Another ovarian cyst question

[FF07]

I just turned 53, am premenoupausal and am having only my third period in the last 11 months.  My Mom died at 55 from pancreatic cancer and the closer I get to 55 the more paranoid I become.  I had my yearly GYN exam a few weeks ago and all was normal.  I expressed my concerns to my gynecologist about cancers that are hard to detect (I.e., pancreatic, ovarian, etc.) and she suggested a vaginal ultrasound.  A week later when I went in for the ultrasound, my period started.  (Like I said, only the third one in 11 months)  Ultrasound tech found several fibroids, which I am told are very normal, the left ovary is clear and there is a 3.2cm cyst on the left ovary.  Ultrasound tech said it was fluid filled, with debris.  She said it was a functional cyst and the debris was probably because of my period but of course I had to wait for the Dr. to get the official report from the radiologist.  She also told me that when they called with the report to be sure and tell them that my period started.  I left feelng pretty good.  Fluid filled cyst.  Sounds comforting.  Had one in my breast several years ago.  No big deal.

Well, the Dr.'s office called and told me pretty much the same thing the ultrasound tech. did.  No blood flow to the cyst it and when I told her my period stared she said, "Ah, a little stimulation from the ovary.  I'm glad you told me."  (I understand the whole menstral cycle, cyst forms, releases egg process and how a lot of women have ovarian cysts and don't know it.)  She wants me to repeat the vaginal ultrasound in 6 weeks to see if it resolves, but in the mean time she wants me to have the CA125.  She called me at work, which is not private at all and I didn't have a chance to ask many questions.  I called her back the next day, and now she's at a conference.  I really don't think I want to have this blood test done yet.  Everything I read says it can be elevated due to so many other factors including fibroids (got 'em) endometriosis (yeah, got a little of that, too))  and should only be used for post-menopausal cysts or after ovarian cancer has been diagnosed.

I plan on going for the follow up ultrasound, no question.  But if I have this CA125 and it is elevated I will probably just curl up in a ball and not be able to function.  (I have occasional panic attacks,too)  I mean 3.2 cm is only 1.3 inches.  Small, righ?.  And I started a period the morning of the test.  Any thoughts, I am trying not to panic.  

[FF07]

Thanks Marie,

Funny, I even asked my family Dr. about the CR125 a couple of months ago as a potential screening for pancreatic cancer.  (It can be elevated for that type of cancer, too.) and he said "No".  Again, (his words) "not a good test unless you are using it to track a cancer that has already been diagnosed."  There are just to many things that can affect the results.  My mother had a blood test in 1984 along with a CAT scan and I never knew what type of blood test, but now I know it was the CA125.  Her's was elevated, but the pancreatic cancer had already spread to her liver.  A hard one to diagnos, the pancreas is so deep in your body cavity that by the time you have symptoms it's pretty far along.  

Family Dr. ordered a abdominal ultra sound to put my mind at ease for that and blood work and all is well with that.

Thanks again, it helps to talk.

[rmarie]

I hav eno argument with your decision.  The cyst is small, everything points to being not a problem, why add a worry for a test that is not reliable for pre menopausal women.  Repeat the ultra sound in six weeks and if it has changed then you can look at your options.  Dr.'s do the test, because it they don't and it is something they are afraid of being sued.  All they need to do, is be honest and explain why the test is not a good idea.  They need to take time to explain things to us and give us the opinions. Relate your thoughts to her when she returns.  Good luck