Is this a good way to proceed?

[Fiveft4]

Last month while following up on a 3cm simple ovarian cyst on my right ovary a thumbnail size solid mass was found on my left ovary. This was with a trans-vaginal ultrasound. The simple cyst was found during an MRI on my hip joint a few months ago. The mass is pendunculated (sp?) and irregular. I am 47 years old had my uterus removed due to adenomiosis when I was 28. I have not had a gynecologist  since, only routine exams by my GP - and I've never had any problems. When this was found I located a gyn/onc/pelvic surgeon because if someone was going to go in there I wanted them to know what they were looking for and how to deal with anything. At my visit he said he thinks it's non-cancerous and is not keen on going in surgically due to my history of endometriosis. He said it may be a difficult surgery and the benefits out weigh the risk at this point. He had me do a CA125 which came bak a wonderfully low 9. I am scheduled for another ultrasound on November 24th to see if there is any change. He also said he's gone into surgeries swearing he sould find cancer and there was none, and the opposite - swearing it wasn't when it turned out to be. He basically covered all the possible bases and told me I could continue following the mass, or he would take it out whenever I decided. He said we would have to decide what he should do if he went in - the left ovary will be gone, but what about the right? Do we remove the cyst and leave the ovary? Or do we remove it all also? He said most women start menopause at age 51, and that's getting close. Anyway, I guess I'm struggling with how to best handle this knowing the only sure way to know what this is would be to take it out. What do you think? Am I on the right track with my doctor? For how long and how often would tracking a mass like this best be handled? My family wants me to have it removed ASAP.

[freshair]

My opinion is that I think the plan  to have another ultrasound in November sounds good to me. That date will be here soon. Then you'll know a little more. Be positive in that most are cysts and not cancer. You don't have any of the symptoms of ovarian cancer which is good.  I agree with Pam on surgical menopause. I went thru it and it's rough at first.  If you had a lot of pain and symptoms I would be encouraging you to do something. Good luck!

And he explained it well. You never know. So go with your gut feeling. I

[nyc lady]

Sharon - I am in a similar situation - surgery or not....my GYN/ONC will not perform surgery on me, not yet anyway...I am an early OvCa survivor (stage 1A)...I have had two major surgeries since 2000.  I have developed what they believe is a remnant cyst near my cervical stump.  The cyst has been stable until this past month where it has grown....the doctor still feels that the risks of surgery out weigh the positive.  I do not have endo, but, have alot of scar tissue, that is what might have caused me have an Ovarian Remnant left behind after my 2nd surgery, the ovary was ahered to the pelvic wall...the risks for surgery include bowel obstruction or proferation (sp?) as well as bladder issues.  I currently am checked every 3 months.  

It is important that you trust what the GYN/ONC is telling you....have you thought of going for a 2nd opinion?  I am also guessing that due to the endo, the GYN/ONC will not do the surgery laproscopically?  

As for just removing the plumbing....I have to disagree....there is a very big difference between surgical menopause and natural menopause.  Although ovulation might cease, the ovary does produce a small amount of estrogen which does make a difference on the body in general.  If there is nothing wrong with the organ, why remove it????  Like saying while they are in there, take out my gall bladder because my odds of having an attack and/or stones is higher then that of OvCa, same thing with my appendix, just remove it cause the chances of having to have it removed are higher then that of being diagnosised with OvCa.  

Most of us here will suggest removing your ovaries, as we are survivors and don't ever want anyone to live with this beast and it's aftermath the way that we do.  You are faced with a very difficult decision.

Best of luck and let us know how you are doing.
Pam

[YvonneS]

Sharon, I agree with your family.  No way to know if it OVCA wihtout the surgery.  If you are in your early 50's all that plumbing can come out.  Don't way and risk if yo don't have to.  Good luck, Yvonne