Only 21 and have 14cm mass on right adnexa...please help!!

[amberc425]

Hello all, Im hoping someone can help me...I'm only 21, and I have been having some problems off and on for about a year now. It started out as just serious cramps, vomitting and nausea during my periods...then last month, it was worse than ever. My cycle came early and lasted for 7 full days (usually only 3-4 days) and I had an intense pain in my lower abdomen and felt full all the time. So I went to ER, and they did an ultrasound, and found a 14cm mass near my right adnexa and they couldnt see my left ovary at all. So they released me and told me to see my primary care physician, and I saw her and she referred me to an OBGYN. My OBGYN had me get a CT of my pelvic area, and they came back confirming that I do have a mass about 13.6X10.23X14.55cm. I have multiple small cysts and a complex mass of the size I just stated and free fluid as well. My CA 125 is only 23, which I hear is normal. I'm really scared because I have to get suregry next Tuesday, and they keep telling me they dont know what it is until they open me up...but they have an oncologist on call in case its cancerous...at that point I will be unconscious and wont be able to make decisons for myself. They say they may need to remove my right ovary and if they cant see the left...doesnt that mean I'm pretty much screwed as far as future opportunities of having kids??? Also, does this seem like something cancerous??? I'm trying to mentally prepare for the surgery, but I'm thinking maybe I should wait until I know more. I've read other posts and everyone seems to be coming out of this just fine. Should I proceed with the surgery even if it means I cant have kids later since I dont have any now??...please help...Amber :-)

[amberc425]

Thanks for all the great comments everyone...I will be leaving in just a few to get this surgery over with. Reading your comments made me feel really confident going into what seems like serious surgery to me. I will definitely come back and let you know how it turned out. Thanks again for the encouragement and god bless all of u...Amber :-)

[ssteffler]

Hello Amber, I am the same age as you and I am going through something similar. I am recovering form my surgery 3 weeks ago to remove a large mass. It was 12cc a month before surgery and grew to 24cc by the time I got it out. Before surgery all my blood tests were fine but upon surgery they did the biopsy and found out that it was cancer called dysgerminoma that strikes young woman. They had to remove one ovary and tube. Thankfully my gyn sent me to a gyn/oncologist to do the surgery even though he and every one else did not think that it was cancer. I highly recommend that you do the same because I never thought some one my age could have cancer and nether did my doctors, but we played it safe and it paid off. Oh and do not wait to get this thing removed, like I said mine doubled in size over one month! I will be starting chemo next week and the great news is this type of cancer has a 97% cure rate so there is no doubt in my mind that I will not be completely healed. Even with one ovary, you can still have kids! That was my biggest worry going into surgery because they did not know what they were going to remove until they cut me open. Good luck with every thing and let us know how you are doing.

[Kaerbear]

It sounds like you're getting some good advice from the doctors.  I am recovering right now from surgery to remove a very large (30cm) mass from my ovary as well as the ovary and tube, right in the middle of my pregnancy.  The doctors had to operate even though they were pretty sure it was benign and it did turn out to be.  The truth is they just don't know for sure unless they open you up and see what's there and they want to do what's best for you.  The mass on my ovary was discovered during a routine ultrasound and the thought it was on my right ovary because they couldn't see the right ovary on the scan.  Turns out it had taken over the entire left ovary and the right one was fine.  They will do their best to save whatever ovaries are viable and healthy because they know how young you are and that you may want children.  They sometimes will remove some of the ovary, leaving enough of it to function, rather than just taking out the whole thing.  Doctors care not only about keeping you alive but about your quality of life as well.  Also, I had an aunt who had both of her ovaries removed along with cysts and thought she couldn't have any more children.  Well, she ended up getting pregnant with my cousin Tom!  I guess they had left just enough of the ovary for her to produce an egg and get pregnant.  I guess it doesn't take much.  So, stay positive and try not to be afraid of surgery, it's really not that bad in the end.  You are young and strong and you'll be up and running in no time.  Best of luck, I'll be praying for you to have the best outcome possible!!

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Dear Amber,
I completely agree with the wonderful comments you have received. You are getting the appropriate therapy and in a very timely fashion. There are lots of ways to help getting pregnant. First, taking care of this mass is important. Let us know what you find out
best wishes

[madismom01]

Calm down.  Take a deep breath.  I know how upset you are.  It is very true that 99% are benign.  I did so much research.  I had a 12 cm mass removed on my ovary last week.  They took my ovary and tube.  It turned out to be benign and I was terrified of so many things.  Not only having the surgery scared me but the what if's.  The tumor had different septations.  It turned out to a mucinous tumor.  If I spelled that right.  Thesel ladies on this website are very informative.  I learned a lot reading the posts.  You will be ok.
Kim

[SimplyStar]

99% of all tumors are benign, it is good that you are having the surgery so quickly, sounds like your  doctors are on top and prepared to do their best for you. Visit the patient to patient forum and keep us posted  on your progress or if you just want to chat with those that have been where you are now.

[Hazel30]

Yes 99% of tumors are benign but you should deff go ahead with the surgery even if it means taking one ovary or both.  The doctors know whats best for you and your future health.  I also strongly recommend to see a gynocological oncologist to perform the surgery.  In these type of situations you want the obgyn or gynocologist as well as oncologist present at your surgery.  I wish you the best of luck.