Large pelvic complex mass

[rdg1975]

Hello,
I am a 34 year old pre-menopausal woman, recently diagnosed with a:

right adnexal 9.1 cm mass predomenantly cystic but with septations and internal echoes (via vaginal ultrasound), in addition, my CA-125 level is 101.  Last year (May 2008), I had an ovary and a mass removed (2.5 cm) w/ a benign result.  This time I visited a referral gyno and he wanted to perform radical surgery ASAP, I then visited City of Hope (where I had last year's surgery) for a second opinion and was told again that surgery was necessary.  The doctor at City of Hope would like to remove the mass and the uterus (due to very heavy bleeding) and spare my ovary.  I am hesitant, since I recently had a DaVinci robotic procedure and took a while to heal.  Are there any alternatives to surgery?  I am going around in circles trying to make a decision.  If I have a total hysterectomy and remove my last ovary, I will begin menopause, then I will need to take hormones, which put me at a high risk of having breast cancer in the future, especially since my mother has been battling w/ breast cancer since her early 40's.  Any suggestions as to alternative treatment?  Will removing only the mass and the uterus and sparing my ovary stop me from taking more than one hormone?  Is there a chance I may develop an ovarian mass again if the ovary stays?  The doctor at C of H highly suggests saving my ovary.  Please advise, thanks!

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There
it sounds like you have received two good medical opinions in favor of surgery. I would agree as well that a 9 cm mass needs to be removed.
I hope all goes well.
best wishes