Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

[ToriGirl]

A little background:

Late March 2006 diagnosed with 3cm ovarian cyst on my right ovary.  Dr. prescribed a different B/C pill than the one I was taking and we did the "wait and see" thing for 6 weeks.  Beginning of May 2006, 2nd transvaginal U/S showed signs of the cyst resolving, but doctor wanted to see me back in 3 months for follow up.  Back into the doctors middle of August 2006 and transvaginal U/S showed cyst is still there.  It was smaller than March, but a bit larger than May.  My husband is military and we were scheduled to move 2 days after this last appointment.  I have found a doctor here in my new state and have an appointment to see her September 22nd to see if removing it is going to be in my best interest.  

Ever since finding out that the cyst is still there, I've seem to have gotten or experienced every symptom mentioned in the various posts on this message board.  :)  Go figure!  

So, my question is about the frequency of the symptoms that are described by many of you.  Are they symptoms that are consistently bothering you on a daily basis or just during certain times of the month?  Or is it different with everyone?  

And, is a cyst that is resistant to resolving from a change in a B/C pill necessarily cause more concern?

I sincerely fear that I am letting my mind get the best of me..but would love to hear what you all have to say...

Thanks

[Anna-maria74]

It is indeed different for everyone!I had a 20 cm tumor originating from my right ovary. Now I say originating because by the time I had surgery it was pressing on my diaphram. Yet I had no symtoms what so ever. I went to the loo more often - which I put down to anxiety and my tummy was getting bigger - which I put down to cream cakes. Apart from that nothing alarmed me enough to send me to the doctors and 'it' was finally dx during treatment of a breast lump.

As for letting the mind wonder how could it not. We have all been through exactly the same fears and waitings as the big C hangs over our heads for several weeks. Most cysts are benign! The best comfort I can give is that after spending time on this forum and seeing the same thing over and over again, despite nodules and blood flows and septations and ca - 125 elevations and fluid and size one after another after another come back benign :)even when they have cancer written on them in black marker pen. Dont get me wrong not everybody is so lucky :| but from 'your' point of you the odds are well in your favour.

If you have the chance my advice is to get it out while it is still possible to do it laparascopically (oooo bet thats spelt wellllllllllllll wrong lol)

Anna x

[Bregirl]

Indeed it is different for everyone.  The symptoms is what caused me to go to the doctor, I didn't know I had a cyst.  But I knew something wasn't right.  I was sick all the time and had alot of pain.  Now after 5 months and the cyst has tripled in size with taking b/c I am having it removed on 9/18.

[toomanyquestions]

One gyn told me if the symptoms are cyclical once a month it would lead him to believe endometriosis when constant they have to check everything else like adhesions cysts etc.

[wubbie3]

The fact that it seems resistant to oral BC is nothing... The only cyst that BC's will help with are normal functional cysts. The oral BC is mainly to prevent more cysts from forming and causing additional problems with the one you already have. If you've gone through the watch and wait, and there's no change in size or it hasn't gone away, it will likely need to be surgically removed.
Hang in there!
~Marianne

[Gatsby]

Although 99% of ovarian cysts are benign, you are wise to seek medical attention.  If possible, please get a 2nd opinion from a gyn/onc.  They are specialists and have seen it all.  The watch and wait is a drag, but if the cyst hasn't changed in a few months, it would be best to have it removed.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha