Large Cystic Mass

[lisalh]

I was just informed that I have a large (22 cm) cystic mass in my pelvis/abdomen.  I have an appointment with a gynecology oncologist.  My question is this:  is it routine for a general ob/gyn to refer these cases to an gyn oncologist or is a cystic mass usually cancer?

As you can probably imagine, I'm anxious to learn all I can so that I know the right questions to ask when I go to my appointment.

[gramma jen]

I have a 10 cm complex mass on my left ovary.  I used to have a burning sensation and pressure in my lower left abdomen at ovulation time but now I have it every day.  Do you have any pain or pressure from your 22 cm cystic mass?  I am curious if other people feel the same thing as me--I want to know if it is normal or to be expected with a large cystic mass. I am waiting to have surgery scheduled in a couple of months.   I do feel worried, mostly about the cyst developing into an emergency situation before I have surgery.  I am glad to read 99% of cystic mass are not cancer.  I just found out I have this cyst last week so I am still in shock and disbelief.  This forum is helpful to get information.

[northgeorgiagirl]

Keep your chin up!  99% of cysts are benign.  I think it is a great sign that your doc is referring you to a gyn/onc.  Go for the best and most experienced!

The only way to diagnose malignancy is through biopsy which means surgery.  Also, generally over 5 cm the doc will remove the cyst.  There are several women on here with cysts that size.

Grab a notebook and carry it with you.  Write down every question you have, whenever you think of it.  Then, the night before your appointment, organize the questions in a logical order (Yep, I took 5 pages of questions in to my surgeon!! LOL).

If you go back through the past month or two on this list, there are several posts that give great ideas on what to ask.

One more thing to remember.  Trust your doctor and trust yourself.  If you don't trust your doctor, then trust yourself enough to get a second opinion or a new doctor.

Hugs, Cathy

[suzsen]

It's pretty normal to refer you to a gyn/onc when you have a cyst.  It does NOT  mean you have cancer.  It just means you'll be seeing someone with expertise in dealing with gynecological cysts of all types.  

Remember, most cysts, even large ones, are benign.  

But when you have surgery (with a cyst that size I assume they'll remove it), you want an oncologist doing the surgery just in case it does turn out to be cancerous.  To quote others on this site, "You only have one shot to get this done right the first time!"  

There are many women on this site who have had cysts that were benign that are being treated by a gyn/onc.  Don't panic!