
If ovarian cancer is discovered, a vaginal approach is the wrong approach. You would need an incision in the abdomen and a careful abdominal exploration. You should ask about what will be done if cancer is discovered by your regular ob/gyn. Will they call in an oncologist or reschedule you for a different surgery. Based on the answers to your questions, I think you will be able to choose who is the best person for your surgery.
take care

[kellyf]

Thank you so much for your feedback.  I will do additional questioning.