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Ovarian Cyst Detected on CT Scan and Mildly Enlarged Uterus
I had a CT scan for bowel problems (sigmoid diverticula was diagnosed). I would not allow IV iodine contrast because I have Graves disease and I didn't want to chance iodine causing me problems. So I had the barium contrast, which probably only helped with viewing the bowel.
The radiologist said I had diverticula, rest of the organs looked normal, a simple cyst on the left ovary (recommended recheck in several cycles), and a mildly enlarged uterus. So I went in for my FIRST PAP in 10 years (I've been chastizing myself, believe me) ... today was told it was normal. (WHEW) Dr. is setting up a pelvic ultrasound.
I have a bloated abdomen, occasional left pelvic pain, cramping and a lower backache, as well as urinary frequency. Does anyone have these symptoms, or any advice for me? I'm so scared I have ovarian cancer! Wouldn't the CT report saying it's a "simple cyst" be a good thing? I asked the dr. and she said an ultrasound is needed. What could all of this be? My symptoms of bloating and back pain and cramping are not just during the period, it's all the time. When I lay on my stomach, I can feel the enlargement, although slight. My periods have been heavy and extremely painful, with clots. I have no interim bleeding. Any input would be appreciated! Oh, and I'm 46 years old and not in menopause yet.
The radiologist said I had diverticula, rest of the organs looked normal, a simple cyst on the left ovary (recommended recheck in several cycles), and a mildly enlarged uterus. So I went in for my FIRST PAP in 10 years (I've been chastizing myself, believe me) ... today was told it was normal. (WHEW) Dr. is setting up a pelvic ultrasound.
I have a bloated abdomen, occasional left pelvic pain, cramping and a lower backache, as well as urinary frequency. Does anyone have these symptoms, or any advice for me? I'm so scared I have ovarian cancer! Wouldn't the CT report saying it's a "simple cyst" be a good thing? I asked the dr. and she said an ultrasound is needed. What could all of this be? My symptoms of bloating and back pain and cramping are not just during the period, it's all the time. When I lay on my stomach, I can feel the enlargement, although slight. My periods have been heavy and extremely painful, with clots. I have no interim bleeding. Any input would be appreciated! Oh, and I'm 46 years old and not in menopause yet.
Please start a new thread with your question You have a viable question but you have put it on a old thread
So what to do if your OB cant find your left ovary and you have had 3 c-section in the past,never an issue getting pregnant. plus you have been told you have diverticulosis. (3 years ago) and now you have not had a period since march 28th. What could this be pregnant,diverticulosis or an ovary issue? can someone give me any direction to go in? I have an ultra sound tom to look at my "missing" ovary LOL. could something have gone wrong during my last c-sect? I am 36 and I think too young to be starting the change. I have always had painful, heav periods and cysts in the past, But now I feel hopeless because all of these symptoms sound the same.
Hi Everyone:
I have a bad pain every month and have for like 3 years now! It is in my right lower quadrant and it is crampy. I get it bad the first day of my period and then it comes and goes until about "ovulation" day. Then I have like 1 good week before it starts all over again. Symptoms are bad cramps, low back pain, the pain I get is always on the right side, sometimes constipation/loose stools, it is awful! The pain is so debilitating. I can't do anything that first day of my period. I am sitting on the toilet half the time with the feeling like I "have to go". I keep the ibuprofen folks in business. I'll take 3 ibuprofen and 2 Midol and that really helps, but I have to keep on a strict schedule of that or if the pain starts to take over look out. I always had to make sure I have lots of the ibuprofen and Midol on hand for that time of the month. Also my heartburn seems worse. I have talked to the doc over and over about this and had a pelvic ultrasound/transvaginal and she says that I have a simple cyst on my right ovary. She says she can't guarantee that a hysterectomy would cure the pain. I suppose if it was something like diverticulitis, that's why she says that. I do not have any heaving bleeding. My period lasts about 3 days at the most. But the pain is horrendous that first day. Does anyone think that if I had that ovary removed I'd feel better? I'm glad I found this board. Thanks everyone.
I have a bad pain every month and have for like 3 years now! It is in my right lower quadrant and it is crampy. I get it bad the first day of my period and then it comes and goes until about "ovulation" day. Then I have like 1 good week before it starts all over again. Symptoms are bad cramps, low back pain, the pain I get is always on the right side, sometimes constipation/loose stools, it is awful! The pain is so debilitating. I can't do anything that first day of my period. I am sitting on the toilet half the time with the feeling like I "have to go". I keep the ibuprofen folks in business. I'll take 3 ibuprofen and 2 Midol and that really helps, but I have to keep on a strict schedule of that or if the pain starts to take over look out. I always had to make sure I have lots of the ibuprofen and Midol on hand for that time of the month. Also my heartburn seems worse. I have talked to the doc over and over about this and had a pelvic ultrasound/transvaginal and she says that I have a simple cyst on my right ovary. She says she can't guarantee that a hysterectomy would cure the pain. I suppose if it was something like diverticulitis, that's why she says that. I do not have any heaving bleeding. My period lasts about 3 days at the most. But the pain is horrendous that first day. Does anyone think that if I had that ovary removed I'd feel better? I'm glad I found this board. Thanks everyone.
On CT and ultra sound ovarian cysts were detected plus an enlarged, bulky uterus which needed further investigation to rue out cancer. So I had laproscopy yesterday with the understanding that they would be removing my right ovary and possibly my left After surgery the doctrs tells me there were NO ovarian cycsts. His expalination was they were probably bowel loops BUT he did see diverticulitis and a cyct on my colon, which he gave me a picture of. So the pain, which appears as cyclical isn't? and the swollen right leg, which causes me to limp is not because of cycts, DVT or Baker's cycts. I am really confused here. Does anybody have any ideas for me????
Thanks. I'll do the new thread thing tomorrow. Right now just trying to find relief for this backache. If I recall correctly, it feels like I should be at about 7 cm. right now. Whew! Thanks for the idea.
You might want to start a new post up top with this, I don't know if people search through the older posts...I was looking for something else, sorry I can't respond too well regarding your question, but one suggestion is to have your estrogen levels checked...
Hey, new to this board, but having a number of difficulties and any advice or experience would sure be appreciated. I am 46 years old. I've been having trouble with simple cysts in my breasts for several years. In Feb. they drew 24cc's of fluid out of my left breast. Now, for the last couple of months my periods have changed. Jan. lasted 12 days. Feb. lasted 24 days until my Dr. put on progesterone which I should now start on the 13th day of each cycle. Today is the 7th day of my period. Not real heavy bleeding just a normal flow. But Oh!!!! The backache!!!! My periods have always been every 28 days and lasted 5 days. ALWAYS. I'm wondering if anyone out there has any experience or info on the likelyhood of "if you have cysts in your breats, you probably have them on your ovaries too." My dr. has not looked for this, just wants to see if progesterone works. But I came across this board while looking for help for this unrelenting backache. Sorry this is long. Any info or ideas, ladies? Thanks in advance
Diverticula are common and found in almost everyone over 40 or 50 and mainly in western cultures that tend to have a lower fiber type of diet. I always thought I did good in that department, and I did, for someone who wasn't prone to developing diverticula. It's a family thing for me. Both of my grandfathers had it, so I have the double whammy, both sides of my family have it. I have five family members right now, ranging from my younger cousin who is about 48, up to his mother, my aunt who is 70 something, who have all had the same procedure I had, or who are waiting to have it done. It is primarily found in the sigmoid colon, but can be throughout the colon. It's real uncommon for it to be in the small bowel like that.
The theory is that the sigmoid and descending colon are subjected to huge amounts of pressure per square inch, and that's why it is more common there. My GI specialist insists I eat 36 grams of fiber a day. I do that by using Benefiber, which gives me 5-10 grams a serving depending on whether I use one table spoon or two and that depends on how much fiber I'm eating in my breakfast. That's three times a day, along with whatever meal I'm eating. I have fiber as a part of every meal I eat, every single one. That's the biggest way to prevent new diverticula from forming and to keep the ones you have from getting inflammed.
This is really a disease of the western culture, especially the sigmoid diverticula and it's because the American diet just sucks when it comes to fiber. It's almost unheard of in Asia and Africa, but Asians and Africans who live in western type countries, including the UK and Australia with more traditional type meat and potatos diets have just as much incidence as any otehr American. Very interesting.
The other very important thing is that I do not ever, never, ever, eat anything with small seeds in it, or any nuts, no corn, no peas, no grapes, strawberries, raspberries, peanuts, nothing that could possibly lodge in a diverticula. It's now thought that might just be an old wives' tale, but I don't want to find out the hard way that it's not, so I leave those foods alone. But I also don't freak if I accidently take a bite of something that has a nut in it or something. I just don't eat any further.
Sorry for the lecture. I just figure all this knowledge and my obsessive compulsive desire to learn and learn and learn should be put to some use. As I pray and hope for myself, I hope you never have to have an attack again. It was the worst. Love, hugs and God bless, Barb
The theory is that the sigmoid and descending colon are subjected to huge amounts of pressure per square inch, and that's why it is more common there. My GI specialist insists I eat 36 grams of fiber a day. I do that by using Benefiber, which gives me 5-10 grams a serving depending on whether I use one table spoon or two and that depends on how much fiber I'm eating in my breakfast. That's three times a day, along with whatever meal I'm eating. I have fiber as a part of every meal I eat, every single one. That's the biggest way to prevent new diverticula from forming and to keep the ones you have from getting inflammed.
This is really a disease of the western culture, especially the sigmoid diverticula and it's because the American diet just sucks when it comes to fiber. It's almost unheard of in Asia and Africa, but Asians and Africans who live in western type countries, including the UK and Australia with more traditional type meat and potatos diets have just as much incidence as any otehr American. Very interesting.
The other very important thing is that I do not ever, never, ever, eat anything with small seeds in it, or any nuts, no corn, no peas, no grapes, strawberries, raspberries, peanuts, nothing that could possibly lodge in a diverticula. It's now thought that might just be an old wives' tale, but I don't want to find out the hard way that it's not, so I leave those foods alone. But I also don't freak if I accidently take a bite of something that has a nut in it or something. I just don't eat any further.
Sorry for the lecture. I just figure all this knowledge and my obsessive compulsive desire to learn and learn and learn should be put to some use. As I pray and hope for myself, I hope you never have to have an attack again. It was the worst. Love, hugs and God bless, Barb
Yes, lower backaches are a classic symptom of ovarian cysts as the ovaries are more to the back of your body. As for the enlarged uterus, could be from the hormonal imbalance. Hope this helps.
~Tascha
~Tascha
Hahahaha to Gatsby and birdbath! I LOVE your senses of humor! And I love this "cysterhood". I didn't catch the second number, but I know one of the dimensions of my cyst is 3 cms. From what I'm reading here, that's not that big. Hopefully the other number isn't 22 or something. That would be one LONNNNNGGGG cyst. I think I'm going to pick up a copy of that CT report so I can see what else it says.
Can a cyst cause backaches? Cramps? Because those things are more in the center and the cyst is to the left, so it seems like a cyst couldn't cause those things, could it? And a cyst certainly can't cause a uterus to enlarge! I guess I'm just trying to figure out which symptoms might go with which thing.
Can a cyst cause backaches? Cramps? Because those things are more in the center and the cyst is to the left, so it seems like a cyst couldn't cause those things, could it? And a cyst certainly can't cause a uterus to enlarge! I guess I'm just trying to figure out which symptoms might go with which thing.
Actually, I feel guilty. My attack of diverticulitis was relatively minor. I had some left side abdominal pain and 1 or 2 episodes of heavy bleeding with stool, but nothing that bad. I was put on antibiotics while awaiting the CT scan, so it cleared up before the CT scan even happened! Granted, I know it can and will probably always recur, but for now, I didn't have a bad experience with it and doubt it is causing any problems now.
I have also been diagnosed with IBS about 10 years ago, and I have thyroid issues as well. So with so many things going on, I don't know how doctors expect us to follow symptoms and know when something is wrong! Am I tired? Yes, all the time - thyroid. Do I have bowel issues? Yes, all the time - IBS. Do I have abdominal bloating? Yes - IBS. Heavy menstrual bleeding? Yes, thyroid. Night sweats? Yes, thyroid. This is ridiculous! LOL
I have also been diagnosed with IBS about 10 years ago, and I have thyroid issues as well. So with so many things going on, I don't know how doctors expect us to follow symptoms and know when something is wrong! Am I tired? Yes, all the time - thyroid. Do I have bowel issues? Yes, all the time - IBS. Do I have abdominal bloating? Yes - IBS. Heavy menstrual bleeding? Yes, thyroid. Night sweats? Yes, thyroid. This is ridiculous! LOL
Ridiculous is right!!!! So much overlap of symptoms. :) Enough to make your head swim. . .
Don't feel guilty silly goose. I'm THRILLED to hear you only had minimal problems with diverticulitis. But please be sure and pay attention. Especially because of the overlap symptoms and mimicing that goes on with these things. I blew things off to IBS, so did my doctor. . . more accurately, I was in total denial. It'll get better, it'll go away, and it didn't. Just be watchful.
I'm off to beddy bye now. I'm tired.
Don't feel guilty silly goose. I'm THRILLED to hear you only had minimal problems with diverticulitis. But please be sure and pay attention. Especially because of the overlap symptoms and mimicing that goes on with these things. I blew things off to IBS, so did my doctor. . . more accurately, I was in total denial. It'll get better, it'll go away, and it didn't. Just be watchful.
I'm off to beddy bye now. I'm tired.
Hi there, and welcome.
Keep in mind too that diverticulosis/itis can cause many of the symptoms you speak of and they are just the same as the ovarian/uterine symptoms. I've got both issues. Diverticulitis and ovarian cysts and potentially endo or hyperplasia. They all can mimic each other.
Diverticula "in people our age" are really not all that uncommon. Most people by the time they reach 45 or 50 years old have diverticula. Most people don't even know they have them and never have any problems. Some people do. I was one of those. Long story short, I got very ill in June, diverticulitis was diagnosed and a small perforration in the bowel, which were gotten under control with antibiotics so I could have a one stage procedure done to remove the sigmoid and above descending colon that was inflammed. All my symptoms went away. They came back along with dysfunctional bleeding, however the pain level was much lower. The diverticulitis pain was actually worse than an appendicitis I had years ago. So far, the cyst pain hasn't come close and I'm hoping it stays that way.
Anyway, especially if you have family that has had diverticulitis rather than just the diverticula found, do not assume that your discomfort is from the cyst. It could be a diverticula that has become inflammed as well.
Wouldn't be nice if life could be just a little bit simpler? So many symptoms overlap with these two issues. Love, hugs and God bless, Barb
Keep in mind too that diverticulosis/itis can cause many of the symptoms you speak of and they are just the same as the ovarian/uterine symptoms. I've got both issues. Diverticulitis and ovarian cysts and potentially endo or hyperplasia. They all can mimic each other.
Diverticula "in people our age" are really not all that uncommon. Most people by the time they reach 45 or 50 years old have diverticula. Most people don't even know they have them and never have any problems. Some people do. I was one of those. Long story short, I got very ill in June, diverticulitis was diagnosed and a small perforration in the bowel, which were gotten under control with antibiotics so I could have a one stage procedure done to remove the sigmoid and above descending colon that was inflammed. All my symptoms went away. They came back along with dysfunctional bleeding, however the pain level was much lower. The diverticulitis pain was actually worse than an appendicitis I had years ago. So far, the cyst pain hasn't come close and I'm hoping it stays that way.
Anyway, especially if you have family that has had diverticulitis rather than just the diverticula found, do not assume that your discomfort is from the cyst. It could be a diverticula that has become inflammed as well.
Wouldn't be nice if life could be just a little bit simpler? So many symptoms overlap with these two issues. Love, hugs and God bless, Barb
Hi, welcome to our little cyst'erhood!
I've been dealing with a couple of cysts myself, so I've been reading every possible scrap of information on them in the last few weeks. Feel like I could talk about them in my sleep (probably do, GOOD GRIEF). Gatsby is so right, even a "simple" cyst can cause the same symptoms as a complex or solid cyst. Indigestion, constipation, heartburn, pain, etc. A simple cyst is a fluid filled cyst. A complex cyst has septations in it (like walls) and is filled with a mix of fluids and solids. A solid cyst contains at least 50% or more of solid material. These are usually fairly easy to distinguish on ultrasounds or cat scans. That being said, a structure that isn't normally there can cause pressure on other organs and pain, along with a variety of odder symptoms. The larger the cyst, the more symptoms it may cause. Did they let you know how large the cyst is? If not, you may want to get a copy of the report for reference. Simple cysts are benign, but can still cause problems for the woman who has one! Feel free to ask any questions on here - I've asked a bunch and always get great answers from a group of fantastic women! It's also a good place to vent or groan or cry. Nothing is sacred and EVERYBODY understands. Hang in there, we're with you.
Robin
I've been dealing with a couple of cysts myself, so I've been reading every possible scrap of information on them in the last few weeks. Feel like I could talk about them in my sleep (probably do, GOOD GRIEF). Gatsby is so right, even a "simple" cyst can cause the same symptoms as a complex or solid cyst. Indigestion, constipation, heartburn, pain, etc. A simple cyst is a fluid filled cyst. A complex cyst has septations in it (like walls) and is filled with a mix of fluids and solids. A solid cyst contains at least 50% or more of solid material. These are usually fairly easy to distinguish on ultrasounds or cat scans. That being said, a structure that isn't normally there can cause pressure on other organs and pain, along with a variety of odder symptoms. The larger the cyst, the more symptoms it may cause. Did they let you know how large the cyst is? If not, you may want to get a copy of the report for reference. Simple cysts are benign, but can still cause problems for the woman who has one! Feel free to ask any questions on here - I've asked a bunch and always get great answers from a group of fantastic women! It's also a good place to vent or groan or cry. Nothing is sacred and EVERYBODY understands. Hang in there, we're with you.
Robin
Oh go on!! Anyway, yes an ovarian cyst can cause all sorts of problems from lower back pain to GI problems (have you had any acid reflux or heart burn lately???) Also, if there is a disturbance with your ovaries, this can also cause hormonal imbalances. I am not sure why your dr would react that way, but who knows maybe he doesn't get Tuesdays off like a lot of other drs around here do. Anyway, keep asking questions and if you like, get a second opinion. It doesn't hurt.
~Tascha
~Tascha
Wow, you guys are awesome! Look how much activity this board has! I just might have to become a permanent resident. LOL!
My question now would be ... my dr. didn't seem to give any credibility to the radiologist for saying the cyst was "simple." Now why not? Can you tell if a cyst is simple or complex from a CT scan? If not, I can't imagine he would put himself in the position for possible malpractice by saying a cyst is simple if he has no idea! My GP, who gave me the CT results over the phone before I was referred to the gynecologist, explained very patiently to me that "simple" meant not dense, not complex, and not worrisome. So ... why is the gynecologist concerned? Well, I suppose it's ok because it's better to be safe than sorry. Can a simple ovarian cyst cause the symptoms I am having then?
Does anyone have any idea on what the uterine issue could be? Maybe it's just adenomyoma (or whatever that is), or fibroids. I think I just might have two issues going on at the same time, hopefully neither of which is serious.
What a nice group of people on here though, I've been reading old posts. (And laughing at Gatsby's probable computer-generated 99% response.) LOL!
My question now would be ... my dr. didn't seem to give any credibility to the radiologist for saying the cyst was "simple." Now why not? Can you tell if a cyst is simple or complex from a CT scan? If not, I can't imagine he would put himself in the position for possible malpractice by saying a cyst is simple if he has no idea! My GP, who gave me the CT results over the phone before I was referred to the gynecologist, explained very patiently to me that "simple" meant not dense, not complex, and not worrisome. So ... why is the gynecologist concerned? Well, I suppose it's ok because it's better to be safe than sorry. Can a simple ovarian cyst cause the symptoms I am having then?
Does anyone have any idea on what the uterine issue could be? Maybe it's just adenomyoma (or whatever that is), or fibroids. I think I just might have two issues going on at the same time, hopefully neither of which is serious.
What a nice group of people on here though, I've been reading old posts. (And laughing at Gatsby's probable computer-generated 99% response.) LOL!
Here I am to give my speech, oops almost fell off of my soap box. There, now let me remind you that 99% of ovarian cysts are benign. As for your symptoms, well I can tell you first hand that I know exactly what you are feeling. I had 2 softball sized dermoids removed 12/21/05. I just recently have recurring symptoms. I have the same thing going on that you do. My feelings are that I have another cyst lurking in there and I plan on calling my dr. in the am. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Godspeed
~Tascha
~Tascha
Hi, that would be 99%....poor 'ol Gatsby has had to say it all daggone day. I thought I heard that simple cysts were never cancerous. I hope that is the case with you.
God bless!
(((Raynbow
God bless!
(((Raynbow
Hi, someone will be along shortly.
I have heard over and over again on hear that 90 something percent of cysts are benign. Also I have heard that simple cysts are better than complex cyst. I am not saying that is the case because I dont know, that is just what I have heard from this site.
I have heard over and over again on hear that 90 something percent of cysts are benign. Also I have heard that simple cysts are better than complex cyst. I am not saying that is the case because I dont know, that is just what I have heard from this site.
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