Ovarian Cyst/Mass

[Crochetya]

I am 53 years old and previously had 2 C-sections,.tubal ligation, and a partial hestorectomy.  I  have had a cyst on the left ovary in 2004. I saw a ObGyn/Onocolgists, which prescribed a type of birth control  pill and a year later I was clear. I  always have my yearly pap, mamogram, and bone density test as needed in October each year. This year my exam was different. I have tenderness and pain in the lower left side. I had a vaginal ultra sound, which revealed a cyct/mass 7.3x 7 x 7cmm, which is large. I have all the symptoms that go with this from the booklet my Ob/Gyn gave me. I am scheduled for surgery next Monday 12/1.  I have been feeling so drained. Are there symptoms that go along with the cancerous type of cyst? Thank you for any information.

[Crochetya]

Oh! I am sorry I was not clear. My regular ObGyn is Dr. L and my ObGy  Onc
is Dr. F, which I. saw in  2004.The cyst I had in 2004 were small  3.cmm and Dr. F had me take the BCP for that year and they cleared up. Currently, I saw the same Dr. F the Ob Onc, and he ordered the surgery.  I had no idea  the cyst had returned. Dr. L, my regular ObGyn ordered the vaginal ultra sound,
after my yearly exam, The day I had the ultra sound( Nov 11), Dr L  wanted me to see Dr. F. and set the appt. I saw Dr L for my regular yearly pap and mamo. These test were normal.
.

I went to my regular PCP ( Oct) for a return visit to check  my bladder, I had an infection. This urine test was clear. I had my PCP check why my left lower backside was swollen and very painful, he explained that it was my sciatic nerve and he gave me  an anti inflamitory. At this time he also ordered a colonoscopy, which should have been done at age 50. I had this test done, everything was clear.

Dr F, Ob Onc, explained everything,  The surgery is for the removal of the ovaries, cyst, and tubes. He will also explore the inner cavity, organs, and lymh nodes. I am  53 and about midway menopause. I have 2 grown men, 26, and 24 my family is done. I just wondered if cancer was present, I  would be able to feel something different besides the pain. The booklet I read is "Gynecologic Problems"  Pelvic Pain,#AP099, ACOC PATIENT EDUCATION.
I have all the symptoms. I just pray this is beign and I can't wait until it is January, when all will be completely done.

Thanks for the info. Crochetya

[Jan214]

So, is a gyn onc or a gyn doing the surgery?  If a gyn surgeon is doing it, will there be an onc available if it turns out it is cancer?  What has your Dr said about this? Did he mention the possibility of cancer, or is that just only a concern of yours? Are you having only the one ovary removed or are they taking everything else out now also?  Did it take a year to get rid of that cyst with BCP's or you just didn't know it went away until your yearly check-up?  Why would they have waited until your yearly checkup because they usually only wait 3-6 months before they do exploratory surgery to see what is oging on with it.   I am confused as to why you didn't know it was gone until a year later.  

The symptoms for benign and malignant cysts are pretty much the same although I don't remember having as much pain with all of my benign cysts.  I had 5 surgeries for benign cysts and several that just burst. Now that hurt!!!!  With the large malignant ones they were pressing on a nerve and I could barely walk.

Most people will tell you they can't tell if it is cancer or not prior to surgery but that is just not true. My onc told me I had cancer, and quite likely advanced cancer prior to surgery. The only reasons they may not know for sure prior to surgery would be if you have an early stage, an inexperienced onc, or it is in a position where they can't view it very well.  I, like many others even had my chemo port surgery before the big "yank it all out" surgery.  

I know your cyst probably feels like a bowling ball to you, but really it is not to large.  They usually recommend removing persistant cysts that are over 5 or 6 cm.  My ovaries were 11 and 14 cm with the cancer so they were pretty big and many women on here have had some as large as 25cm.  With my benign cysts they were anywhere from
3-8cm., but of course there are benign cysts that are larger than that also, although for some reason benign cysts usually burst before they get to big.  

While I agree that even if there is only a snowball's chance in hades that you have cancer, you should have a gynonc either do the surgery or be on standby, only 95% of women who have cysts need a gyn onc and to insist that one do surgery when it is not necessary takes that Dr away from a patient who may really need him. There is a horrible shortage of gynoncs.  It sounds like in 2004 a gynecologist could have taken care of your problem. Was there something more that you didn't tell us that led you to the gynonc?

Sorry for all of the questions, but I am very confused. If you could fill in those few blanks it would help a lot.

Good luck with your surgery. I hope you will be recovered enough by Christmas to enjoy the holidays.
Jan

[Cindy809]

Is the Ob/Gyn and ObGyn/Oncologist the same doctor? If not, my advise would be to go to  the gyn oncologist you saw in 2004.  That was a long time ago.  Things might have changed since then.  You didn't mention what type of cyst or what booklet you were given.  Was it a booklet about Ovarian Cancer symptoms, if so, I'll repeat...make sure the doctor that does the surgery is a gyn oncologist...that is VERY important.  Sorry that you are going through such worry....hope this helps...Cindy